Conradin Perner – ein Davoser Weltenbürger

In an interview with neurologist Prof. Jürg Kesselring, the worldly Conradin Perner from Davos talks about his life. Of encounters. Of missions in hard-to-reach places in the world. Conradin Perner studied French and Swedish literature in France, Sweden and Zurich.

He received his doctorate in comparative literature with a study of the Swedish poet Gunnar Ekelöf. As a professor of French literature, he taught at the universities of Kisangani in the Congo and Khartoum in Sudan. Later he worked as a visiting professor of ethnology in Nanterre and at the Sorbonne in Paris.

As a delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Conradin Perner worked in Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Afghanistan, the five countries of Central Asia, as well as in Congo-Brazzaville and Sudan. He advised Unicef in South Sudan and commanded an international peacekeeping force in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. Responsibility. Courage. Presence.

In South Sudan, one of the most remote regions of Africa, he researched the language, culture and oral literature of the Anyuak people. An eight-volume monograph and a comprehensive dictionary bear witness to 15 years of intensive, also physically demanding research work. The Anyuak gave it the name "Kwacakworo" – leopard. A name that accompanies him to this day. In his last years in South Sudan, he led the "House of Nationalities" project as a peace advisor to the Swiss government. The aim was to unite hostile peoples through encounter and to promote cultural peace. Dialogue. Understanding. Reconciliation.

For his scientific work and his humanitarian work during the civil war in Sudan – in particular for the rescue of over 10,000 child soldiers – the city of Austin in the USA honoured him with a Humanitarian Award. After the founding of South Sudan, he was made an honorary citizen of the new state.

After his retirement, Conradin Perner wrote a comprehensive research biography of his time in South Sudan. He also processed his experiences in the war during his many years of work for the ICRC.

You can find out more about Conradin Perner at www.kwacakworo.com

Immerse yourself in the experiences and impressions of Conradin Perner. Find out what motivated him. And how he looks back on his diverse life today – withdrawn in his grandparents' house in Davos.

A short reading from his collection of short stories enriches the evening. You and your friends are cordially invited.