Thank You, Switzerland: A Tribute to (Y)our National Day

Today, August 1st—Switzerland's National Day—I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to this extraordinary country that has become so much more than a place to live. It has been home, sanctuary, and the greatest teacher I could have asked for.

I've lived in several countries across different continents, but more than half of my 50 years have been spent here in Switzerland. And if I had to choose one word to capture what I feel in my heart, it would be gratitude. Gratitude for the welcome extended to me, the security I've found, the structure that guides daily life, the boundless opportunities, and most importantly, the people—people who, in their characteristically quiet and sincere way, have allowed me to grow, to adapt, and to evolve into who I am today.

Coming from Colombia, it strikes me as nothing short of remarkable how this country, nestled in the heart of a continent repeatedly scarred by wars and conflict, has managed to remain steadfastly at peace. Switzerland has built its very identity on neutrality, yes—but more profoundly on coexistence. Four completely different cultures—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—have found a way not merely to cohabitate, but to listen deeply to one another and to move forward as one unified nation. That kind of harmony is not common anywhere in the world—and it's certainly not easy to achieve or maintain.

Coming from Latin America, I've witnessed firsthand how rare it is for a country to possess the moral courage to examine itself honestly during its darkest chapters. Switzerland has done precisely that. The country has faced harsh criticism for its role during World War II, for holding Nazi assets, for its long-standing tradition of banking secrecy. But if you choose to look with genuine depth and intellectual honesty, there's another profound side to this story: the thousands upon thousands of ordinary Swiss citizens who risked everything to help Jewish families find refuge, escape persecution, and ultimately survive. A country that, even while facing legitimate criticism, provided countless souls with a safe haven.

The Swiss Federal Commission's comprehensive report on Switzerland's role during World War II—the Bergier Report—stands as an unprecedented act of national transparency and moral courage. This exhaustive multi-volume document, published in 2002, unflinchingly acknowledged serious mistakes while simultaneously illuminating the countless acts of extraordinary bravery and humanity carried out by ordinary Swiss people during humanity's darkest hour. Few nations in history have examined their past with such unflinching depth, moral courage, and intellectual integrity.

And yes, much has been said and written about Swiss banking secrecy over the decades. But today's reality tells a different story: there are numerous countries operating financial secrecy regimes far more opaque and problematic than what Switzerland maintained even twenty years ago. The world has evolved dramatically, yet public narratives often remain frustratingly frozen in outdated perceptions. I prefer to focus on evolution, on remarkable adaptability, and on the genuine willingness to continuously do better.

The Swiss people possess an almost supernatural ability to adapt and innovate. This adaptability has helped Switzerland consistently rank among the world's top economies for competitiveness. But it's not merely about groundbreaking innovation, world-class education systems, or impeccable infrastructure—it's fundamentally about mindset. A collective mindset that genuinely embraces change, relentlessly seeks excellence, and methodically builds sustainable progress for future generations. Switzerland has also emerged as a true pioneer in emerging technologies—from leading developments in blockchain regulation and infrastructure, to becoming a key player in the artificial intelligence space. Yes, things can always be improved further, but no one is more demanding and critical of Switzerland than the Swiss themselves. That relentless drive for excellence is deeply embedded in the cultural DNA.

I've learned to live authentically and share meaningfully between “calor Latino y precisión Suiza”—between the warmth, spontaneity, and expressive passion of my Colombian roots, and the discipline, structure, and meticulous attention to detail that fundamentally define Swiss life. I've gradually come to realize that these cultural identities are not opposing forces—they complement and enrich each other in beautiful ways. And the Swiss, with their characteristic quiet generosity and remarkable openness, have graciously allowed me to become part of this society, accepting me completely even when I've stumbled and made mistakes in both personal and professional contexts. That precious space—to truly belong, to learn continuously, to fall gracefully, and to grow meaningfully—has fundamentally shaped who I am today.

And now, my children have been born in this breathtakingly beautiful country. They are growing up with both worlds flowing through their veins—carrying the passionate Latin soul and the unwavering strength of Switzerland within them.

Today, I celebrate Switzerland with an overflowing heart and boundless appreciation. Thank you—for absolutely everything. Thank you for allowing me to be authentically who I am. Thank you for showing me through lived experience that differences don't divide us—they multiply our collective strength and wisdom.

Happy National Day, Switzerland. Merci beaucoup. Vielen Dank. Grazie mille. Grazia fitg. Mil Gracias!