Mr Chair, Ladies and gentlemen, and dear friends,

Buenos dias – y gracias a México por su cálida bienvenida y su generosa hospitalidad.

Mexico has shown great leadership with regard to the ATT. José: your team has guided us through the preparatory process with wisdom and dedication.

Last month, in Geneva, I addressed the Final Preparatory Meeting for this Conference. The Geneva meeting was characterised by hard work and productive discussions on the way ahead. The common drive was truly impressive. This strong commitment by all sides leaves me confident that we will bring this Conference to a successful conclusion. It is therefore a particular pleasure to be here today and to pick up where we left off in Geneva.

I have come all the way from the heart of Europe to Cancún because Switzerland regards the Arms Trade Treaty as a major accomplishment. By establishing standards for regulating the international arms trade, this treaty marks a new cornerstone in the overall regulatory framework on conventional arms control.

The ATT very much reflects what Swiss foreign policy is about: it contributes to international peace and security; it reduces human suffering; and it promotes cooperation, transparency and responsible action by States Parties:

The treaty is not just about regulating, but also about enhancing security for men, women and children.

Switzerland is strongly committed to supporting the Treaty’s universalization and implementation. Nationally, we have had strong arms trade regulations for many years. We look forward to further enhancing our international collaboration. We have worked closely with some of the regions who are most vulnerable to trade in illicit arms and misuse of weapons. We will continue to do so – in the spirit of the ATT.

Today’s conference is a historical moment to celebrate. But in many ways this is still the beginning rather than the end of a process. What really counts is the effective and universal implementation of the Treaty.

Two main points on this:

First, the Arms Trade Treaty must remain a multi-stakeholder effort. Governments are in charge of adopting, ratifying and implementing the Treaty. But international and regional organizations, civil society, industry and academia have played crucial roles throughout. This joint venture continues to be a key factor for success as we now move towards implementation.

Second: To make the Arms Trade Treaty a strong symbol for effective multilateralism, we need to look very closely at the treaty’s structures and procedures. These issues are not mere technicalities. They can be decisive in how effectively this Treaty will be implemented.

This is why Switzerland has participated actively in the preparatory process and hosted the final Preparatory Conference in July. And this is why we offer to host the Secretariat of the Treaty in Geneva.

Geneva provides the ideal environment for an inclusive and efficient implementation of the Treaty. More than 170 UN Member States, among them the large majority of ATT States Parties and Signatory States, are represented in Geneva on a permanent basis. Access to and interaction with the Secretariat will be easy. As will exchanges among States Parties and with other stakeholders.

Geneva also hosts 32 international organizations, more than 250 NGOs as well as think tanks and academic institutions. It is a hub for peace and good governance. Many Geneva-based actors already deal with ATT-related matters. With its broad expertise in disarmament, human rights, humanitarian issues, conflict resolution and trade, Geneva covers both the security and the economic dimension of the Treaty.

In Geneva, Switzerland will seek to relieve the secretariat from as many support duties as possible so that it can concentrate on substance. States Parties will only be charged with core costs – salaries of essential staff working on matters of substance and costs for conference services.

We are willing to provide appropriate office space for four years with the possibility of renewal. On the same terms, we will finance logistical and administrative services as required and necessary. In addition, we will provide rent-free conference facilities as well as a one-off contribution to cover furniture and equipment of the Secretariat.

We are convinced that Switzerland can make a significant contribution to the ATT’s success by hosting its Secretariat.

The Swiss Parliament has just decided to give a strong mandate and additional financial means to support International Geneva. Strengthening the cluster of competence for international peace and security in Geneva is a key objective.

So: come and visit Geneva! Have a look for instance at the newly opened Maison de la Paix. This “House of Peace” gives you an idea of how we plan to invest in bridging policy makers, researchers and administrators, namely by offering excellent working and networking conditions under the same roof. Placing the ATT Secretariat in this stimulating environment would provide the treaty with a solid anchor and empower it to contribute to a safer and more peaceful world.

“A Swiss commitment to empowering the Arms Trade Treaty – for a safer and more peaceful world” (en)