Center for Global Affairs

UN IN GENEVA STUDY PROGRAM

June 18-25, 2011
GLOB1-CE9997/$2,595 (airfare not included)

Geneva is the European headquarters of the United Nations, the primary seat of several of its specialized and affiliated agencies, and the center of many of its global responsibilities. This unique study tour places you in the historic Palais des Nations, the original home of the League of Nations, now the hub of international activity, and the setting for hundreds of year-round meetings and conferences. There, you meet and are briefed by senior UN officials, diplomats, key representatives of governments, and non-governmental organizations on such topics as human rights, refugees, peace and security, world health, world trade, development, HIV/AIDS, women and children, international, labor issues, and humanitarian assistance.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Early application deadline is Tuesday, March 1st, with full payment due by April 1st if accepted. Detailed registration instructions will be sent to you upon acceptance.

SITE INFORMATION
Most of the meetings are held in the historic Palais des Nations, which was the headquarters of the former League of Nations. The Palais is beautifully situated in the midst of Ariana Park with acres of gardens, sculptures and views of Lake Geneva and the Alps in the distance. You also have the opportunity to wander the halls of the Palais.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES*

• Visit the library with its exhibits of historic documents and photographs
• Attend sessions that are in progress
• Browse in the bookstore and gift shops
• Enjoy a hot or cold lunch at the UN staff cafeteria, where food is very reasonably priced

Off-site visits & activities may include (final itinerary TBA):

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Permanent Missions of UN Member States and intergovernmental organizations at Geneva

Other Activities & Events:

• Sightseeing walking tour of historic Geneva whose foundations date to ancient Roman times
• Three dinners with your faculty escort, including a farewell dinner

*A Note About Walking: There is a significant amount of walking involved as most sites are within walking distance from each other. If you are not comfortable walking, we will assist with arranging taxis for you at your expense.  In cases when sites are not within walking distance, travel will be arranged by the Center for Global Affairs.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL
This program is designed for those preparing for positions in international agencies, non-governmental organizations, media, advocacy, relief assistance, students, teachers, and others whose personal and professional interests are global.

FACULTY
Accompanying the group are two experienced senior UN officials who lead briefing sessions, provide insight into the workings of the world organization, and serve as liaison between participants and the international community in Geneva.

• At the United Nations Dr. Jacques Fomerand followed economic and social questions in the Office of the Under-Secretary General of the former Department for International Economic and Social Affairs (DIESA). He was Chief of the Inter-Organizational Co-operation Section of DIESA when he joined the United Nations University in 1992.From 1992 to June 2003 when he retired from United Nations service, he was Director of the United Nations University Office in North America. In this capacity, he endeavored to strengthen the University's links with the Member States of the United Nations, the United Nations and its system of organizations and the international North American scholarly community. He participated actively in the creation of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) and played a leading role in the creation of its journal, Global Governance, which is co-sponsored by the United Nations University and Lynne Rienner Publishers. Dr. Fomerand studied law and graduated in political science from the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Aix en Provence. He completed his graduate studies at the City University of New York where he earned a Ph.D degree in political science with a specialization in comparative government and international organization.  Prior to his joining the United Nations in 1977, Dr. Fomerand taught at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Aix-en-Provence, Brooklyn College, City College and Queens College of the City University of New York and the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Fomerand has widely published on matters related to multilateralism and the United Nations, human rights and North-South issues,. His latest work is a Dictionary of the United Nations published by Scarecrow Publishers in 2007. He is currently completing a study of the Practice of Human Rights.
  
• John Renninger retired from the UN Secretariat in 2005 after 30 years of service. He is now an international consultant and lecturer. Beginning in 1992, Dr. Renninger occupied senior positions in the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA), where he was the senior American. His last two positions were Director, Americas and Europe Division (2003-2005) and Director, Asia and Pacific Division (2001-2003). In these positions he provided political advice and helped shape the diplomatic initiatives of the Secretary-General, particularly regarding early warning, preventive action and peacemaking. He represented the United Nations at many meetings of other intergovernmental organizations, including the European Union, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. At UN headquarters he was intimately involved with the transition to independence in South Africa, where he served as an election monitor. He also helped plan the consultation leading to the independence of East Timor and played a key role in designing the UN mission dispatched to Afghanistan following the overthrow of the Taliban regime. From 1989 to 1992, he worked in the fields of inter-agency coordination and economic affairs. From 1974 to 1989 he was at UNITAR, eventually becoming Senior Advisor to the Executive Director for Research. In this position he had many contacts with the academic world and authored various books, monographs, and articles concerning UN issues. Dr. Renninger attended Northwestern University (BA, political science), The George Washington University (MA. International Affairs) and the University of Pittsburgh (PH.D., International Affairs). From 1969 to 1971 he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Accommodation at the Eden Hotel, based on double occupancy for 7 nights
• Buffet breakfasts daily
• All meetings, briefings, lectures and study materials in Geneva
• Three dinners
• Escorted walking tour of historic Geneva
• Guided tour of the Palais des Nations
• Pre-departure information including recommended readings, brochures, advisories and other materials
• Orientation Sessions in Geneva

PROGRAM NOTES
The program begins officially on Saturday, June 18th, so please bear in mind that you will need to leave the U.S. the night before, on Friday, June 17th, and arrive in Geneva early afternoon on Saturday so that you can attend the first of two important briefing sessions. The program ends on Saturday morning, June 25th. You have the option to extend your stay prior to or after the program ends, but will need to make your own arrangements with the hotel well in advance of arrival.

This course may be applied as an elective towards the Certificate in Global Affairs.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
To give you flexibility, we have NOT included airfare in the cost of the program as you may have frequent travel mileage or access to economical fares. Several airlines fly to Geneva directly or via European capitals. Before you commit to paying for your airline ticket, please check with us about the status of your application. The airport in Geneva is close to the hotel. Taxis are plentiful and reasonable.

Documents: For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is required. Be sure that it is up-to-date. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with the Swiss Consulate for your required documentation.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Available soon.

Registration is by approved application only. Early application deadline is Tuesday, March 1st, with full payment due by April 1st if accepted. Detailed registration instructions will be sent to you upon acceptance.

• The UN in Geneva Study Program is available by competitive application to all adults (18 years or older) who wish to participate on a non-credit basis. Simply click "Apply Now" to begin the application process. Please note: the application must be completed once it has been started. You should set aside 20-30 minutes to complete the application, as it includes an informal essay question.
• The cost is $2,595.00 for a shared room. (Single rooms are available on a limited basis for an additional $350.)
• Those currently working toward the SCPS Certificate in Global Affairs may count the UN in Geneva program towards one of the four required electives for the certificate. If you wish to avail yourself of this option, check the appropriate box during online registration.

Available Space: This program fills quickly, so be sure to apply as soon as possible for this unique study & travel experience!

Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations received on or after May 1, 2011 will be subject to full forfeiture of the entire program cost. Cancellations must be made in writing. To protect yourself, we recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Call the Center for Global Affairs at (212) 992-8380, or e-mail scps.global.affairs@nyu.edu for more information.