Understanding Global Governance 2015
Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had this opportunity...
This summer I had the privilege to be selected to participate in an exchange between the University of Geneva and my own, King’s College London. As a result, I spent twenty marvellous days at the heart of the international community, trying to grasp what Global Governance is all about. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had this opportunity. Through my participation in the Geneva Summer Schools, not only was I able to discover a city that was new to me, but I was also acquainted with some of the most motivated, open-minded, and proactive people I know. Not to mention the fact that we were taught by lecturers coming from all corners of the world. In fact, I especially appreciated the truly global focus of this course, which enabled us to achieve a better understanding of contemporary geopolitical issues. Considering how Eurocentric my academic experience has been at times, it was very refreshing and eye-opening to see the bigger picture.
Each lecturer provided us with their own puzzle piece, according to their area of expertise. Every so-called ‘hot topic' was discussed in this way - from the Eurozone crisis to the ‘New World Order’ thesis, the War on Terror, and the worrying environmental deadlock. We especially focused on the vital role played by international organisations in the context of an increasingly interconnected world. Undoubtedly, Geneva constitutes an ideal atmosphere in which to study these institutions, which are ever so present in this small yet truly cosmopolitan city.
Being in Geneva, we were able to visit many of these organisations, and talk to those passionate individuals who work hard everyday to promote understanding and peaceful cooperation at the global level. The UN, the International Organisation for Migration, the World Health Organisation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the European Organisation for Nuclear Research were just a few of the institutions we visited. All along the way, we were encouraged to ask questions and speak our minds. All in all, the knowledge and the impressions that we took with us are invaluable. If, like me, you wish to know more about how the world works and, more importantly, how you can contribute towards making the world a better place, the Geneva Summer Schools are a perfect starting-point. Personally, I am definitely coming back.
