At the Think Tank 2022, 30 personalities from culture, business, sports and society exchanged ideas and jointly set the substantive priorities of Swiss Diversity. The focus of the annual exchange is on the opportunities, potential and challenges of diversity in Switzerland. The basis of this shared vision is the "Declaration for Diversity and Inclusion in Switzerland" - the recognition of the unique diversity of Swiss society.
Switzerland - a country of diversity
To all those who help shape our society:
Switzerland is and always has been a place of diversity. A country of multilingualism and different confessions, a country of immigration and federalism, of direct democracy and diversity of opinion.
In order to successfully follow this path of diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion, we are committed to human rights in the present as well as in the future. The integration of findings from research and practice is entirely in this spirit.
In order for Switzerland to continue to develop into a place where everyone can freely develop their personal potential in social, cultural, political and economic terms and participate in the state and society, the diversity of society must be recognised, promoted, shaped, protected and preserved.
We are committed to a broad-based discourse among society, business, politics, religions, sports and culture that addresses the challenges, opportunities and resources of diversity and shapes the way forward in a cooperative, inclusive way - a way of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion.
The focus is on the internationally recognized core dimensions of diversity and inclusion, although Switzerland still has potential for development in all dimensions.
- Gender
- Sexual orientation and gender identity
- Age
- Ethnic origin
- Nationality and skin color
- Religion and world view
- Disability
- Social origin
The following persons personally stand with their name for the recognition and promotion of the diversity of Swiss society and the reduction of discrimination, so that equal opportunities apply to all and diversity and inclusion are actively lived in Switzerland.
All signatories undertake to carry this discourse out into society. We at the Swiss Diversity Think Tank are convinced that equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion have a positive impact on our society here in Switzerland.
Bern, 21 March 2022
Formulate clear goals and achieve sustainable social and economic impact.
Set new standards in terms of objective measurability, scientific examination of diversity and inclusion.
Enable cross-generational and cross-language exchange with personalities from the fields of business, politics, research, culture and society.
In individual statements by selected personalities, make the ideal of diversity and inclusion visible.
Create a culture of dialogue and development through focus themes that shape Switzerland as a whole.
Be a think tank for visionary ideas and promote innovative approaches to improve diversity and inclusion in Switzerland.
To be a voice for future issues in the field of diversity and inclusion and thereby strengthen Switzerland as a location.
Christiane Bisanzio Vice President Diversity & Inclusion and People & Culture, JTI
We are opinion leaders and decision makers in business, cultural institutions, science, society, politics and religion. The think tank reflects diversity and inclusion in our society.
Sanija Ameti
Co-President Operation Libero
Bruno Barth
National Director of Special Olympics Switzerland
Christiane Bisanzio
Vice-President Diversity & Inclusion and People & Culture JTI
Ferris Bühler
PR expert & founder of Ferris Bühler Communications
Reyn Ffoulkes
Communications Manager Coca-Cola Company Switzerland
Nicola Forster
Founder foraus and President SGG Schweizerische Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft
Daniela Frau
Diversity Manager Delegate ZHAW
Manuela Frey
Swiss Model
Paola Riva Gapany
President Aids-Hilfe Schweiz
Kapi Kapinga Grab
Co-director Wildwuchs Festival, Actress and artist
Alec von Graffenried
Mayor of Bern
Alain Huber
Director of Pro Senectute Switzerland
Andrew Holland
Managing Director of the Mercator Foundation Switzerland
Antoinette Hunziker-Ebneter
President of the Board of Directors of Berner Kantonalbank
Maike Kiessling
General Manager Estée Lauder Switzerland
Stefan Kilchenmann
President C&K Construcciones S.A.S. and Member of the Board of Directors of Nau Holding AG
Felicia Kreiselmaier
Co-founder of "Die Heitere Fahne" and co-developer of the cultural label "Kultur inklusiv"
Claudia Lässer
Chief Product Officer blue Sports & blue News (to come later)
Stephan Lendi
Founder Swiss Diversity
Markus Mader
Director Swiss Red Cross
Claude Meier
Pink Cross and Director Hotelleriesuisse
Simone Müller-Staubli
Founder Swiss Diversity
Hans-Peter Nehmer
Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability, Allianz Suisse
Curdin Orlik
Swinger
Andreas Rieder
Head of the Federal Office for Equal Opportunities Office for the Equality of Persons with Disabilities EBGB
Anitavan Rozen
Senior Policy Officer Economic Section at the Dutch Embassy in Switzerland
Associate of Anita van Rozen, Dutch Embassy in Switzerland
Michel Rudin
Founder Swiss Diversity and
Co-President Pink Cross
Christoph Stuehn
Vice Director Kunsthaus Zürich
Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer
Swiss conductor
Salome Zimmermann
Swiss lawyer and former judge Swiss Federal Administrative Court
Greg Zwygart
Head of Sports at EuroGames Bern 2023
In order for diversity in Switzerland not to degenerate into a paper tiger, we as a society must recognise how multifaceted diversity can be in all its manifestations. And even if diversity and inclusion can sometimes hurt, we have no more time to waste waiting for the next generation.
In order for diversity in Switzerland not to degenerate into a paper tiger, we as a society must recognise how multifaceted diversity can be in all its manifestations. And even if diversity and inclusion can sometimes hurt, we have no more time to waste waiting for the next generation.
In order for diversity in Switzerland not to degenerate into a paper tiger, we as a society must recognise how multifaceted diversity can be in all its manifestations. And even if diversity and inclusion can sometimes hurt, we have no more time to waste waiting for the next generation.
In order for diversity in Switzerland not to degenerate into a paper tiger, we as a society must recognise how multifaceted diversity can be in all its manifestations. And even if diversity and inclusion can sometimes hurt, we have no more time to waste waiting for the next generation.