Switzerland in the World: Neutral, Connected, Engaged

Neutrality, partnership with Europe, and a strong commitment to multilateralism form the pillars of Switzerland’s international presence. They shape how a small country can make a meaningful contribution to peace, stability, and dialogue worldwide.

The SFU School for International Studies' Consular Conversations series is a monthly public forum featuring discussions with members of the Consular Corps in Vancouver. These conversations are moderated by Dr. Ricardo Arredondo, an IS Adjunct Professor and Consul General of Argentina. The goal is to bring together the Consular Corps of British Columbia for public lectures that encourage dialogue on issues that transcend borders, explore inspiring topics, and cultivate connections. We invite members of the consular corps of British Columbia and the Simon Fraser University community to join us.

Disclaimer: Please note that all events in the Consular Conversations series are under the Chatham House Rule, where anyone who comes to a meeting is free to use information from the discussion, but is not allowed to reveal who made any particular comment.

Mr Schneider was born on June 4, 1967, in Berne, Switzerland. He holds a federal diploma in business administration. After 6 years in the banking sector, he joined the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in 1989. While working for the FDFA, he later obtained a Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Relations. During his career, Mr Schneider has been posted to Barcelona, Frankfurt am Main, Manila, Paris and Bern. From 2008 to 2012, he was Deputy Consul General and Head of the Cultural, Media and Education Section in Shanghai, China. From 2012 to 2016, he joined the team of the Swiss Consulate General in New York as Head of the Culture and Education Department. After a stay in Switzerland, where he served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, he was appointed Consul General of Switzerland in Los Angeles in January 2018. Following the closure of the Consulate General in Los Angeles at the end of 2018, he served as interim Consul General in San Francisco until the end of October 2019. From January 2020 to August 2023, Mr Schneider served as Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Nigeria. He took up his duties as Consul General of Switzerland in Vancouver at the beginning of September 2023.

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