Building Global Bridges: SIU Zurich Receives Distinguished U.S. Academic and Government Leaders

Swiss International University (SIU) proudly highlights a major moment in its international engagement strategy with the official visit of a high-level U.S. delegation to its Zurich branch on 18 November 2025. Taking place one day after SIU’s participation in a special reception hosted by Governor Tim Walz, the visit marked a significant step forward in strengthening Swiss–U.S. cooperation in education, innovation, cultural exchange, and responsible AI development.

A Strategic Visit Focused on Partnership and Innovation

The U.S. delegation’s visit provided an opportunity for in-depth dialogue on emerging areas of collaboration. SIU presented its academic offerings, research vision, and global network, emphasizing its commitment to accessible, high-quality education and forward-looking fields such as AI governance, digital transformation, and applied research.

The discussions centered on:

Joint academic initiatives between Swiss and U.S. institutions
Strengthening student mobility and exchange pathways
Opportunities for collaborative research, including responsible AI
Expanding cultural and educational bridges between the two regions

The delegation was welcomed by SIU Zurich Branch Director, D. Briand, who represented the university during presentations and bilateral discussions.

Members of the Visiting U.S. Delegation

The university was honored to receive a distinguished group of leaders representing education, government, cultural development, and global engagement. The delegation included:

First Lady Gwen Walz
Chloe Capitani, Special Assistant to the First Lady
Tim Busse, Mayor of the City of Bloomington
Rachel Limón, Regional Trade Manager
Kasey Morris, Director of Admissions, Alexandria Technical and Community College
Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director, MSP Film Society
Elizabeth Adams, Chief Engagement Officer, Minnesota Responsible AI Institute
Prof. Kuldeep Agarwal, Minnesota State University Mankato
Shahzad Ahmad, Associate Vice President for Global Engagement, St. Cloud State University
Dr. Katherina Pattit, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Services & International Studies

SIU extends its sincere appreciation to all delegation members for their time, valuable insights, and shared commitment to future cooperation.

A Strong Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration

The visit underscored SIU’s growing role as a bridge between global academic, cultural, and research communities. By welcoming this delegation, SIU reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening transatlantic partnerships and fostering meaningful international dialogue.

The university remains committed to creating new learning pathways, joint initiatives, and innovation-driven projects that empower students, researchers, and institutions worldwide.

Moments Captured

A series of official photos from the visit documents key highlights of this meaningful day, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect shared by SIU and the U.S. delegates.

VBNN FZE LLC – Smart Education Group

VBNN FZE LLC is a dynamic Smart Education Group company, officially licensed in Ajman, United Arab Emirates (License No. 262425649888).

SIU – Swiss International University (Bishkek)

A state-accredited university officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science (License No. LS240001853).

ISBM Switzerland – International School of Business Management (Lucerne)

ISBM AG is officially registered under Swiss Commercial Register Number CH-100.3.802.225-0 and allowed to operate and issue its own diplomas by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture (Authorization Letter Nr. 12Aug2016kom).

ISB Academy in Dubai – Swiss International Institute in Dubai

Officially approved by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) under Permit No. 631419.

AAHES – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education (Zurich)

Registered under number CH-170.4.012.134-9 since 2013.

OUS Academy London – Known as the Swiss Academy in London.

OUS is officially registered in the United Kingdom Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP No. 10099531).

KUIPI – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute

A state-licensed higher education institution approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic on 15 February 2023 (License Serial No. LS230000271).

OUS – International Academy in Switzerland®

Registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (No. 822698).

Amber Academy – “Knowledge and Growth” (Latvia)

An innovative European institution registered by the Patent Office under the Latvian Ministry of Justice (Registration No. M-25-440).

SDBS – Swiss Distance Business School®

An officially registered trademark (No. 806818) under the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, representing excellence in Swiss distance-learning education.

SOHS – Swiss Online Hospitality School®

An officially registered trademark (No. 822344) under the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, offering high-quality Swiss hospitality education online.

YJD Global Center for Diplomacy®

Also known as the Swiss Institute for Diplomacy and Political Sciences Studies, registered under the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (No. 822124).

U7Y Journal – Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook Journal

U7Y Journal (ISSN 3042-4399) is the official research publication of the group.