Following academic studies at the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, Geneva native Pierre Krähenbühl's journey in humanitarian service began with the Lutheran World Federation. This early work in Venezuela, Haiti, and Ethiopia, developed his passion for advocacy and human rights. He later set out on his extraordinary career with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where he served for over two decades, rising to the positions of Director of Operations (2002-2014), and then Director-General (2024). His ICRC work took him to some of the most volatile conflict zones in the world, including El Salvador, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and the Balkans, where he led humanitarian efforts to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of essential aid.
His experiences in these war-torn regions sharpened his skills in strategic leadership, navigating high-risk environments, and negotiating with armed groups. During his time as the ICRC's Director of Operations, he managed large-scale operations involving thousands of personnel across 80 countries. His leadership was vital in coordinating responses to conflicts in some of the most challenging regions, including Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 2014, Pierre Krähenbühl was appointed Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), where he oversaw programmes serving millions of Palestine refugees. Despite facing political and financial pressures, he remained dedicated to improving education, healthcare, and social services for displaced communities. His tenure at UNRWA was marked by his strong advocacy for refugee rights and his efforts to maintain stability in a politically sensitive environment, even when confronted with challenges that included managing crises in Gaza and Syria.
Returning to the ICRC in 2021 as a personal envoy to China and later being appointed Director-General in 2024, Pierre Krähenbühl has remained at the forefront of global humanitarian efforts. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in fostering dialogue between governments, armed forces, and international organisations, ensuring that humanitarian principles remain central to conflict resolution and crisis management.
In addition to his work in the field, Pierre Krähenbühl is a passionate advocate for human dignity and diplomacy, regularly engaging in public discourse on the impact of armed conflicts on civilian populations. Pierre Krähenbühl’s legacy also extends beyond the operational sphere, as he continues to influence humanitarian policy and development through his advocacy and mentorship. His work has left an indelible mark on the humanitarian sector, inspiring future generations to uphold the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence that define the ICRC's global humanitarian mission.
