Bill Longhurst, British Embassy
Like a true local, the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General rides his bike to work – despite the hilly roads. Work has its ups and downs too, and one of the highlights that Bill Longhurst is particularly looking forward to is the UK-Swiss climate summit in September
Article published in the July 2021 infoletter.
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Bill Longhurst...
... is originally from the UK, more specifically from Chelmsford in Essex, South East England.
... is the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
... has been living in Switzerland since July 2019. Before coming to Switzerland, he was Ambassador to Cambodia.
... is a passionate tennis player (level: intermediate) and golfer (level: beginner) and loves to travel.
10 Questions for Bill Longhurst
What does a regular day at the office look like for you?
There is no such thing as a regular day. Most days are chaotic. My job is a combination of policy work, networking, embassy issues, and public diplomacy. I am also leading our climate activities ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November this year.
Which projects are you most excited about right now?
We are planning a major UK-Swiss climate summit on "Decarbonising Cities" at the Stade de Suisse on 1 September, in partnership with Swisspower. Circumstances permitting, we will have a number of high-profile speakers and UK companies in attendance.
What surprised you most when you arrived in Bern?
The prices are staggering. But on a more positive note, I love the huge range of cycling routes that go everywhere – through and between cities and around the countryside.
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What do you appreciate about Bern?
How compact it is. All the other places my career has taken me have been huge metropolises: London, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, Belgrade, and Phnom Penh. Bern is big enough to have a lot going on, but small enough to be out in the mountains in no time.
Is there anything you would change about Bern?
Maybe digging up the streets a little less often? But I wouldn’t change anything major – just leave it as it is!
Tell us about your favourite place in Bern.
There are many candidates. Probably the area down by the Altes Kraftwerk Matte, an event venue in an old power station, right by the river.
What do you already know you will miss when you leave Bern?
Everything I just mentioned. And skiing, which I do at a very basic level but still enjoy.
What is still on your “to-do" list?
More camping in the Bernese Oberland.
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Do you know any words in Swiss German and if so, which one’s your favourite?
My favourite word, courtesy of my colleague who covers agriculture, is "Guschti", a two-year-old cow. I can’t say I use it very often though.
Who would you like to hear from next?
Philippe CERF, Ambassador of France.
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