Public Health: Drugs, Health, Policy and Power: University of Geneva

The University of Geneva (UNIGE), in collaboration with the Global Commission on Drug Policy, offers the intensive summer school: “Drugs, Health, Policy and Power.” Scheduled for June 22 – 26, 2026, this program is situated in the world’s humanitarian capital, providing students with unparalleled access to the UN agencies and NGOs that shape global discourse. The course challenges traditional “War on Drugs” narratives, instead exploring a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes public health and social justice. While the university provides elite academic instruction, access to the Geneva Graduate Institute, and 3 ECTS credits, Edulux Summer manages the high-end logistics and travel services required for your residency in Switzerland.

What You’ll Learn (at University of Geneva)

• The Global Drug Control System: Investigating the history and evolution of the UN drug conventions and the tension between prohibitionist policies and human rights obligations.

• Harm Reduction Strategies: Mastering the evidence-based public health interventions—such as needle exchange programs and supervised injection sites—that have defined the “Swiss Model” of drug policy.

• Human Rights & Social Justice: Analyzing the disproportionate impact of drug laws on marginalized communities and exploring the legal pathways to decriminalization and regulation.

• The Political Economy of Drugs: Understanding the “Power” element—how illicit markets interact with global finance, state stability, and international development.

• Access to Controlled Medicines: Exploring the “Global Pain Crisis” and the regulatory barriers that prevent millions from accessing essential palliative care and pain relief.

• Policy Evaluation & Reform: Developing the analytical tools to measure the success of drug policies beyond simple seizure statistics, focusing instead on health and safety indicators.

• The Role of International Organizations: Engaging with representatives from the WHO, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund to understand how health-led policy is negotiated on the world stage.

Our Travel & Experience Services

We manage the journey and the sophisticated “Jet d’Eau” lifestyle so you can focus on the complexities of global governance:

• Cultural & Exploration Tours: Curated excursions including a VIP tour of the Palais des Nations (UN Headquarters), a private guided walk through the Old Town (Vieille Ville), and a sunset cruise on Lake Geneva. You will also have the opportunity for a weekend trip to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for breathtaking Alpine views.

• Ticketing & Flights: Full management of your round-trip airfare and international travel itinerary into Geneva Airport (GVA) with premium private transfers to your residence.

• Guaranteed Housing: Vetted boutique living arrangements or high-end studio apartments in the Pâquis or Eaux-Vives districts, offering Swiss luxury and proximity to the University’s Uni Mail campus.

• Visa & Insurance: Professional guidance on Swiss/Schengen entry requirements and comprehensive travel health coverage for the duration of the summer school.

• Local Transfers: Seamless arrival pickup via private car and a Geneva Transport Card for unlimited use of the city’s world-class “Mouettes” (water taxis), trams, and buses.

University of Geneva: Public Health: Drugs, Health, Policy and Power