(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Switzerland is strengthening its global network of honorary consuls – it now boasts 225 diplomatic representatives around the world. These volunteer“amateur diplomats" provide vital support during crises, act as cultural ambassadors, and help boost Switzerland's image abroad. This content was published on November 4, 2025 - 09:00 6 minutes

In my work, I focus on topics that are relevant to Swiss citizens abroad – from political developments in Switzerland and their impact on the diaspora to social, economic, and cultural issues. Before joining SWI swissinfo, I worked as a local journalist for the Aargauer Zeitung. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Multilingual Communication and, as is typically Swiss, completed an apprenticeship as a commercial employee.

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Emigration, returning to Switzerland, family, education, pensions, banking, insurance... I care about Swiss people living abroad and inform them about the issues that concern them. Passionate about languages and cultures, my career path took a short turn through marketing and assistant work before crossing the road into journalism, in a job that allows me to converse with people from all over the world.

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The South Pacific Ocean nation of Vanuatu lies between Australia and Fiji. It comprises 80 islands, over 300,000 inhabitants and 18 registered Swiss nationals. The nearest Swiss diplomatic representation is 2,500 kilometres away from Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital.

Swiss citizens requiring official assistance in Vanuatu will soon be able to count on the help from an honorary consul. The Swiss foreign ministry is currently looking for someone to speak on behalf of Switzerland, maintain contacts and provide support in the event of crises – on a voluntary basis and offering great care and attention.

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The job ad is simple: they are looking for someone with close ties to Switzerland, who lives in or near Port Vila and has an established and extensive network in Vanuatu. In addition, they should not have reached the retirement age of 65 and should also be able to provide the necessary infrastructure to fulfil the official duties.

“Honorary consuls must have a good reputation, a solid network and the necessary resources to fulfil the function on a voluntary basis,” says the foreign ministry. Furthermore, there must be no conflicts of interest, which could apply to state employees of the respective receiving state, for example.

The number of honorary consulates is growing

The ideal honorary consul profile is representative of the demands that a global, almost invisible but constantly growing network places on its members. As the ministry states, the honorary consulate in Vanuatu opened earlier this year.

On the other side of the world, around 17,000 kilometres from Switzerland, lies Vanuatu. An honorary consulate was opened here on October 1, 2025. Antoine Boureau / Biosphoto – Droit Géré – Oeuvre Protégée Par Copyright – – – –

Whether in the South Pacific, West Africa or in a small town in Europe, honorary consuls represent Switzerland everywhere – on a voluntary basis, often alone, and yet with great impact.

There are currently 225 Swiss honorary consulates in over 100 countries worldwide, around 20 more than ten years ago. According to the foreign ministry, there are many reasons for this increase:“More and more Swiss nationals are travelling to the relevant regions, which leads to an increase in consular protection cases,” it explains.

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At the same time, there is an increased economic interest on the part of Switzerland in various locations. And“honorary consuls represent Switzerland in places where there is no official representation”, the ministry adds.

The places where an honorary consul is needed is decided“according to needs and at the request of the superior representation”, says the ministry. In other words, the Swiss embassies or consulates general inform Bern where they need diplomatic support. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis then decides on the opening of an honorary consulate following an internal consultation procedure.

The Swiss honorary consulate system, which still plays an important role in representing Switzerland's interests abroad today, was initiated by Marc Antoine Pellis, who was appointed the first Swiss honorary consul in Bordeaux in 1798.

A term of office as honorary consul lasts four years and can – provided the requirements are met – be extended several times, but not beyond the age of 70.

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