What we offer

The Swiss Institute of Sports Diplomacy (SwissDo) provides fee-based services for institutions and professionals who need to work effectively in and around the international sports sector. Our work is designed for current and future diplomats, departments of foreign affairs and other ministries, public authorities, businesses, sponsors, investors and sports organisations. 

We combine executive education, confidential advisory work and curated access to the Swiss and international sports ecosystem. This allows our partners to engage sport with a clearer understanding of governance, diplomacy, reputation, commercial positioning and institutional practice. For diplomats and public officials, we offer practical preparation for roles that involve contact with sports federations, event organisers, host authorities, sponsors and international bodies. For ministries and public institutions, we provide structured support on engagement strategy, policy questions, representation and stakeholder relations. For businesses, we offer a route into sport through informed partnerships, strategic introductions and access to relevant networks. 

Who we work with

We work with serving diplomats, future diplomats, embassy staff, permanent missions, civil servants and ministerial teams that need a working knowledge of international sport as a policy and diplomatic environment. We also work with companies, sponsors, investors and commercial partners seeking a serious and informed entry point into sport or specific countries or sports assets. This includes organisations that want to understand the institutional landscape, develop partnerships, approach governing bodies, or position themselves more effectively within the Swiss and international sports sector. 

Our services

Executive education

We deliver short executive programmes, masterclasses and tailored courses for diplomats, public officials, sports executives and senior professionals. These formats are practical, case-based and designed for institutional use. Topics may include international sports governance, sports diplomacy, institutional negotiation, major event strategy, stakeholder management, compliance, protocol, crisis management, geopolitics of sport and reputational risk.

The following executive education intake dates were added as working programme marker: 15–17 November 2026 intake but we also We deliver bespoke, discreet and personalised executive training for sport diplomats and senior stakeholders working across international sport governance as well as conventional diplomats who are keen about learning how to leverage the power of sport in diplomatic work. Formats range from one to one briefings to small, confidential group sessions, delivered in Geneva or on location. Our programmes focus on how international sport actually functions: institutions, decision-making, influence, bidding processes, reputational risk, and the geopolitics that shape governance outcomes. Football is used as a primary lens, with additional modules available for other sports.

Our Open Enrolment Courses address a broad range of current and emerging challenges, and are delivered in flexible formats — in person, online, and hybrid — as part of our Flex Learn approach.

Our SwissDO Flagship Intensive Programme registration is now open!

Sports geopolitics and global sport governance 

3-day intensive executive programme 15 to 17 November 2026

Built around Switzerland v Scotland, Monday 16 November in Geneva, Lausanne and match city in Switzerland (Geneva TBC), this SwissDO flagship crash course gives participants a practical introduction to modern sports geopolitics, global sport governance and football leadership. Across three days, participants will move through Switzerland’s sport governance ecosystem: Geneva’s diplomatic environment, Lausanne’s Olympic and federation network, and a live international match setting. The programme combines expert briefings, executive discussions, match-day observation, protocol exposure and VIP hospitality. 

What participants take away

Participants leave with a practical understanding of global sport governance and sports geopolitics. They will be able to read institutional dynamics, identify centres of influence, understand how sport bodies interact with governments and federations, and assess how major matches and events create diplomatic, commercial and reputational opportunities.They also receive case-based frameworks to support negotiations, partnerships, public positioning and executive decision-making in sport. The programme is designed for participants who need to work across sport, diplomacy, governance, business and public affairs.

Explore our executive education Contact us to reserve your place.

Advisory and policy hub

We provide confidential, commissioned advisory support for public authorities, cities, cantons, companies, sponsors, investors and rights-holders. This work can include stakeholder mapping, strategic briefings, governance analysis, event diplomacy, public affairs support, reputational assessment and guidance on how to engage with sports institutions in Switzerland and abroad. 

Request an advisory conversation

Diplomatic sports dialogue

We convene private roundtables, closed discussions and targeted dialogue formats for clients who need relevant access rather than broad exposure. These formats are designed to connect decision-makers from diplomacy, public institutions, business and sport in a structured setting. They support relationship-building, policy discussion, partnership development and institutional understanding.

Discuss a dialogue format

Partnership and access to sport

We help business partners and institutional clients build meaningful access to sport through informed engagement rather than transactional visibility alone. This may include identifying the right entry points, understanding the governance environment, assessing partnership opportunities, meeting relevant actors and developing a position that aligns commercial aims with institutional realities.

Organise an event with us 

The Strategic Arena

The Strategic Arena is our platform for organisations that want sustained engagement with sport as an international field. It brings together executive learning, applied analysis, strategic exchange and project support for partners who want to strengthen their presence, understanding and relationships across the sports ecosystem.

Learn about The Strategic Arena

Sherpa Services

The Institute also offers tailored sherpa services for sports bodies seeking to establish a presence in Switzerland. This support is designed for organisations that want to become more institutionalised, better connected and more closely integrated into the international sports ecosystem based here. Our assistance can include office set-up, local logistics, accommodation, introductions to relevant stakeholders and guidance on navigating the Swiss institutional landscape. This service is particularly relevant for sports seeking closer proximity to the International Olympic Committee and other international federations and governing bodies based in Switzerland. It offers a practical route for organisations to strengthen their position, develop the right contacts and build an effective base in Geneva or elsewhere in the country. Switzerland’s tradition of stability and neutrality provides a distinct environment for constructive exchange.

Why partner with us?

Our offer is built for partners who need more than a one-off event or a general introduction. We provide a structured way to work with sport as a diplomatic, institutional and commercial environment.

For diplomats and ministries, this means better preparation, stronger institutional awareness and more informed engagement.

For businesses, it means access to sport through a credible, well-framed and strategically managed approach.

For all partners, it means working with an institute focused on the intersection of sport, public affairs and international relations. 

Partner with us to access the international sports ecosystem through executive education and strategic advice