United Nations and Global Challenges (Summer 2017)

Summer session: 21 August - 1 September 2017 (applications open)

Winter session: 8 - 19 January 2018 (applications available in July 2017)

• Learn and think about major global challenges and how these are being addressed by the international community, with focus on the core mission of the UN and emphasis on role-playing
• The programme is open to junior and senior undergraduates with a strong interest in international affairs. A unique opportunity to network and create sustainable bonds!
• Geneva, a perfect place to meet experts and visit international organisations

Programme

Key international relations challenges with a focus on 2 areas

• Understanding the UN system and its actors: a clear mapping of the United Nations system since its creation as well as its different working bodies and agencies.
• Re-inventing the united nations: an exploration of challenges encountered by the United Nations and a debate on future perspectives for international cooperation.

At the end of the 2 weeks, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core mission of the UN and how it frames some key global issues such as human rights and environment.
• Develop critical analyses on key issues of peace and security, human rights and humanitarian challenges, international development, North-South relations
• Debate on future perspectives for international cooperation, via conference simulations and role play as well as a couple of social events to get introduced to international Geneva.
• Discuss with academics and practitioners on what could be done to reinvent global governance in a time of high international uncertainties (prospective analytical tools)

Click here to check out the 2016 schedule (example of past programme, subject to change)

Format : 26 hours of classes per week over 2 weeks

• Lectures with Faculty members from the Graduate Institute, Geneva
• Afternoon workshops and visits of the United Nations
• Small-group study and simulations
• Model United Nations: Conference simulation where students are transformed into diplomats/government officials and learn how to negotiate
• Roundtable on hot topic of international affairs
• Individual advising on post-graduate studies and career in international affairs
• Social events (optional) : discovery of the city of Geneva and friendly evenings with participants
• Lectures and discussions concepts and key issues of peace and security, human rights and humanitarian challenges, international development, North-South relations and the future of global governance.