Diplomatic Corps excursion programme spotlights history and innovation
Berne, 01.05.2026 — At the invitation of President Guy Parmelin, foreign ambassadors accredited to Switzerland travelled to the President’s home canton of Vaud on Friday, 1 May, for their annual outing. The programme took the party from Chillon Castle to the Genolier Innovation Hub.
In Veytaux, the diplomatic corps visited not only the medieval moated Chillon Castle, but also Fort Chillon, which dates from the Second World War, and the underground pumped-storage power stations, which have been in operation since 1971 and 2017.
In the afternoon, President Parmelin then took the diplomats to the Genolier Innovation Hub where stakeholders from the healthcare sector come together to promote research and its practical application for the benefit of patients.
The diplomatic corps excursion is a regular fixture in the diplomatic calendar, with foreign ambassadors accredited to and resident in Switzerland invited to attend.