The Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, Dr. Ralf Heckner and his wife, Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner, had the pleasure to co-host the third annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner After Party at the Swiss Residence in Washington, D.C. Together with our media sponsor TIME Magazine, headline sponsor Mercuria, and talent sponsor Live Nation, as well as Salesforce, General Catalyst, Suntory Spirits, and Total Wine & More, we had the honor to celebrate the important work of the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) and the crucial role of the fourth estate to foster strong relationships between nations.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual event hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA). The WHCA is a professional organization of journalists who cover the White House and the President of the United States. Its mission is to promote journalists’ interests and advocate for the importance of the media as the fourth estate.
“A free and independent press forms one of the main pillars of Switzerland’s democracy and is paramount to the functioning of our direct democratic system by not only informing the public but also ensuring the diversity of opinion,” said Ambassador Heckner. He added that, “As a country, we share many values with the United States, and it is for good reasons that our nations are often referred to as sister republics. Being able to host a celebration of the common value of a free press is a great privilege and also a strong reminder that as governments and people we need to protect and defend it.”
Along with making new contacts and meeting familiar faces, the more than 1,500 guests enjoyed exquisite Swiss beers and wines and were invited to taste some classics of the Swiss cuisine such as Älplermagronen, Raclette, and chocolate mousse.
You can find impressions from the highlights of this event in the image gallery and Flickr album below.
© Asico Photo / Time / Embassy of Switzerland
