Walter B. Gyger is a former Swiss ambassador, diplomat, author, and long-standing supporter of peacebuilding and international cooperation.
He studied public management at the University of St. Gallen, where he also obtained his doctorate. He also holds an honorary doctorate in philosophy from the Pedagogical Academy of the University of Russia.
In 1974, Walter joined the Swiss diplomatic service. Over nearly four decades, he represented Switzerland in several regions of the world. His ambassadorial postings included Senegal, Mali, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. From 1995 to 1999, he was also Head of the Swiss Mission to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.
Walter joined Rotary in 1994. His first club was RC Dakar Alizés. He later became a founding member of RC Geneva Palais Wilson and a member of RC Delhi Midtown and RC Ankara. Back in Geneva, he founded Rotary Club Geneva International.
From 2015 to 2021, Walter served as the main representative of Rotary International to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. In this role, he organized the first Rotary Day at the United Nations in Geneva and the first Rotary Peace Projects Incubator.
Walter is also the author of Dare We Hope? Building Lasting Peace: A Swiss Ambassador’s Insight, a book on international governance, cooperation, and practical tools for building peace in complex times.
Walter has been an Honorary Member of SANCHILD since 2020 and became Head of the Advisory Board in 2022. Through his role, he brings diplomatic experience, strategic guidance, and a lifelong commitment to dialogue, governance, and peace.
Connect with Walter on LinkedIn.