Silvan studied history, economics and European Global Studies in Basel and at the Institut d’études européennes in Brussels. During his studies, he worked, among others, for the Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland Research Group, the Department of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zug and as a journalist for a Basel-based online medium. He currently works in the Peace and Human Rights Division of the FDFA. His main areas of interest are peace and security and international political economy. He has been involved as a member of foraus since 2020 and was regional Co-Head of foraus Basel from 2021 until January 2026.