Swiss participation at opening of UN General Assembly in New York
Bern, 09.09.2026 — Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the opening of the UN General Assembly from 20 to 23 September 2026. This 81st session (from 8 September 2026 to 7 September 2027) will focus on restoring confidence in multilateral institutions and the necessary transformation of the UN. The successor to António Guterres as head of the UN Secretariat will also be a key issue at the 81st session.
Each year, the UN General Assembly brings together more than a hundred heads of state and government, as well as foreign ministers, from around the world. The theme chosen for the 81st session is: ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all’.
President Guy Parmelin will deliver Switzerland's official address to the UN General Assembly. This will be an opportunity to reiterate the multilateralist values championed by Switzerland and to emphasise the importance of trade. Mr Parmelin will also hold a number of bilateral meetings.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will use his visit to New York to discuss current key geopolitical issues. In his dual role as head of the FDFA and chairperson-in-office of the OSCE, he will contribute to ongoing diplomatic efforts to keep channels of dialogue open and to promote the role of Switzerland and the OSCE wherever they can be of use.
Multilateralism marked by profound changes
The UN's financial situation remains a cause for concern, and political uncertainties present both challenges and opportunities for multilateral cooperation. The UN headquarters in Geneva is directly affected by these developments. The Federal Council advocates a targeted, effective and subsidiary approach to multilateralism. In discussions on UN reform, it defends Switzerland's interests as a host state, a donor country and a member state.
The General Assembly is the broadest platform for dialogue among UN member states, bringing together representatives of 193 countries to discuss global issues centred on the UN’s three pillars: peace and security, development and human rights.