Join us for an evening with
ANDRÉ SCHALLER
Ambassador and Consul General
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Registration
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Presentation and Q+A
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Reception w/ Food and Drinks
Consul General's Private Residence
640 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10065
ADMISSION FREE
UNA-NYC Chapter Members ONLY | Attendance limit: 60 people
Join us for a visit to Switzerland!
We invite our New York community to come out and join us for this UNA-NYC Members Only engagement, with the Consul General of Switzerland. We will get a warm welcome from Ambassador André Schaller, who will share hospitality as well as much information and insight into Swiss affairs and culture.
As this will be a very special affair to be held at his private residence, our members should not bring guests along, and advance registration is strictly limited to 60 people, first come first served, by May 17. (New members will need to bring their payment transaction receipt for validation.)
The Consulate General of Switzerland in New York
Although the mission of the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York is to promote the interests of Switzerland and of Swiss citizens, it also maintains a continuous effort to strengthen Swiss-American relations, friendship and common understanding. The Consulate General supports many projects and events throughout the region that aim at furthering the dialogue and exchange between Swiss and Americans in all fields of life.
Switzerland is a multilingual and multicultural country of 8 million inhabitants located in the heart of Europe, with many economic, political, and bilateral relations with the United States of America.
Switzerland and the United States
The United States is a major partner for Switzerland in all respects. Relations between Switzerland and the U.S. are extremely diverse and enjoy a rich tradition. The number of Americans with Swiss origin is estimated to be around one million. The United States is the second largest export market for Switzerland and an important hub for education and research.
Switzerland and the United States are also tightly connected through intensive cross-border investments. The U.S. is Switzerland's most important destination for foreign direct investment (FDI); more so than Germany, France, Italy and the UK combined. The U.S. accounts for one fifth of the total Swiss FDI stock abroad. With over $209 billion in direct investments, Switzerland ranks as the 6th largest foreign investor in America. Not only do Swiss companies directly create nearly half a million U.S. jobs, they are also especially active in manufacturing and significantly outspend the affiliates of all other countries in research & development.
The goal of Swiss foreign policy is ensuring Switzerland's independence and security and promoting the nation's welfare. Through its foreign policy, Switzerland also makes a contribution to the alleviation of need and poverty in the world, the respect for human rights and the promotion of democracy as well as to the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the conservation of natural resources.
AMBASSADOR FRANÇOIS DELATTRE
Ambassador André Schaller was appointed Consul General in New York from September 2014. Prior to this appointment he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2010-14).
From 2006 to 2010 he was Deputy Head of Political Affairs Division I and held the title of Minister. Additionally, he was Head of the Regional Coordination of Neighbouring States Section. Prior to that he headed the Economic Division at the Swiss Embassy in Berlin (2002-06).
Before moving in 1999 to the New York Consulate to take up the post of Deputy Consul General, Ambassador Schaller served as the Head of Staff of the "Switzerland – Second World War" Task Force (1997). In 1995 he served as Head of Personnel Development and Organisation at Headquarters in Berne. Before that, he joined the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in 1990 and served internships in Berne and Ankara, followed two years later by an appointment as Deputy Head of Mission in the Swiss Embassy in Lagos.
He holds a licentiate in Economics and a doctorate in International relations from St. Gallen University. After graduating he worked for a Swiss bank for several years, including three years in London.
Ambassador Schaller, was born in Kempten/FRG in 1958. His place of origin is Altbüron/LU. He is married to Brigitte Schaller-Schoepf and is the father of a son.
DISCLAIMER: All ticket sales for events are final. Please remember that your purchase represents your commitment to attend an event — there will be NO refunds issued.
NOTE: Only UNA-NYC Members have guaranteed seating to all our Ambassador Series events, and attend for free or pay the discounted Members' admission, while UNA-NYC Student Members attend most events for free. While we do offer a pay-at-the-door policy for guests and non-members, our events are often sold-out, so we strongly encourage membership with UNA-NYC to guarantee your seats!