Riccarda Chanda
Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland to Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, the African Union, IGAD and UNECA
Steering Committee
Riccarda Chanda

Be in the room. Shape the room. Gender equality removes barriers so talent, expertise and ambition can thrive regardless of gender, ensuring women’s leadership shapes the decisions that define our future. Equality strengthens teams, unlocks potential, improves decisions and outcomes. It is about sharing influence, not giving up power. When leadership is inclusive, we all go further, together.

I support the IGC Panel Parity Pledge.

I support the IGC gender-based violence pledge.

Personal Commitments

I commit to ensuring that Switzerland’s political reporting and briefing materials on the Horn of Africa and the AU are informed by at least quarterly structured consultations with women experts and women-led organisations, conducted prior to the finalisation of key diplomatic deliverables, so that women’s perspectives are systematically reflected in Swiss diplomatic engagement.
I commit to mentoring and sponsoring two young leaders and early-career diplomats per year, opening doors to networks, opportunities, and leadership. I will support and participate in three youth-led and youth-oriented initiatives and events in 2026.