Name: Andreas Baum
Title: Ambassador of Switzerland
URL: https://www.eda.admin.ch/tokyo
Hometown: La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland
Years in Japan: 1 year and 9 months
What led you to pursue a career in diplomacy?
I was very young when I had to choose what to study, and I was a bit undecided. I chose medicine, and thought that with time I would come to like it. I finished my doctorate, but frankly I was probably not the right person for it, as my heart was not in it. So after that I chose another path and was very lucky to be admitted to a university in Washington, D.C., to pursue international studies. I had found my calling.
In what ways are Japan and Switzerland alike?
Switzerland and Japan share common values and are looking for solutions to the same challenges, such as digital disruption, an aging society and climate change. In terms of the future, both countries have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
How do you see today’s challenges?
We are going through a very difficult time with the pandemic, the climate crisis and now the war in Europe. I hope to always have the courage to face these difficult challenges head on.
Do you have a motto that has inspired you during your career?
I think a fundamental one is the Golden Rule — “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” And on another note, as someone who moves around a lot, “You have to adapt to the country; it will not adapt to you.”