H.E. Elisabeth von Capeller, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal
What was your first impression when you landed here as the Swiss ambassador?
As it is my second posting, I was happy to be back in Kathmandu as an Ambassador. When I landed, I immediately felt at home.
What are the similarities between Nepal and Switzerland?
Nepal and Switzerland have much in common yet are unique in their individual experience that connects us. The most obvious similarity is the mountains, nature, and that we are landlocked countries.
The mountainous landscape is also similar, but Switzerland is domesticated with access to cable cars, etc whereas in Nepal it is still pure nature. The political reality is also similar as we are both federal countries and not to forget the diversity both countries have, which adds richness.
What are the three milestones you feel you have achieved as Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nepal?
- Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises to survive and sustain during the COVID-19 pandemic through our programs.
- During the pandemic, we could support the people of Nepal quickly with ventilators, oxygen concentrators, testing kits, and now we are doing so with the vaccines through the COVAX facility.
- Promoting young people and dynamic people in the organization has also been quite a milestone.
How are the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Switzerland and how can they be further enhanced?
Switzerland and Nepal share a very strong relationship. Many Swiss citizens have come to Nepal to travel and there was huge Swiss solidarity shown during the 2015 earthquake, which was also seen during the pandemic.
It was not only the Swiss government who supported but private people also showed their support. I hope more people from Switzerland visit Nepal as tourists in the future.
We would like to have more Swiss business engagement in Nepal to bring jobs, innovation, and expertise, developing closer business relations and exchanges together in the future.
What do you like the most about Nepal?
The people, as I feel connected with the people here in Nepal.
Where do you think Nepal as a country should improve?
- Implementation of the constitution, which will allow diversity and help reduce poverty as well as economic development.
- Nepal should have a sustainable tourism strategy.
- Nepal should have more organized town planning given the rapid development that is taking place.
- To be sensitive towards their cultural heritage such as houses and preserve them.
Is there anything you have planned but yet to achieve?
- Trekking in Upper Dolpa
- To support the young people returning to Nepal through certain initiatives such as by may be supporting them to build their enterprises, etc.
Personal Message
2021 has been a challenging year for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on Nepal and the global community, throwing us all in an extraordinary situation. In difficult times like these, we yet again learn how important solidarity and cooperation is, to know that we are together and can help each other overcome the crisis.
With 62 years of close and cordial relationship between Switzerland and Nepal, we are proud to have stood in solidarity with the people of Nepal during these trying times. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you all who have been supporting our work and following Swiss diplomatic efforts.
Let me also extend to you and your family a Happy Tihar and Chaat to all who are celebrating!
Quick Questions
Favorite Nepali food: Newari food and Maithali food.
Favorite place in Nepal: Patan.
Favorite Nepali song: I like all kinds of Nepali melodies, I cannot decide as I like many.
Favorite trek in Nepal: I have enjoyed all the treks I have done in Nepal so far. The ones I have strong memories of are: Mundum Trail, Lo Manthang, and Tsum Valley.
Favorite season in Nepal: All seasons are my favorite besides winter.
Favorite Nepali festival: Nepal is extremely rich in festivals and I like the diversity which makes this country so special.
