Global Peace Summit starts in Switzerland today

On Saturday, the first Peace Summit will officially start in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock with 100 delegations participating - 92 countries and 8 international organizations.

Several delegations arrived the day before, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Friday evening.

“The Peace Summit will provide an opportunity for the global majority to take specific steps in areas that matter for everyone in the world: nuclear safety, food security, and the return of prisoners of war and all deported persons, including deported Ukrainian children,” he posted on the social media platform X. The Ukrainian leader thanked everyone who decided to join and demonstrate global leadership and commitment to peace, international law and the UN Charter.

“Together, as responsible global majority, we must make every effort to ensure that wars, aggressions, and colonial occupation can be ended and that they will never repeat. I am certain that everyone in the world is interested in just peace and respect for every nation. This is why the summit is designed in such a way that each nation has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in achieving shared goals. The voice of the responsible global majority has the potential to bring peace closer and restore full force to the UN Charter,” Zelensky wrote.

The complete list of participants was only made public the evening before the summit. Some countries that had not yet made a decision did so at the last minute. In particular, there was considerable uncertainty regarding the participation of representatives from Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, the UAE, India, and Turkey. Ultimately, the first four decided to send their representatives at the level of envoys, while New Delhi and Ankara decided to send their foreign ministers.

Out of 92 countries, 57 are represented by heads of state and government, 29 by foreign ministers, and 6 by envoys. This can be considered a success in itself, given the considerable efforts made by Moscow to prevent the conference from taking place.

“The summit also offers the opportunity to discuss for the first time at the highest level how and when Russia can be included in this process. For the Federal Council, the development of a lasting solution ultimately requires the participation of both sides. By organising this summit, Switzerland is enabling a first step that should trigger a process towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. As such Switzerland is continuing its long tradition of promoting dialogue,” the hosts of the summit said.

Nearly 4,000 police officers will ensure the security of the participants.

Both Ukraine and its partners are aware that this year's high-level conference will be only the first step on the road to a just peace.

Photo: flickr.com eda_dfae