Over 70 alumni and friends attended the event hosted by Ambassador Manuel Sager on January 31st 2012 in presence of Graduate Institute Director Philippe Burrin.

The topic was “Crises in the Horn of Africa: Failed States, New States, and the Role of the International Community?” The presentations covered the humanitarian, political/strategic and economic dimensions of the ongoing crises affecting over 100 million people.

Following welcoming remarks by Christoph Ebell, Head of Science, Technology and Higher Education at the Embassy, an introduction to the evening was provided by Steering Committee Member (SCM) Sherry Stephenson of the OAS. She gave an overview of the activities of the Chapter during the past year, highlighting the growing membership (around 200 at present) and drawing particular attention to the success of the Chapter’s third scholarship for a first-year doctoral candidate at the Institute.

Alumna Corinne Deléchat, SCM and a Deputy Division Chief at the IMF, ably chaired the panel. Alumnus Arthur Gene Dewey former Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, used his long experience in dealing with humanitarian and human rights issues during the crises in the Horn of Africa. He highlighted some examples of best practices that could usefully be applied in the current crises. Alumnus Robert C. McFarlane, former National Security Advisor, spoke on political, governance and institutional aspects of the new state of South Sudan ”How does one go about building a modern multicultural state in a place that has seen decades of tribal divisions and civil war?” he asked. Jean-Louis Arcand, Professor of International Economics and Chair of Development Studies at the Graduate Institute, spoke on the economic aspects of countries in the Horn of Africa and of failed states in general. The panel was rounded out by Guillaume Scheurer, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy, who provided a Swiss perspective on the issue.

The audience included diverse alumni and friends of the Graduate Institute, including Mrs Diana Spencer, daughter of Mrs Kathryn Davis who has generously donated substantial sums for scholarships and the construction of the “Maison de la Paix”. The evening concluded at the Ambassador’s residence, where all participants enjoyed the very fine Swiss culinary delicacies.

The full text about the event is available here.
 

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