The Geneva School of Diplomacy Mission Statement

The mission of the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations is to produce university graduates with (a) the best diplomatic skills in the world and (b) a strong humanitarian commitment. GSD aims, moreover, at making the academic journey toward this graduation point a learning experience of exceptional stimulation, elegance and unforgettable intellectual and social encounters.

By “diplomatic skills” GSD means the full panoply of abilities needed by professionals in the fields of government, politics, law, economics, journalism, international business, and humanitarian work. And by “the academic journey” we mean that time spent by students at GSD is also a highly attractive period, an end, in and of itself - quite apart from the achievement and fruits of eventual graduation.

Geneva School of Diplomacy is set in the Domaine de Penthes at Pregny-Geneva, a very beautiful campus in the heart of the most diplomatic neighbourhood on the planet. That neighbourhood is home to more than 190 international organizations - governmental and non-governmental. GSD students are regular visitors to one or another of these organizations. And every GSD student carries a card and pass to the next-door United Nations Library - one of the great libraries of the world in the field of international relations and law.

The mission and commitment of GSD is that its graduates contribute substantially to improving the state of world society - while building careers for themselves of high value and prestige. To this end, the faculty of GSD is second to none: professors are either renowned academics or are themselves serving diplomats. A number of ambassadors serving their countries in Geneva are regular teachers at the GSD university.

The mission of Geneva School of Diplomacy is, therefore, the cultivation of an enlightened self-interest among its students. While preparing solid careers for themselves, GSD students are taught that helping oneself and helping the less fortunate of the world are not mutually exclusive concepts. To pursue both goals is not only possible, but also needed and enriching.

GSD prepares leaders of the future - yet teaches its students (in accordance with the GSD motto, serviendo guberno) - that to govern is to serve. The ultimate aims of Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations are, therefore, the solid advancement of peace and human rights.