Germany’s Dual Ambassadors in Ottawa: Redefining Diplomacy and Family Balance

Vancouver, January 26, 2025 - Since September 2024, Germany has introduced a groundbreaking model of diplomacy in Ottawa by appointing a husband-and-wife team, Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg, as co-ambassadors. This unique arrangement, a first in a G7 capital, allows the couple to alternate every eight months between ambassadorial duties and parenting their three children.

Bellmann, who served as Acting Director and later Director for Security Policy at the German Federal Foreign Office, also oversaw relations with North America, the United Kingdom, and EFTA States since 2021. Lüttenberg brings deep expertise in Eastern Europe, having led the department for Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Europe at the Chancellor’s Office before his tenure at the Foreign Office.

This innovative job-sharing arrangement reflects Germany’s commitment to adapting its foreign service to modern work-life balance needs. The model not only supports dual-career diplomats but also ensures the couple’s children benefit from active parenting despite their mobile lifestyle.

“We’re sharing one salary, and I think we’ll survive,” Lüttenberg remarked in a CBC interview, emphasizing the value of spending more time as a family while serving abroad.

Berlin’s adoption of such flexible diplomatic roles underscores its focus on attracting top talent by addressing changing workforce dynamics. Canadians have warmly welcomed the dual ambassadorship, which highlights Germany’s creative approach to balancing professional excellence with family life.

The Bellmann-Lüttenberg tandem promises to strengthen the already deep bilateral ties between Germany and Canada, from shared efforts in supporting democracy to exploring clean energy partnerships.

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