Her academic path, which began in Lausanne, naturally led her to study law, fuelling her interest in international relations. Her desire to discover the world, nurtured since early childhood, took her to Croatia, where she immersed herself in fieldwork with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), thus laying the foundations of her future diplomatic career. Back in Switzerland, she specialised in international law, before working at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Her career then took her to Palestine, where she worked as Legal Adviser for Switzerland as part of an international observer mission. Having explored the workings of justice and international relations, Nathalie Marville chose to turn to the political side, working for a cantonal minister in Switzerland. This experience of regional politics confronted her with new challenges but also strengthened her desire to work on the international stage.
The diplomatic path: a commitment on familiar ground
Her success in the diplomatic entrance examination in 2011 marked the beginning of a new career. Nathalie Marville has represented Switzerland in Warsaw, Bern, Brussels and, since 2022, in Morocco. For her, the diplomatic function represents the culmination of deep convictions. It is indeed a constant that she embodies: the aspiration to a life rich in meaning and commitment that matches the values Switzerland upholds within the international community.
A diplomat’s career is also, and above all, one of continuous adaptation. In Morocco, Nathalie Marville has immersed herself in a new culture, while taking on new managerial responsibilities. “In diplomacy, you have to know how to rely on people, because in fact it is a relationship-based profession; we have a whole structure, with the support of the Ambassador but also of our local staff, who are very important resources for settling in, for understanding how things work, but also the interests of our presence for Switzerland”, she tells us. And she adds: “Our mission, among other things, is to have a good understanding of the country’s issues, whether at economic, academic, cultural or commercial level, and of all bilateral interests, in order to pass them on to our colleagues in Bern to facilitate decision-making”.
Morocco, a land of generosity, empathy and resilience
In Morocco, Nathalie Marville greatly appreciates people’s generosity and open-mindedness. “During medical caravans with a Franco-Moroccan-Swiss NGO, we once went to the Middle Atlas, not far from Midelt. I was welcomed by a lady who spoke only Amazigh and, in the evening, by showing each other photos of our children and trying to talk with gestures, we managed to converse thanks to that universal language which is empathy and sincere interest in others”, she recounts. The diplomat was also struck by the handling of the Al Haouz earthquake and by the spirit of resilience and solidarity that characterises the Moroccan people. This exceptional moment required a major mobilisation within the Embassy to meet the needs of the Swiss community on the ground. This crisis also illustrates the importance of diplomacy when efficiency and responsiveness are essential. Ms Marville thus underlines the crucial day-to-day role of diplomacy, which goes far beyond protocol events. She stressed the resilience of Morocco which, in the weeks following the earthquake, successfully organised the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF in Marrakech.
A balance to be found for the whole family
Outside her diplomatic work, Ms Marville Dosen finds her balance in her family and her passion for travel. “I have managed to integrate my passions for travel and for discovering new cultures into my professional life”, she explains. With her husband, a Swiss-Croatian dual national, and their two daughters aged 9 and 5, it is also a family project taking shape, in which everyone must find their place. “I am lucky to have a husband who accompanies me and supports me in my career. Then there are my daughters: the elder arrived in Brussels at the age of two and a half and the younger was born there, but knows Morocco better. Not to mention our Swiss and Croatian roots. We are enriched by all these experiences”, adds Nathalie Marville. Travel and discovery indeed echo one of her youthful readings, “The Way of the World” by the Swiss writer and traveller Nicolas Bouvier, and particularly this quotation: “Travelling outgrows its motives. It soon proves sufficient in itself. You think you are making a trip, but soon it is making you – or unmaking you”.
Morocco, a land of opportunity
With regard to the Swiss business community in Morocco and abroad, the Deputy Head of Mission insists on the need to strengthen opportunities for exchanges and meetings. The diplomat strongly encourages Swiss companies to seize the many opportunities offered by Morocco. Highlighting the success of economic delegations and looking ahead to upcoming international events such as the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, Nathalie Marville calls for strengthened collaboration between Morocco and Switzerland in various fields, going beyond mere economic exchanges to also encompass science, research, innovation and technology.
Chinese Portrait:
- If you were a colour, which one would you be? Rather bright and luminous colours, which match my personality, but also in reaction to the dark international context, which badly needs a little more light.
- A country? I’ll give you two. Switzerland, of course, and my mother’s country: Madagascar. Having Malagasy roots has obviously shaped my perspective on the world and my personal interests. Moroccans, incidentally, have a special affection for this country.
- A personality? Carla Del Ponte, former Swiss Prosecutor, one of the pioneers of international criminal justice. For me, she represents the example of a courageous, strong and committed woman who fought for justice and against impunity at both national and international level, notably in the Balkan conflict.
- An animal? The ant, for its hard-working side, never giving up, and also working through collective intelligence. It is a small insect that can accomplish great things!
- A book? Time for Outrage! (Indignez-vous) and Engagez-vous by Stefan Hessel, two very short works but with essential messages for all citizens of the world, especially in our time.
- A film? “Eat Pray Love”, with Julia Roberts. It is the story of an American woman with a well-ordered life who decides on a whim to give everything up and set off on a journey of self-discovery. This film reminded me of many moments from my own travels.
- A superpower? Teleportation, because both in my job and personally, I have to fly to see my loved ones in Switzerland and Croatia. It would allow me to travel whenever I want and without emitting CO2!