This 5-day course will take place in-person at the Geneva Graduate Institute on 22-26 June 2026.

The Course will cover academic, policy and practitioner perspectives on international mediation. Participants will become familiar with the scholarly literature and relevant theories and develop skills in conflict analysis and strategic planning for peacemaking and mediation. They will have a rich opportunity to interact with senior mediators as well as their counterparts from a diverse range of countries.

This is a PhD level course. Preference will be given to students who are currently registered for a PhD or have recently completed a PhD. A limited number of places are available for practitioners with extensive experience.

Accreditation of the course for degree purposes is determined by the students’ own universities. There is no registration fee. Participants must cover the costs of their travel and accommodation.

The course leaders are Laurie Nathan (Professor of the Practice of Mediation and Director of the Mediation Program at the Kroc Institute) and Sara Hellmüller (Research Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding, Geneva Graduate Institute).

Applicants should submit a 1-2-page letter outlining their motivation for taking the course and providing the details of their PhD program, university and any practitioner experience.

Applications should be sent to ccdp@graduateinstitute.ch.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2026.