MAS European and International Governance 2024

The MEIG allows graduates and professionals from various backgrounds to enhance their skills by providing them with high-level scientific and interdisciplinary expertise in the field of European and International Governance.

Information

Period

September 2024 - July 2025
62 ECTS credits
Programme to be achieved in 1 or 2 years

Language

English

Format

On-site

Contact

Philipp HAHN
+41 (0)22 379 85 35
Augustine SOKIMI
+41 (0)22 379 86 50
meig(at)unige.ch

Location

Genève

Registration

Registration deadline

15 February 2024
Modules can be followed individually

Fees:

CHF 25'000.- (net of bank charges)

There are three application sessions for the full MEIG Programme in one or two years:

First session → 1 October to 15 November 2023
Second session → ​15 November to 31 December 2023
Third session → 1 January to 15 February 2024

Applicants will be recruited until the limited places in the MEIG programme are distributed considering the date of arrival of the MEIG candidate application form.

Objectives

  • Provide a deep understanding of the political, economic, social and legal aspects of European and International Governance
  • Acquire extended knowledge on the functioning of the United Nations, the European Union institutions and the specialised organisations based in Geneva
  • Develop competencies to take over executive functions in national or international careers dealing with global issues

Audience

Graduate and professionnal with various backgrounds working or wishing to work in national and European administrations, international and non-governmental organisations, associations and foundations dealing with international affairs, including diplomatic or civil servant of ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Trade, Economy, Finance, Agriculture, Justice and Home affairs

Programme

Principal themes:

  • Architecture of the EU and European Governance        
  • Architecture of the UN System and Multilateral Governance
  • The European Union and its Role in International Affairs
  • Key Skills for an International or a National Career dealing with Global Issues
  • Human Rights and Migration
  • Peace, Security and Humanitarian Affairs
  • Digital Governance
  • International Trade and Development
  • Health and Environment
  • Climate Change
  • Agenda 2030 and the Public-Private Partnerships for its implementation

Director(s)

Prof. Christine KADDOUS, Centre for European Legal Studies (CEJE), Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

Coordinator(s)

Philipp HAHN and Augustine SOKIMI, University of Geneva

Partnership

In cooperation with the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
A unique learning experience at the University of Geneva in cooperation with the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Location

Geneva

Description

The most ambitious system of regional governance ever attempted, the European Union is at the heart of this module. The participants are offered an in-depth analysis of the construction of the European Union, its functioning, the role of the institutions and of the Member States. Participants will examine the main EU policies as well as the different powers, interest groups and policy networks that define European governance.

This module also explores the increasingly important role of the European Union on the world stage. It examines the essential elements and values that found the relations between the European Union and the main international organisations based in Geneva, such as the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The relationship with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is dealt with specifically in Module VI.

During the module, a study visit of the European Union Institutions in Brussels will allow participants to gain an inside and hands-on understanding of European governance.

Location

Geneva

Description

In an increasingly globalised world where the importance of multilateral dialogues and cooperation is ever growing, the United Nations remain a central forum for progressing ideas and a platform for action. In the course of the module participants will attend lectures and practical workshops as well as participate in study visits aimed at providing a deep understanding of the functioning of the United Nations system and explaining the creation, structure, mandate, governance and decision-making process of its main bodies and organisations.

Participants will learn more about the main decision makers in Geneva and will have a unique opportunity to meet practitioners from the major institutions, enabling them to strengthen their knowledge of the intergovernmental machinery of the UN System and other international organisations.

Location

Geneva

Description

This module helps participants to significantly improve their negotiation, public speaking, report writing and other skills that are indispensable for a successful career at the national or international level.

After a series of intensive and highly interactive workshops, participants will emerge confident to conduct complex negotiations, enhance their leadership qualities, improve aptitudes of recording and summarising results of conferences and meetings as well as develop their public speaking, report writing, leadership and negotiation skills. 

In addition, the MEIG Programme provides you with insights from senior officials in different fields.

Location

Geneva

Description

This module underlines the importance of European and international Human Rights protection in contemporary global politics. Participants will be introduced to the key concepts and mechanisms of human rights allowing them to analyse and evaluate the impact of human rights protection on global policies and international relations. They will examine the differences in human rights protection at European, regional and international levels. A specific emphasis is given on the work of the Human Rights Council and the Human Rights High Commissioner, both based in Geneva.

Participants will also better understand the interplay between human rights and migration, a particularly relevant topic of our times. The module examines the enhanced need for protection of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the context of European and international governance. Other regional perspectives are also studied in this context. 

