“Diplomacy is also a craft”

You have held a number of important diplomatic positions, including President of the UN Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations. What core competencies are essential for these roles?

Jürg Lauber: Openness and a genuine interest in other cultures, realities of life, and international contexts are crucial. One of the most important skills is the ability to listen and remain curious. Diplomats are often said to talk a lot and in complicated ways. In practice, however, listening is at least as important as being able to express oneself clearly.

To what extent can these skills be learned?

Lauber: There is certainly a certain basic constitution. In Swiss diplomacy, we do not have our own diplomatic academy, as other countries do. Nevertheless, I am convinced that diplomacy is also a craft – with tools and methods that can be learned. Much of it is acquired through practical experience, but there are also competencies that can be taught, such as dealing with foreign cultures or structuring negotiation processes.

What motivated you to study law at UZH rather than international relations? Was diplomacy already your career goal at the time?

Lauber: When I began my studies at UZH, I did not yet know which professional path I would pursue. However, I was told – and I share this impression – that a law degree provides a very solid foundation and opens up many future opportunities. This assessment has proven true for me. Regardless of my later field of activity, I acquired fundamental skills at the University of Zurich: How do you ask the right questions? How do you participate in debates? How do you respond to other arguments? And how do you make use of academic freedom in such discussions?

Is there a place at the University of Zurich or an experience from your time as a student that particularly influenced or inspired you?

Lauber: To this day, my favorite place at the University of Zurich is the Aula. It conveys the sense of a classical university and reminds me that Winston Churchill called for a great future for Europe in Zurich – his message seems more relevant today than ever. What had the greatest impact on me was interacting with students from all parts of Switzerland. The diversity of cantons, backgrounds, and generations broadened my perspective.

Where do you see potential to further improve academic or practical preparation for international diplomatic careers at Swiss universities?

Lauber: During my time as a student, the program was strongly theoretical: you attended classes, studied, took exams, and left. Today, there are significantly more international exchange programs and a stronger focus on practical experience. This development is very positive and should be pursued consistently.

How crucial is networking for diplomatic success?

Lauber: Networking is a key skill – in general, but especially in diplomacy. Personal contacts contribute significantly to the success of diplomatic work

How has Swiss diplomacy changed in recent decades?

Lauber: Diplomacy is the central instrument of foreign policy. Over the past twenty years, foreign policy has changed, particularly through stronger multilateral engagement – globally and regionally. Switzerland now also follows discussions in organizations in which it is not a member, such as the African Union, and engages in forums such as the Arctic Council. At the same time, relations with the European Union remain of central importance. Methodologically, new technologies in communication, information gathering, and analysis have also gained significantly in importance.

How does Switzerland mediate in international conflicts today – and what does that mean for its neutrality?

Lauber: Neutrality must not be confused with indifference. When, as in the case of Ukraine, international law is massively violated, this must be clearly stated. From the outset, Switzerland made it clear that this was a violation of international law by the Russian aggressor. Neutrality means not supporting any party to a conflict, but it does mean being willing to host or facilitate peace talks. We continue to fulfill this role.

As an ambassador, you represent Switzerland’s official position. How do you do so credibly, even if you might personally think differently?

Lauber: I have always felt that Swiss diplomats are in a privileged position. Switzerland pursues a constructive foreign policy: according to our Federal Constitution, we promote security and peace, human rights, and sustainable development. These are goals with which I personally identify very strongly.

How important are the UN in Geneva and the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos for Switzerland?

Lauber: Both are very important and complement each other. Geneva is the world’s most significant hub for multilateral diplomacy – with more topics, more conferences, and more direct impact on people’s lives than any other city, even New York. The WEF, in turn, has built a unique international network and initiates key debates. During the Annual Meeting in Davos, we organize a “Geneva Day” at the House of Switzerland to show that many of the topics discussed there are also addressed in International Geneva.

The United Nations has existed for over 80 years. What is your assessment? What are its greatest achievements and biggest weaknesses?

Lauber: For me, the UN founding charter is key. People who had experienced the worst wars and economic crises came together and resolved to do better in the future. In this context, “better” meant institutionalizing cooperation, giving every state a voice, and limiting the power of individual countries. The goal was to secure peace, promote development, and protect human rights.

How well have these visions been implemented?

Lauber: To this day, this vision has remained more of an ambition than a lived reality. The numerous tensions, differences, and conflicts between states repeatedly call its implementation into question. Nevertheless, the mere existence of the UN is a major success. It has enabled tangible progress in many areas – for example during decolonization, when it supported newly independent states and contained conflicts. The international human rights system also emerged within the UN framework, as did significant advances in fields such as health and international trade through specialized agencies.

What future do you see for the UN?

Lauber: I am convinced that some form of international cooperation in the spirit of the UN will continue to exist in the future. Many states recognize its value. Switzerland, for example, is a mid-sized country that is highly dependent on international stability and very interested in participating sovereignly in global decision-making processes. There are many such states. That is why I am confident that this order will endure.

Even in light of the current funding crisis at the UN and similar organizations?

Lauber: It is possible that the role of these organizations will temporarily become smaller or more limited. It is nothing new for some member states to engage less while others gain influence. Geneva is also affected by this. However, it is important to note that many organizations in Geneva have a clearly technical function. There is no doubt that we need them: for example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to regulate radio frequencies, the World Health Organization (WHO) for international health cooperation, or the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for weather forecasting, which is essential for agriculture and aviation. These are just a few examples. Many others exist. Such international cooperation remains necessary.

You chaired the UN Human Rights Council in 2025. What do you consider its greatest achievements?

Lauber: Today, the Human Rights Council is an indispensable platform that reminds us how central human rights are to stability, social cohesion, and prosperity – within states as well as in international relations. It highlights problematic situations in which human rights are massively violated, thereby generating political pressure. It also provides space to discuss whether existing human rights norms need to be adapted in light of new challenges, such as technological or demographic developments.

The Human Rights Council is regularly criticized for politicization.

Lauber: That is not inherently problematic. The Council is a political body, and its debates are accordingly political in nature. While all states have signed the same human rights treaties, there are major differences in their implementation. These sometimes very lively debates can ultimately be productive. A greater challenge at present is financial pressure: the available resources are not sufficient to do everything that is necessary. The Human Rights Council must therefore sharpen its priorities and achieve the greatest possible impact with limited resources.

Your mandate as Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva ends in March 2026. Which tasks would particularly appeal to you in the coming years?

Lauber: As of April 2026, I will take up the position of Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). I do not currently have any further fixed plans.