Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with the Swiss President and members of the Swiss government

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Ms. Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation and other members of the Swiss government. On that occasion, they had an in-depth exchange on sustainable development and climate change, global health issues, including follow-up to the September Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases, and conflict prevention and mediation efforts. Regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East and North Africa as well as in the South Caucasus, were also discussed. The Secretary-General thanked the President for Switzerland' s important contribution to the work of the United Nations in all these fields and as host country to many UN entities. He expressed particular appreciation for Switzerland's support for the Strategic Heritage Plan and the renovation of the Palais des Nations.