The cooperation developed in that field within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), both based in Geneva, is of first importance.

Location

Geneva

Description

Seventy-five years after the creation of the United Nations and thirty years after the end of the Cold War, conflicts have evolved in their form and the type of actors involved. They are linked to new challenges such as energy, finance, pandemics, environmental disasters and armed conflicts.

The module seeks to prepare participants in better navigating the structure of the United Nations’ work in tackling current peace and security challenges by providing participants with an overview of recent and current global events and how the United Nations addressed them. Participants will acquire understanding of the current international situation that creates considerable challenges for governments in mobilising effectively and rapidly their human and financial resources to promote peace and security. Special attention will be paid to the role of the ICRC in that field.

Location

Geneva

Description

New technological developments have created a completely new environment encompassing all areas of today’s societies including governance processes on local, national, regional and international level. The module focuses on how new digital technologies have changed public governance processes before turning to specific issues such as data protection and the impact of artificial intelligence.

The module will also tackle the dark side of technological progresses by analysing the issue of cyber security and cyber warfare. It also emphasises on the special role Geneva plays as hotspot and global hub for the governance of digital innovation.

Location

Geneva

Description

The multilateral trade regime is at the heart of this module. Participants will gain a deep knowledge of the main topics and challenges which are at stake at the international level. The module will also tackle the increasing tension between bilateralism and multilateralism in trade issues. This field of international governance concerns a number of international organisations based in Geneva. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is, of course, the key actor in this field.

However, other aspects related to international trade are also dealt within this module in relation to the activities carried out by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), or the World Health Organisation (WHO). The interaction between these international organisations will be studied in order to determine which are the most important actors that states or non-state actors deal with when it comes to international trade. The European Union and its common commercial policy demonstrate engagement on the international scene in all aspects of trade policy, including investments and intellectual property rights related to trade. Other regional actors are also dealt with accordingly.

Location

Geneva

Description

This module focuses on health and environment policies as they relate to each other. As health issues are becoming increasingly important at global level, the module explores the actors that shape health policy, including the structures and features of European and international healthcare. Participants explore the key health issues and challenges at European and international levels. The module also discusses the cooperation between the different entities dealing with health in Geneva, in particular the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The second part of the module covers a wide range of environmental issues at European and international levels, such as climate change and pollution, including air quality, water and nature conservation. Participants will gain a deep knowledge of the essential elements of environmental protection, covering the most important multilateral environment agreements. They will develop a good understanding of justice and sustainability as central principles in environmental health.

The overall objective is to provide participants with knowledge, critical understanding and skills for active involvement in the development, delivery and evaluation of a range of public health and environment initiatives.

Location

Geneva

Description

This module provides for a comprehensive knowledge on the challenges represented by climate change. It allows participants to question and explore the issue of climate change in terms of governance. In order to better understand the core issues underlying climate change, renowned Professors and practitioners will address the definition, the indicators and the consequences of climate change. Given that overview, participants deal with the objectives to be achieved at different levels of governance (international, regional, national and subnational) in the context of the current climate situation. In this perspective, they will consider the various problems raised in the field, analyse the mechanisms put into place to solve them, and study the various actors involved in the process of governance.

The overall objective is to provide participants with knowledge on the implications of climate change in the fields of human rights, migration, agriculture and economy growth. Practical sessions, case studies and group discussions will allow a better understanding of the challenges and difficulties raised in climate change issues.

Location

Geneva

Description

This module aims to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global partnership for their implementation. The SDG Lab, where innovative solutions are shaped, is at the heart of the matter. High level representatives from business and international organisations will explain how business supports and respects human rights, contributes to gender equality, or faces environmental challenges. A highlight will be given on how corruption affects good governance and how this issue is addressed by public and private actors. ILO representatives will explain how the organisation succeeds bringing together governments, employers and workers on labour issues. Special attention will also be given to the global partnership for innovation.

At the end of the programme participants will have better knowledge and skills enabling them to contribute to better governance.

Admission criteria

Academic Requirements

The academic requirement to apply for the Master  Programme is at least a Bachelor’s degree (completed university studies of at least three years) or a Master’s degree from a University or a University of Applied Sciences or a degree deemed equivalent.

Professional Experience

A relevant professional experience in the field of the Programme is taken into consideration in the admission process.

