Presentation

The GIDD began, as early as 2004, an annual study session, held every summer. In 2006, special seminars addressed to university teachers and researchers were added to the annual study session. Since its creation, the study sessions have brought together more than 200 participants from around the world.

Since 2011, a number of external training sessions on specific themes have also taken place in different countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Burundi, Chad, Hungary, Indonesia, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Spain, Ukraine and Yemen, usually in collaboration with local institutions or organisations.

Objective

The session allows about a hundred participants from nearly twenty countries both to enhance and perfect their academic knowledge and to be confronted with the reality of diverse experiences.

Who it's for

The three week programme, held every July, is intended in particular for:

  • Students with an advanced level in law, political sciences, or human or social sciences
  • Professors and researchers
  • Members of the legal profession or other professions dealing with human rights issues
  • National and international civil servants
  • Members of non-governmental organisations

FormatIn person, Geneva
LanguageEnglish
GIDD / PROGRAMME · 2026 theme

"The retreat of foreign aid and the future of human rights protection: a global stocktake amid falling development funding."

Archive

Themes of previous study sessions

Session themes from a first look at post-conflict Liberia in 2004 to today's questions on democratic backsliding and the retreat of foreign aid.

2004The role of civil society in promoting democratic governance in post-conflict countries: a case study of Liberia
2005Strengthening democratic institutions in Central Asia: challenges and opportunities
2006Challenges and opportunities for gender equality in the context of sustainable development: lessons from Latin America
2007Strengthening human rights protection in conflict zones: a comparative analysis of international and national legal frameworks
2008The impact of climate change on human rights: a legal and policy analysis
2009Strengthening electoral systems to promote democracy: lessons learned from Afghanistan
2010Promoting human rights and peace through community based development projects: a case study of post-conflict Sri Lanka
2011Exploring the intersection of peacebuilding and sustainable development: lessons from post-genocide Rwanda
2012The role of media in promoting democratic participation and accountability: case studies from Eastern Europe
2013Human rights, conflict and resource extraction: a case study of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
2014The impact of trade liberalization on human rights and sustainable development in Southeast Asia
2015Building inclusive and sustainable communities through urban planning and development: a comparative analysis of African cities
2016Challenges and opportunities for inclusive governance in the age of digital transformation: a comparative analysis of Nordic countries
2017Youth engagement for sustainable development and peace: lessons from the Middle East and North Africa
2018Combatting human trafficking in conflict zones: strategies for promoting peace and justice
2019The impact of international aid on human rights and sustainable development: a case study of Haiti
2020COVID-19 and the sustainable development agenda: addressing the impact on marginalized communities and promoting equitable recovery
2021Promoting democratic participation and human rights through online activism: a comparative analysis of East Asian countries
2022The role of local governments in promoting sustainable development and peace: a case study of the Balkans
2023Local and global economic impacts of the war in Ukraine
2024Global governance in crisis: exploring the intersection of democracy, development and security in the 21st century, with a focus on Europe and beyond
2025Democratic backsliding and shrinking civic space: a comparative analysis of disinformation-era elections in Europe and the Americas
2026The retreat of foreign aid and the future of human rights protection: a global stocktake amid falling development funding