As his tenure at the United Nations (UN) drew to a close in February, swissnex Boston was honored to host Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN Ambassador Peter Maurer. Before taking on his new role as Secretary of State at the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs this month, Ambassador Maurer visited Boston for a two-day, whirlwind speaking engagement among students and lecturers, diplomats, business executives and global collaboration partners.

1. February 17: Boston University (BU)

Ambassador Maurer was first honored at a luncheon led by Vice President of the Swiss-American Foundation and BU Assistant Provost Dr Douglas Sears. The intimate setting permitted Ambassador Maurer to reminisce among BU international affairs researchers on his five years at the UN. He willingly entertained questions, even on hot topics such as religious freedoms in Switzerland.

2. February 17: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ambassador Maurer then moved to MIT’s Center for International Studies, where he spoke to 50 guests and students from MIT and Suffolk University. Moderated by Ford International Associate Professor of Law and Development Balakrishnan Rajgopal, students demonstrated their conversance with UN protocol and practice, inquiring about the future relevance of the UN in a fast-changing world.

3. February 17: Tufts University

At the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, students, diplomats and faculty filled the room later that day. Moderated by Prof. Ian Johnston, Ambassador Maurer recalled his experiences as Chairman of both the UN General Assembly 5th Committee and the UN Burundi Configuration. As is customary, swissnex Boston sponsored wine and hors d’oeuvres for guests following the conference.

4. February 18: Harvard University

Beginning the second day of his visit with a breakfast meeting at the Harvard Faculty Club, Ambassador Maurer spoke to a selected audience of faculty and students on human rights. Hosted by Director of Harvard’s Center for Human Rights Studies, Prof. Jacqueline Bhabha, the Ambassador probed the UN’s efforts in human rights, peacekeeping and peace-building.

5. February 18: World Boston/United Nations Association for Greater Boston (UNAG)

Ambassador Maurer’s final public engagement occurred at Hampshire House in historic Beacon Hill. Hosted by World Boston Director Bill Clifford and UNAGB Executive Director Lena Granberg, more than 60 guests from consulates and the business community feasted on a sumptuous lunch. When Ambassador Maurer took the mic, he focused on non-proliferation and armed violence, before engaging in an interactive Q&A.

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