H.E. Dominique Hasler

H.E. Dominique Hasler, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports of the Principality of Liechtenstein, is a distinguished political leader recognized for her dynamic and globally engaged policy leadership on behalf of one of the world’s smallest sovereign nations.

Her commitment to inclusive policymaking, innovation, and principled diplomacy has been evident throughout her political career. She entered government in 2017 when she was appointed Minister of the Interior, Education, and Environment, following her nomination by the Patriotic Union (Vaterländische Union). In this capacity, she was responsible for national security, Liechtenstein’s environmental policy, and the strategic management of the entire national education system. She also played a critical role in crisis management and communication during the pandemic, ensuring continuity in public services and facilitating a rapid transition to digital learning across the country.

Building on these achievements, Hasler assumed the expanded role of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports in 2021—a position she held until April 10, 2025.

Through her international engagement, Dominique Hasler upheld a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, consistently advocating for inclusive dialogue, constructive problem-solving, and the strengthening of multilateralism. She notably led the Veto Initiative at the United Nations—an internationally acclaimed diplomatic breakthrough designed to increase transparency and accountability in the use of veto power within the UN Security Council. The initiative mandates that any veto cast by a permanent member automatically triggers a meeting of the UN General Assembly, allowing the international community to openly debate the issue and ensuring that the veto no longer remains the final word.

As a strong advocate for human rights, good governance, and international justice, Hasler consistently emphasized the strategic role of small states in international diplomacy. With her deep systemic expertise in education, fostering international solidarity through humanitarian aid and sustainable development cooperation remains particularly close to her heart.

Her work also underscores the importance of gender equality, the role of women in peace and security processes, and inclusive leadership. As Foreign Minister, she actively fostered a global network of women foreign ministers to promote cooperation on joint initiatives and to strengthen solidarity with women and girls in crisis situations, who are often disproportionately affected by conflict, displacement, and the erosion of fundamental rights.

In her role as Foreign Minister, Dominique Hasler was also responsible for shaping Liechtenstein’s foreign economic policy, with a particular focus on its engagement within the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). She led key negotiations on international treaties and agreements aimed at diversifying and expanding Liechtenstein’s global economic partnerships.

A hallmark of her leadership was Liechtenstein’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which she chaired from November 2023 to May 2024. As Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers—the Council of Europe’s main decision-making body, representing 46 member states—she led pivotal initiatives to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. During her chairpersonship, the Council adopted the landmark Artificial Intelligence Framework Convention, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to the ethical and human-rights-based development of AI. Additionally, under her leadership, the Register of Damages for Ukraine was formally implemented and operationalized. She also co-initiated the innovative “Book of Europe” project, bringing together reflections from European heads of government to foster dialogue on the future of the continent.

Before entering politics, Hasler held leadership and board-management positions in the education, health, and palliative care sectors, gaining expertise in strategic governance and organizational development.

Her academic journey reflects a continuous commitment to education and leadership. After completing secondary school at the Cantonal School in Sargans, Switzerland, she earned her teaching diploma in 2000. She went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Special Needs Education from the Intercantonal University of Special Needs Education in Zurich (2003–2006). She later enhanced her leadership profile by earning a Certificate in Organizational Development and Coaching, and ultimately completed her second Master’s degree—an Executive MBA in Entrepreneurial Management—at the University of Liechtenstein.