A Luncheon and Discussion on:
"A Geopolitical and Bilateral View of the Swiss Ambassador to the United States"
with
Dr. Ralf Heckner
Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States
Please join us for this riveting conversation surrounding the heart of Europe. We will discuss rising geopolitical tensions and economic factors that are affecting the U.S./European diplomatic relationship. We are also honored to announce that we will have seven Swiss Consuls Generals from around the Southeast in attendance for this event. They will be seated so that all of our attendees will have one of them at their table.
JOIN US:
Date: Monday, December 1st, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m - 2:30 p.m.
Venue: Capital City Club (downtown)
7 John Portman Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available
THE LUNCHEON IS AT 12:30 P.M.
You Must Register and Pay in Advance to Attend
For Alternative Payment Options Contact registrar@atlantacir.org
Registration Closes Wednesday, November 26th, at 10 am
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please do so not later than 48 hours before the event. ACIR is charged for your meal, so no refund can be provided.
Meet Swiss Ambassador Dr. Ralf Heckner
H.E. Dr. Ralf Heckner serves as Switzerland’s Ambassador to the United States of America. Born in Davos, Switzerland, Dr. Heckner has forged an impactful diplomatic career, representing Swiss interests on four continents. His work with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has included leadership roles in bilateral and multilateral relations, with a focus on advancing Switzerland’s foreign policy and international cooperation.
Before his current posting in Washington, D.C., Dr. Heckner served as Switzerland’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, where his priorities included the successful negotiation and signing of a Free Trade Agreement. He also worked to develop a more strategic innovation relationship with India, overseeing Switzerland’s largest visa center abroad, which processes 200,000 visas annually. His time in India was marked by efforts to enhance trade and innovation ties between the two nations, fostering deeper economic and technological partnerships.
Throughout his career, Dr. Heckner has taken on noteworthy diplomatic roles, including postings at the Swiss embassies in Rome and Washington, D.C. His work has encompassed U.S. foreign and security policy, U.S. relations with Europe, and multilateral diplomacy. He was instrumental in implementing Switzerland’s protecting power mandate, representing U.S. interests in Iran and working closely with the U.S. Department of State.
In addition to his diplomatic duties, Dr. Heckner has been an advocate for human rights. As Office Director of Human Rights Policy at the FDFA, he led a multi-stakeholder initiative to create an International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers. This initiative set high human rights standards for the industry globally, in cooperation with the U.S. administration, and established external oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Dr. Heckner also served as Deputy Head of the United Nations and Other International Organizations Division, where he was Switzerland’s primary liaison with the United Nations. He also led Switzerland’s Crisis Management Center, overseeing emergency responses for Swiss citizens affected by global crises, including conflicts, natural disasters, and terrorist incidents.
Additionally, Dr. Heckner was in charge of diplomatic security for all Swiss missions abroad. During his tenure as Ambassador to Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Dr. Heckner achieved significant milestones, including his work on the Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya (FRACCK). This pioneering agreement focused on ensuring the transparent and accountable return of stolen assets to benefit the local population and support sustainable development.
Dr. Heckner holds a Ph.D. in Contemporary History from the University of Fribourg. Fluent in German, Italian, French, and English, he brings a wealth of academic and diplomatic expertise to his role, along with a deep understanding of international policy and cultural diplomacy. In his private life, he enjoys alpine sports, running, and history.
Dr. Heckner is married to Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner, and they have two children.
Supporting Organization:
Swiss-American Chamber members will receive the ACIR member rate for this event. Select option #2 when registering.
Please Note:
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For questions about or difficulties in registering for the event, please contact: info@atlantacir.org
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By registering, I understand that photos and/or video may be taken at this program and agree that these materials may be used for promotional purposes. Please contact the programming team with questions: info@atlantacir.org
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To contact Member Services click on membership@atlantacir.org
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Members are welcome to bring guests at member rates. The same guest may only be invited once at member rates. Select "One time Guest of Member", when registering.
Thank you for supporting ACIR with your attendance.
ACIR 2025 Sponsors
Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP
Center for International Business Education and Research
ACIR Strategic Partners
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs,
Georgia Institute of Technology
Center for International Business Education and Research
Georgia Institute of Technology (CIBER)
Institutional Members
Georgia Institute of Technology
Kennesaw State University
University of North Georgia
ACIR is a Community Partner of the
Association of the U.S. Army
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Photo credit: NATO Innovation hubj
China Cognitive Warfare
with
Josh Baughman, US National Defense University
Cognitive Warfare is seen as its own domain in modern warfare alongside the four military domains defined by their environment (land, maritime, air and space) and the cyber domain connects them all. Cognitive Warfare operates on a global stage as we are all digitally connected and uses information technology and the tools, machines, networks and systems to seek out it's target: intelligence.
China, as a strategic competitor to NATO, describes Cognitive Warfare as the use of public opinion, psychological operations, and legal influence to achieve victory. Combat psychology has significant impact on the warfighter's ability to function with a focus on recording facial information, emotional changes and psychological states of soldiers to determine their combat status. Outside of the battlefield, influence can also affect law, rule-of-order and civil constructs.
JOIN US:
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.
Venue: Capital City Club (downtown)
7 John Portman Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please do so not later than 48 hours before the event. ACIR is charged for your meal, so no refund can be provided.
