Just a week into the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations, New York City is experiencing a well-known spectacle: Leaders from many of the 193 UN Member States come together during the so-called High-Level Week, to discuss peace, cooperation and the most pressing political and humanitarian issues. For the residents of New York, the event comes with traffic jams and the off chance of sighting famous politicians on the sidewalks. For the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations and its 32 staff, the event means a lot of work – and the opportunity to be at the pulse of world politics.

As is tradition, Switzerland was represented this year through the President of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councilor Karin Keller-Sutter, and the Foreign Minister, Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis. During their packed 3- to 4-day programs, they attended high-level meetings on subjects like women’s rights and the Middle East, had bilateral exchanges with counterparts from other countries and gave statements to both public and press. One of the highlights was the speech given by President Keller-Sutter at the General Debate on Wednesday, September 24, where she cited security and freedom as key values in our current times and that “they require institutions that are legally sound, reliable and capable of taking action. And they require political, social and financial stability. (…) Only states that are strong domestically can show true solidarity and contribute to a successful international community.”

And what exactly is the role of the Swiss Mission to the UN during these high-level visits? Our diplomats are drafting the agendas in close cooperation with the delegations, planning bilateral meetings and counselling the offices in Bern on all matters UN. Once the dignitaries are here, these same teams accompany the delegations, making sure everything runs smoothly, while also giving thematic inputs and support – and sourcing the odd coffee or sushi plate. Our administrative team oversees logistics and security and works long hours to make sure that our guests are well accommodated and safe from the moment they land until it’s “wheels up” again. The media team all the while ensures visibility with the press and public by organizing press statements and streamlining content on various social media channels.

On top of that, the “normal” work at the UN does not pause for High-Level Week: Our colleagues attend meetings of committees and different councils and report daily to Bern, for example on the most pressing current issues like the situation in Ukraine or Gaza. At the pulse of world politics, it’s business as usual in an unusual week for the Swiss Mission in New York!