His Excellency, Jacques Pitteloud, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, delivered a thought-provoking speech at the recent 35th-anniversary celebration of the Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) held at his residence. The event, supported by HP Inc., provided a platform for discussion on the crucial role of diversity in diplomacy.
“Thank you for the kind introduction, Alexandria. And my sincere thanks to BPIA for organizing this event tonight. I’ve served here in Washington, D.C., for the past five years. My time here has been interesting, eventful, and sometimes quite challenging,” Ambassador Pitteloud began, referencing the dynamic nature of recent years.
As a long-time diplomat, he shared his perceptions about the essence of diplomacy and international affairs. According to him, diplomacy involves maintaining peaceful relationships between nations, groups, or individuals. Representatives from various entities come together to discuss issues such as conflict, peace, trade, innovation, the environment, and technology.
Ambassador Pitteloud, however, noted a critical gap in representation on diplomatic teams. He stated that the complexity of diplomacy requires the best talent, regardless of background. He therefore championed the need for a variety of viewpoints.
To support this point, he spoke about the technological changes that have transformed diplomatic work. From typewriters and fax machines to modern tools like ChatGPT and social media, these advancements have increased the complexity of diplomatic efforts. He believes that to meet these new challenges, diplomatic teams must be diverse and inclusive.
Drawing from his experience as Director of Resources and Director of Human Resources for the Swiss Foreign Affairs department, Ambassador Pitteloud has always aimed to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds. This approach, he noted, reflects the real-world diversity and strengthens the effectiveness of diplomatic missions.
Throughout his tenure, he has actively sought to incorporate diverse perspectives into his organizations. He asserts this is not just a matter of political correctness, but essential for the success of diplomatic efforts. He praised the diversity he has witnessed in the United States, both in thought and demographics, which he feels enriches the work of diplomatic missions.
“As I’ve lived in the US for the past five years, I’ve repeatedly seen the power of having a variety of people, opinions, and thoughts. By seeking diversity, whether it be in thought, race, gender, religion, or creed, it not only benefits the organization but also serves as a driver for professional and personal growth, allowing individuals to engage and contribute to the greater good,” he emphatically stated.
Ambassador Pitteloud also shared a personal story about his marriage of 25 years, reflecting the importance of adaptation and resilience. This personal touch illustrated his belief in the necessity of change and growth, both in personal and professional life.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Pitteloud quoted Frederick Douglass, urging continued commitment to advocacy and change: “Please, keep fighting the good fight. Do not let anyone dismiss the value of your engagement and remember the words of Frederick Douglass: ‘Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.’”
Watch Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud's (Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States) full address at the Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) recently held at his residence in Washington DC. @BPIAtweets @HP @BMasalosalo @SwissAmbUSA@SwissEmbassyUSA @swissMFA… pic.twitter.com/7u1Jq0R97J
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 17, 2024
