The delegates of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein have unanimously elected Christian Levrat as the association’s new President. He takes over from Hans Künzle, who is handing over to his successor having reached the maximum term of office, with immediate effect. In addition to his national and international network, Christian Levrat also brings with him extensive experience of development cooperation.
At today’s meeting of the Assembly of Delegates, the highest body of the Committee for UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein voted unanimously to elect Christian Levrat as the association’s new President. Christian Levrat is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of Swiss Post. He was a member of the National Council between 2003 and 2012, and subsequently a member of the Council of States representing the canton of Fribourg until 2021. During his political career he sat on various committees, including the Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Christian Levrat also served as President of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland between 2008 and 2020. A lawyer and political scientist, he previously worked for the Swiss Refugee Council and Caritas.
Of particular note is Christian Levrat’s involvement with the French-speaking Parliamentary Assembly spanning a period of more than ten years. He served as a member and Chair of the Committee for Education, Communication and Culture, and as Chair of the Parliamentary Network for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In these roles he took part in numerous missions to West and Central Africa, gaining in-depth knowledge of the situation on the ground.
“We are delighted to have gained Christian Levrat as President, an experienced and prudent leader for whom children’s rights are a matter close to his heart”, said Bettina Junker, Executive Director of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, regarding the election. “Christian Levrat possesses not only an extensive national and international network but also a great deal of experience in development cooperation, including in multilateral organizations, due to his various commitments. This is the optimum combination to help us advance our organization over the coming years.”
“The current crisis situations around the world require large, global organizations like UNICEF that work tirelessly in the affected countries and make a difference by bringing about structural changes and long-term solutions”, said Christian Levrat regarding his new role. “I am very much looking forward to the tasks ahead, and would like to express my sincere thanks for the trust that UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein has placed in me.”
Christian Levrat takes over the presidency from Hans Künzle, who had reached the maximum term of office and stepped down at today’s Assembly of Delegates, with immediate effect. “Over the past eight years, we have carefully developed the organization with heart and soul and with a strategic vision, further strengthening UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein in its role as a children’s rights organization and preparing it for the future in a competitive environment”, said Hans Künzle during his farewell speech. “I wish Christian Levrat every success for the coming years.”
