As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland organised a ministerial working session during the high-level segment of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly on 26 September 2009 in New York. Participants in this event included Federal Councillor Mrs Calmy-Rey, the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr Ban Ki Moon and the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr Jakob Kellenberger.

The purpose of the event was to discuss respect for and the application and implementation of international humanitarian law in the light of the current challenges. The role of the UN in this area was debated. The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the relevant implementation measures for international humanitarian law that the United Nations could use to ensure better application of this law.