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Travels from Geneva, Switzerland
An extensive career, both in business and government, puts the Honourable Sergio Marchi in an excellent position to explain China to the outside world. Former Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization and UN; Canadian Cabinet Minister of International Trade, the Environment and Immigration; and a range of private sector advisory positions. From 2004 to 2008 he served as the President of the Canada-China Business Council. Presently, Ambassador Marchi is a Senior Fellow at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development in Geneva, and also serves as a Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Commission. He teaches at the US Webster University, in the International Relations Department, and at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Affairs.
Born in Argentina of Italian parents, Sergio Marchi moved to Canada at a young age. He was educated at St. Basil’s College and earned an honours BA degree from York University, in Toronto.
His professional life has spanned both the private and public sectors. Formerly, he was the Business Advisor for the Canadian Law firm of Lang Michener, in Toronto. Mr. Marchi also served as the Chairman of the Canadian Services Coalition.
Prior to his current responsibilities, Mr. Marchi enjoyed a distinguished political and diplomatic career. He was first elected as a Toronto City Councillor in 1982. He was then elected to the House of Commons, as a Member of Parliament in 1984, and represented the Toronto riding of York West for 15 years.
During all his time in government, Mr. Marchi served as a federal Cabinet Minister in three different portfolios.
In August 1999, the Prime Minister appointed Mr. Marchi as Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, where he served for five years. He quickly established his leadership credentials by assuming a number of important posts, including being elected Chairman of the WTO General Council by the 150 Member countries.
In March 2004, Mr. Marchi was nominated by the Canadian government to serve as a Commissioner on the UN Global Commission on International Migration.
In 2011 he retired as Senior Fellow at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development
Mr. Marchi also serves as a member of several non-profit boards, including the Advisory Council of the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Mr. Marchi and his wife, Laureen, have two children.
