Christian Frutiger studied languages, translation and political science. He later obtained an MBA in Communication. After several years as an independent entrepreneur, he worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from 1994 to 2007 in the Caucasus, Latin America, West Africa and Afghanistan as well as at its headquarters in various management positions. From 2007 to 2019, he worked in the private sector for Nestlé, most recently as head of Public Affairs and Sustainability. In October 2019, he joined the SDC as head of Global Cooperation and from summer 2022 as head of the Thematic Cooperation Division.
As deputy director general of the SDC and head of Thematic Cooperation, he is responsible for the SDC’s four global programmes: Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction and Environment; Health and Nutrition; Water; and Migration and Displacement, and for the two cross-cutting sections Economy and Education and Peace, Governance and Gender Equality. Thematic work is at the heart of Switzerland’s international cooperation in partner countries at the local, regional and global multilateral levels. It enables Switzerland to focus its contribution to the 2030 Agenda in keeping with its interests and Swiss added value.
He grew up in Unteremmental. Today he lives in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. He is proud of his family’s sporting achievements. His wife Dalila is a cold water swimmer, his son Noah is a football goalkeeper and his daughter Noubia plays in the top Swiss handball league. He himself has played football all his life and still plays for FC Collex-Bossy and FC EDA. Balanced, efficient teams are also important to him in his work. Such teams can tackle complex issues in a concentrated manner, set priorities, overcome defeats and, of course, celebrate successes. Successful international cooperation makes complementary use of Switzerland’s various instruments. ‘Team Switzerland’ helps people in need, promotes long-term development and at the same time contributes to Switzerland’s prosperity and security.
Participation
Check the event schedule to see when Christian will be speaking and contributing to our peace dialogue.