Language Requirements

Candidates have to be fluent in written and spoken English. The following tests are recognized with a minimum of:

TOEFL Test of English as Foreign Language
Internet-test : 90 | Paper-test : 575 | Computer based test : 225

IELTS International English Language Testing System6.5

Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced, CAE): 180 – 199

– Cambridge English Qualification C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency, CPE): 200-230

If the participant has English as mother tongue, had secondary or post-secondary qualifications taught in English, or spent a minimum of one year studying full time at university level in English, they must not provide a certificate to prove their mastery of English.

Collaboration

This programme is coorganised by the Center for European Legal Studies (CEJE) and the Global Studies Institute (GSI) of the University of Geneva in cooperation with the United Nations Office at Geneva

Dr. Yinka Adebayo, Director, Education and Training Office and Deputy Director, Member Services and Development Department

Malika Aït-Mohamed Parent, Anti-Corruption Expert, Fellow at the International Anti-Corruption Academy Austria and Geneva

Jean-Yves Art, Senior Director in charge of Strategic Partnerships at Microsoft

Marie-José Astre-Démoulin, Career Coach Specialist

Prof. Frédéric Bernard, Ordinary Professor at the department of Public Law, University of Geneva

Alejandro Bonilla Garcia, Senior Consultant

Prof. Bettina Borisch, Professor at the University of Geneva/Executive Director of the World Federation of Public Health Associations

Prof. Gian Luca Burci, Adjunct Professor of International Law, Senior Fellow, Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva

Prof. Vincent Chetail, Director of the Global Migration Centre and Professor of Public International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva

Dr. David A. Chikvaidze

Prof. Stéphanie Dagron, Professor at the Unversity of Geneva

Prof. Antoine Flahault, Professor at the Unversity of Geneva

Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Professor at University of Geneva/Dean of the Law Faculty

Prof. Gloria Gaggioli, Ordinary Professor at the University of Geneva

Lidiya Grigoreva, Head of the NGO Liaison Unit at the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)

Amb. Thomas Guerber, Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

Prof. Elspeth Guild, Professor at Queen Mary, University of London as well as at the Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands

Amb. Erwin Hofer, Ambassador

Prof. Frank Hoffmeister, Director for Legal Affairs, European External Action Service

Nadia Isler, Director of the SDG Lab in the Office of the Director General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)

Prof. Christine Kaddous, Professor, University of Geneva/Founding Director of the MEIG/Director of Centre for European Legal Studies (CEJE)

Matthew Kilgarriff, CSR Richemont; Vice-President Global Compact Switzerland

Nana Kurashvili, Consultant for the Youth Participation Programme at Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva

Amb. Jürg Lauber, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and to the other international organisations in Geneva

Prof. Sandra Lavenex, Professor of Political Science, University of Geneva

Dr. Susan Laverick, Director and Founder Beaufort Group Consulting

Amb. Ulrich Lehner

Prof. Nicolas Levrat, Professor, University of Geneva/Director GSI

Amb. Aguiar Machado, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the European Union to the World Trade Organization in Geneva (since October 2019)

Hamid Mamdouh, Senior Council at King and Spalding LLP - Geneva Office. Visiting Professor, Queen Mary, University of London. (Former Director of Trade in Services and Investment, WTO)

Prof. Gabrielle Marceau, Associate Professor at the University of Geneva/Counsellor Legal Affairs Division of the WTO, Geneva

Prof. Makane Moïse Mbengue, Professor of International Law at the University of Geneva

Nicholas Niggli, Deputy Secretary General, Republic and State of Geneva, Department of Economic Development

Prof. Ugo Panizza, Professor

Francesco Pisano, Director UN Library, Geneva

Prof. Jean-Jacques Roche, Professor at the Université Panthéon-Assas, France

Prof. Marco Sassoli, Ordinary Professor at the University of Geneva

Prof. Matthias Schulz, Professor at the University of Geneva

Amb. Walter Stevens, Head of EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva

Vincent Subilia, Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (CCIG)

Prof. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Prof. Peter L. H. Van den Bossche, Director of Studies of the World Trade Institute and Professor of International Economic Law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Bern, Switzerland

Scott Weber, President at Interpeace

Robert Weibel, CEO Founder of the Centre for European Negotiation and Decision-Making (CENAD)

Prof. Ramses Wessel, Professor and Head of the European Law Department at University of Groningen

Prof. Jan Wouters, KU Leven University

Dr. Müslüm Yilmaz, Counsellor in the Legal Affairs Division at WTO

Amb. Valentin Zellweger, Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Office of the United Nations in Nairobi.

This program has given me a better understanding and a more practical approach of handling issues at the global level. (Ndey Haddy, Diplomat, Gambia, MEIG graduate 2017)