Geneva course on drug policy, public health, and diplomacy 2026
When: 19–21 October 2026, with optional site visits on 22 October
Where: Campus Biotech, 9 chemin des Mines, Geneva / Online
Deadline for application is 10 September 2026
Since the adoption of the international drug control framework sixty years ago, drug production, demand and use have increased reaching record highs every year, despite fierce prohibition law enforcement. In the last ten years, more and more countries have started reviewing their approach to drugs while the international multilateral system has recognized the need to integrate drug policy with sustainable development objectives. Throughout this three-day immersive course, you will become familiar with the ongoing international debates on drug policy reform and examine how it closely relates to public health and human rights.
The course is highly participatory, drawing on the national and international experiences of participants. It includes lectures, case studies and working groups. A negotiation simulation exercise will complement the learning experience.
Objectives
- Understand the health, human rights-related, diplomatic and political issues around drug policies and drug policy reform
- Become acquainted with the international drug control system and the institutional and governance structures of international drug control
- Become familiar with diplomatic negotiations
- Debate the current challenges for drug policy reform at regional and international levels
Audience
- Government representatives from ministries of health, foreign affairs, justice, interior and drug control agencies;
- Representatives from international and regional institutions;
- Parliamentarians;
- Representatives from non-governmental organizations;
- Health attachés and diplomats with a portfolio linked to health, drug policy and human rights;
- Professionals in academia;
- Professionals from private sector.
Programme
- Day 1 | 19 October - Drugs, drug use and the international drug control regime
- Day 2 | 20 October - Drug policies, UN and multilateral diplomacy
- Day 3 | 21 October - Drug policy, health and human rights
- Day 4 | optional - Site visits
Application
On-line application including a short CV and a cover letter. Applications will be reviewed by the steering committee. Candidates will be informed by e-mail.
For educational reasons, the number of participants will not exceed 30.
Fees
- CHF 800.- On-line participation
- CHF 1’400.- Full in-presence course
- CHF 1’600.- Full in-presence course and pre-arranged site visits on day 4
- CHF 1’700.- Full in-presence course with supervision of written and evaluated paper | Micro-certification
A limited number of scholarships (full or waivers) will be available. Contact Kamila.Guseinova@unige.ch for more details.