Patricia Danzi, born Patricia Nadler on 13 February, 1969, in Switzerland, is a distinguished Swiss-Nigerian humanitarian leader known for her significant contributions to international development and crisis management. With her diverse academic background, Patricia Danzi has built a career grounded in humanitarian work, sustainability, and international diplomacy.
Patricia Danzi’s professional journey began in 1996 when she joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Over the course of her career, she gained extensive field experience, serving in various challenging regions including the Balkans, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. Her work focused on providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in conflict zones, as well as advocating for international humanitarian law. In 2015, she became the ICRC’sRegional Director for Africa, a role in which she led complex operations across the continent, navigating political instability and armed conflicts to deliver essential aid to vulnerable populations.
In May 2020, Patricia Danzi took on the role of Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), succeeding Manuel Sager. Her appointment marked a significant milestone as she became the first woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, SDC has focused on strengthening Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, humanitarian assistance, and climate resilience. Her work at the SDC has been crucial in addressing global challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where her leadership was instrumental in coordinating emergency responses.
Beyond her humanitarian achievements, Patricia Danzi is also known for her remarkable career in athletics. A former elite athlete, she represented Switzerland in the heptathlon at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, finishing in 23rd place. Her experience as an athlete helped cultivate her discipline, focus, and resilience — traits that have informed her leadership style in her professional career. Fluent in seven languages, Patricia Danzi is also deeply connected to her multicultural roots, having been born to a Nigerian father and a Swiss-German mother.
Patricia Danzi’s career is defined by her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those in need, whether through her work with the ICRC, her role at the SDC , or her ongoing advocacy for sustainable development. Her leadership in global humanitarian and development initiatives continues to shape Switzerland’s international role and strengthens global efforts to address the most pressing challenges of our time.
