As part of the course "Recht und Praxis Internationaler Orgqanisationen und die Rolle Österreichs" held by Prof. Ambassador Dr. Helmut Tichy, LL.M. the students were given the extraordinary opportunity of an excursion to Geneva to experience international organisations and diplomacy up close.
The excursion programme included lectures and insights behind the scenes of the most renowned organisations, such as the WTO, the ICRC, the UNHCR and even a guided tour of the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. We were able to share our programme with colleagues from the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna. In addition to the numerous lectures and programme items, it was extremely interesting to get to know our colleagues better and to hear their testimonials from around the world.
The group of students was generously received by the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations of Ambassador MMag.a Dr.in Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, who even spontaneously gave us the unique opportunity to be present live at a session of the Human Rights Council on the current war in Ukraine. Sitting in a United Nations hall while the most important diplomatic representatives from all over the world were meeting and discussing next to us was an unforgettable experience for all of us.
But the hospitality of the Permanent Representative of Austria Bot. MMag.a Dr.in Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger did not end there, because as the crowning glory of the excursion we were invited to an evening reception in the beautiful residence of the Permanent Representative. There we were able to listen to lectures by employees of various UN offices and later even meet them in person, along with appetisers and drinks!
For all students, this two-day excursion to Geneva was a great opportunity to get up-close and personal insights into diplomacy. Many thanks to Univ. Prof. Bot. Dr. Helmut TICHY, LL.M and his wife the Permanent Representative Bot. MMag.a Dr.in Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger for making this experience possible, and special thanks to Mag. Wimberger for the great organisation and support on site - it was an unforgettable experience for all participants!