Switzerland

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (the HD Centre) is a private diplomacy organisation founded on the principles of humanity, impartiality and independence. Our mission is to help prevent, mitigate, and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation

The HD Centre is one of the world's leading organisations in the field of conflict mediation. Since 1999, it has been helping to prevent and resolve armed conflict, and to alleviate the suffering of those affected by violence. Independent and discreet, we work with our clients – parties to conflict – to assist them in their search for peace.

EPFL is Europe’s most cosmopolitan technical university. It receives students, professors and staff from over 120 nationalities. With both a Swiss and international calling, it is therefore guided by a constant wish to open up; its missions of teaching, research and partnership impact various circles: universities and engineering schools, developing and emerging countries, secondary schools and gymnasiums, industry and economy, political circles and the general public.

In 2004, with the encouragement of the Rectorate of the University of Geneva and in partnership with the Institute for Development Studies (IUED), the programme was radically transformed. The re-named Interdisciplinary Programme in Humanitarian Action (PIAH), offered several types of courses, including a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Humanitarian Action in collaboration with the ICRC and MSF Switzerland.

In 2008, the University of Geneva joined forces with the Graduate Institute (IHEID) to create the Geneva Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action (CERAH). Changes at the international level as well as in the academic and humanitarian fields led the Geneva university community to envisage a more ambitious role for CERAH in the years to come. This new phase in CERAH's history will see a wider range of post-graduate qualifications and the development of a research portfolio.

The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes – and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. 

A student platform at the Graduate Institute Geneva focused on providing and academic forum for discussion and share of knowledge on the Middle East and North Africa Region.