A national day is a time of reflection. Solidarity, especially in times of adversity, and broadly shared principles that guide us on our way to move forward are part of it. This year, in Indonesia, we decided to hold a virtual celebration, which is unprecedented and exciting for all of us.

A crisis makes us aware of how much we depend on each other. This goes beyond national borders. The pandemic underscores the importance of a strong and reliable multilateral system, a point that was emphasized by Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations last June, when he stated that “we need a coordinated response to overcome such crises together”. 

Switzerland provides US$400 million to the global efforts to combat COVID-19 and its consequences. The funds are channeled through a number of international organizations, allowing them to redeploy and increase funding for their national programs, as is the case in Indonesia. Several Swiss companies in Indonesia either provided grant funding or offered other substantial services to support the government and communities in combatting COVID-19.

Switzerland’s international commitment has its roots in our own experience. Our cultural diversity, political institutions and traditions – in particular the population’s participation in democratic processes – federalism and consensual democracy are at the same time guiding themes of Swiss foreign policy. In the coming years, Switzerland’s foreign policy will focus on peace and security, prosperity, sustainability and an open and secure digital space. 

Switzerland is a longstanding, trustful and reliable partner in the search for sustainable solutions to global challenges. We seek to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2023-24 in order to further contribute to a peaceful, rules-based international order and to make international bodies more efficient. Switzerland wants to be “A plus for peace”.

The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets universally agreed and ambitious goals in the social, economic and environmental spheres. These goals knit us together, and I appreciate the strong partnership that exists between Switzerland, Indonesia and ASEAN.

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