On 25 and 26 August, we had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation of students from Shanxi University for a two-day tailored programme at Villa Barton. Developed in partnership with David Feng of DAVISWISE INTERNATIONAL, the course was designed to introduce participants to key debates and practices in diplomacy, negotiation, and international affairs, while encouraging dialogue between academics, practitioners, and students.
Over the course of the programme, students took part in interactive sessions led by the Institute’s faculty and experts:
- Peter Maurer, former President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, explored the evolution of diplomacy in an increasingly complex world, highlighting the growing importance of humanitarian diplomacy and multi-stakeholder engagement.
- Katherine DeLand, former Chief of Staff at the World Health Organization, discussed the challenges of managing global health crises such as Ebola, and examined how countries negotiate access to medicines and vaccines in line with national and global interests.
- Achim Wennmann, specialist in peace mediation, guided students through the theme of “Peace Mediation in an Era of Radical Uncertainty”, combining conceptual frameworks with practical exercises that allowed participants to experience first-hand the approaches used in conflict mediation.
- Gilles Carbonnier, Professor of Development Economics, analysed current challenges in international and development economics, including trade tensions, access to strategic resources, and the role of international institutions in addressing global economic pressures.
Beyond the lectures, the programme provided students with an invaluable opportunity to exchange perspectives with experts and peers on pressing issues in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and economics. It also strengthened the academic ties between Shanxi University and the Geneva Graduate Institute, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and exchange.
The Institute warmly thanks David Feng of DAVISWISE INTERNATIONAL for his valuable partnership in the development of this initiative, and looks forward to welcoming future cohorts of students to Geneva.