By Joy Kyalo
The Vice President of Switzerland, Federal Council of Switzerland Guy Parmelin, has stated the importance of multilateral cooperation which offers unique legitimacy and unparalleled expertise.
He noted that the progress made in several fields and the management of various crises over the last 75 years have shown that there is no alternative to multilateral cooperation and that none of the great challenges can be addressed by a single state or group of countries.
“Multilateralism offers unique legitimacy and unparalleled expertise. We must therefore learn from past experiences and further strengthen our capacity to negotiate, decide and act. At the time of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates once again the need to act together, to think and innovate to find global solutions satisfactory to all.” he stated.
According to Guy many international organizations present in Geneva are at the forefront of the response to this crisis, in the fields of health, human rights, humanitarian action and trade, among others.
He emphasized that the principles on which the UN Charter is based coincide with Swiss values enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“Switzerland has distinguished itself in particular in the promotion of international humanitarian law and human rights, as well as in fostering peace and sustainable development. Switzerland is also appreciated for its good offices and its role as mediator in difficult negotiations.” he said.
As a member of the UN, he said that they contribute to the resolution of global challenges, which is in the interest of both the Swiss people and the world population.
Multilateral success story, the birth of the WTO was also a victory for international law, because its agreements and dispute settlement mechanism have made it possible to settle hundreds of trade disputes through the rule of law.
The predictability and transparency provided by this system had a greatly positive impact on the international economy since that time.
The WTO and its rules limit the recourse to protectionism and the law of the strongest. In the short and long term, international trade is therefore an indispensable factor for growth and prosperity.
“With regard to Switzerland’s multilateral commitment in the field of trade, we should also mention our collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC). This joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization created in 1964 is entirely dedicated to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries, helping them to connect to the global economy.” he said.
The goal of the joint agency is to generate employment opportunities and promote a more diversified and sustainable economy through trade and investment.
The support that this organization provides to many small and medium enterprises in fragile economies is crucial in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year we are all celebrating both the 75th anniversary of the UN and the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Charter of the United Nations was signed 1945 at the San Francisco Conference. Delegates from 50 states drafted it with the aim of maintaining peace, guaranteeing international security and promoting the development of friendly relations among nations.” he said.