Swiss President Doris Leuthard has told the United Nations General Assembly that the UN must avoid becoming an “immutable historic monument".

Speaking at the 65th session of the General Assembly in New York, she said the UN was the only organisation in the world with the legitimacy to represent all nations and all peoples and capable of narrowing differences and restoring a balance between regions.

“To be able to do this, however, every member state must accept its responsibilities and start with the task of putting its own house in order,” she said.

Leuthard added that a strong international community required solidarity.

“This means more than providing assistance to countries when they are unable to help their own citizens. It also means reminding states of the responsibilities they have towards their own people in terms of security, the rule of law, human rights and democracy – in respect for the Charter of the United Nations.”

She ended her speech by saying that Switzerland remained firmly convinced of the appropriateness of a multilateral approach, with the United Nations at its centre.

“Together with the contributions of you all we will be able to create a more just, peaceful and prosperous world,” she said.

The General Assembly, which does not have any legislative powers, includes all 192 UN states.

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