President sets out Swiss priorities for 2017 at the UN General Assembly
Bern, 20.09.2016 - On Tuesday, 20 September, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann addressed the 71st General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York, setting out Switzerland’s priorities for the coming year, based on the key issues for Switzerland in the UN that the Federal Council has identified for the 2012–2022 period: security and reform. In his speech, Mr Schneider-Ammann highlighted the important role that a prosperous economy plays in bringing stability and security. Other key events in the president’s programme include a UN meeting on the question of resistance to antibiotics and a reception held by US President Barack Obama.
In his speech to the General Assembly, Mr Schneider-Ammann stressed the importance of the United Nations: “Through its universality, the UN enjoys a unique legitimacy. Its position entails considerable responsibility as the initiatives, accords and processes multiply.” The president also underlined the important role played by a prosperous economy in bringing stability and security: “It is an excellent vehicle for improving the prospects of all one’s citizens. A prosperous economy makes it easier for young people, women and older people to find work.”
He went on to say that a dynamic economy that guarantees jobs and prospects is a vital factor in preventing lapses into terrorism and armed conflict. And the freedom expressed in democracy and protected by the rule of law offers the best guarantee that a society will achieve all its economic, academic and cultural potential.
Further events on the agenda
Further events on the agenda of President Schneider-Ammann include the traditional reception held by US President Barack Obama, and a high-level UN meeting on Wednesday on the topic of antimicrobial resistance – an issue that also affects the agriculture sector, and is therefore a responsibility for the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). In addition, Mr Schneider-Ammann will use his stay in New York to hold talks with various heads of state and government.
Address for enquiries
EAER Information Service
058 462 20 07,
info@gs-wbf.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
