Strengthening the United Nations (UN) is one of the priorities of Swiss policy. Since its founding in 1945 the UN has carried out a number of major reforms to adapt to changing needs and expectations. The current reform process is merely a continuation of this. Switzerland is actively involved, making proposals for improving the effectiveness of UN instruments. Switzerland's approach is characterized by its constructive attitude and reliability.
 

 
At the UN World Summit in September 2005, the heads of state and government of the member states reaffirmed the central role of the Security Council in maintaining world peace and international security. At the same time, however, they called for reform of its composition and working methods.

Switzerland is above all committed to reform of the working methods. In the context of a joint initiative with Costa Rica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, and Singapore, Switzerland developed a number of reform proposals aimed in particular at the following improvements:

• to make the Security Council decision-making process more transparent
• to improve the opportunities for collaboration with the Security Council for countries that do not sit on it
• to intensify consultations between the Security Council, countries that provide troops, any neighbouring countries affected and regional organizations
• to make better use of past experiences in implementing Security Council resolutions
• greater respect for the principles of the rule of law in the context of targeted sanctions

The Security Council is made up of 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. However, when it comes to the implementation of sanctions and peace operations, all UN member states are expected to participate. A great many countries would therefore like to see improved collaboration between the Security Council and the other UN member states. Thanks to the initiative of Switzerland and its partners, the Security Council has already adopted a number of proposals for the reform of its working methods.
 

 
The UN’s mandate has changed considerably since the organization’s founding. Today the UN has a complex structure which reflects the various abilities and requirements of its 192 member states. Its local presence has been greatly expanded through field missions around the world. The fact that it is now active on a global scale has increased the demands placed on the UN executive organs at operational level. Management reforms - its basis, structures and processes - are urgently needed. For this reason, since it joined the UN, Switzerland has taken an active role in promoting a more effective and efficient UN.

To take one example: The Secretary-General and his executives currently lack the freedom of action they need, to flexibly manage the organization in terms of personnel and financing. The Secretary-General should therefore be given greater managerial freedom. However, in return this would require the strengthening of internal and external supervisory mechanisms, as well as a general increase in the accountability of management to the member states.