Elisabeth von Capeller

Elisabeth von Capeller is a distinguished professional in development and diplomacy. She earned a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from ETH Zurich in 1987. Throughout her career, Ms. von Capeller has made significant contributions to gender equality, conflict resolution, and international development.

In 1989, she began her career with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), FDFA, as an Associate Expert in Cameroon. In 2000, she was appointed as a Gender Equality Officer, and in 2004, she became a Deputy in the Conflict Prevention and Transformation Division at SDC. By 2007, Ms. von Capeller was leading the SDC Coordination Office in Nepal as Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission. Her role expanded in 2011 when she was appointed Head of the South Asia and Conflict and Human Rights Division.

From December 2014 to December 2017, Ms. von Capeller served as Deputy Director-General of SDC and Head of the Cooperation with Eastern Europe Division. Between February 2018 and October 2023, she represented Switzerland as Ambassador to Kathmandu, Nepal.  From October 2023 onward, Ms. von Capeller has a mandate as Special Representative for Transitional Justice in Nepal.