Strategic Diplomacy and International Experience: A Retrospective
A portrait in the Engadiner Post examines the remarkable career of our founder, Dr. Urs Hammer, on the occasion of his forthcoming conclusion as Swiss Ambassador in Zagreb. The article traces the path of a diplomat who represented Switzerland’s interests on the global stage for more than three decades, and whose experience today forms the foundation of our work.
Academic Depth and Economic Understanding
Urs Hammer laid the groundwork for his diplomatic career with studies in history and English, as well as a doctorate on the historically close ties between Switzerland and the United States. Research stays at Harvard University and practical experience in banking complemented this academic profile with a crucial economic component that accompanied him throughout his career.
Stages of a Global Career: From the WTO to Protecting Power Mandates
Since joining the diplomatic service in 1992, Urs Hammer has worked at the central hubs of Swiss foreign policy:
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World trade & OECD: He was involved in the GATS negotiations in Geneva and worked with the Swiss delegation to the OECD in Paris.
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Good offices & protecting power mandates: In Bern he headed the USA desk and the “Good Offices” section. In that role he was responsible for representing the interests of other states — for example, representing the United States in Iran.
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Key European posts: His postings took him from Rome and the EU Mission in Brussels (Schengen-Dublin negotiations) via Berlin and Luxembourg to the Consulate General in the financial center of Frankfurt.
The Philosophy: “Comprendre et faire comprendre”
The article emphasizes that, for Urs Hammer, diplomacy goes far beyond protocol. His guiding principle — to understand and to make understood — describes the core of modern Relationing:
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Intellectual curiosity: Only genuine interest in a country and its people can create a basis of trust for negotiations.
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Cultural bridges: Whether through promoting the Romansh language abroad or using cultural events (such as the Cinehill Festival in Croatia) — culture serves as a strategic instrument for advancing interests.
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Interdisciplinary networks: Close cooperation with actors in tourism (Engadin St. Moritz AG) and business shows how synergies between local identity and global objectives can be used.
The Outcome of a 33-Year Career
The retrospective makes clear that the diplomatic service is more important today than ever. The ability to get up to speed quickly on new subjects as a generalist, while at the same time maintaining a stable network across industry boundaries, is the result of a career that combines consistency with the highest degree of flexibility.