People

Our dear friend and colleague, Aldo Matteucci, passed away in October 2024. Aldo was a diplomat and thought leader renowned for his critical insight, deep empathy, and unwavering commitment to understanding the complexities of our world. His legacy endures through his writing, which addressed the intricate challenges of diplomacy, economics, and global sustainability with both clarity and compassion.

For those wishing to explore Aldo’s insights further, please visit Ask Aldo, a dedicated page that preserves his reflections and wisdom on today’s most pressing issues.

Biography

Mr Aldo Matteucci graduated from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) in Agriculture, and from Berkeley in Agricultural Economics. He spent three years in East Africa conducting research on land use, then worked in Maryland on rural development. In 1977, he joined the Swiss Federal Office of Economic Affairs. He served as deputy director of the EUREKA Secretariat in Brussels, and from 1994 to 2000, as deputy secretary general of EFTA. He took early retirement after leaving EFTA. He remained a committed contrarian.

The writing of Aldo Matteucci

Aldo Matteucci was a man of deep intellect, wide-ranging interests, and unmistakable warmth. His insights illuminated some of the world’s most complex challenges, from diplomacy and governance to economics and environmental sustainability. Throughout his work, Aldo emphasised that ideas – whether related to human behaviour, technology, or art – have the power to shape our reality.

What made Aldo’s writing particularly important was his ability to bridge disciplines like diplomacy, economics, environmental issues, and art. He not only offered sharp analysis but also connected these ideas with humanity’s future, showing how systems interact to impact real lives. His reflections encouraged action grounded in reason, logic, and empathy.

Whether addressing global inequality or advocating for collective action on environmental crises, his work was always rooted in a profound concern for our shared future. He connected fields that are often kept separate, merging art with analysis and poetry with diplomacy, building intellectual bridges between disciplines.

Today, when the world faces unprecedented global challenges, thinkers like Aldo are more necessary than ever – those who not only champion reason and logic but also act with compassion for humanity. His unique ability to blend rigorous thought with empathy remains an enduring example for us all.