Academic Program

Academic Program

Academic program of the Summer Peace University is an intensive and interdisciplinary academic experience designed to provide participants with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of global challenges and acquire the skills necessary to become effective leaders in the field of peace and international cooperation.

The program is structured around a series of thematic modules covering a wide range of topics, including:

  1. Theories of Peace and Nonviolence: In-depth exploration of key theories and approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
  2. Diplomacy and Negotiation: Study of diplomatic strategies and negotiation techniques useful for promoting international cooperation and resolving disputes peacefully.
  3. Sustainable Development and Social Justice: Exploration of challenges related to sustainable development, social equity, and inclusion, with a focus on promoting a more equitable and sustainable world.
  4. Intercultural Mediation and Interreligious Dialogue: Deep dive into the dynamics of intercultural mediation and interreligious dialogue as tools to foster mutual understanding and social cohesion.
  5. Leadership for Peace: Development of leadership skills necessary to lead peace initiatives and international cooperation in complex and multicultural contexts.

The academic program of the Summer Peace University includes lectures, interactive workshops, practical case simulations, laboratory sessions, and group activities, offering participants a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Students will have the opportunity to interact with expert faculty in the field of peace and international cooperation, as well as collaborate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities.

WEEK 1: GEOPOLITICS AND THE FUTURE

Oct 21/25, 2024

Monday 21 – Introduction to the Master and Presentation of the Participants
  • Key Concepts of International Cooperation
  • Lessons on the Fundamentals of Peace and Conflict
  • The Role of Future Leaders in Promoting Peace
Tuesday 22 – Current Geopolitical Situation and Future Scenarios
  • Discussion on Possible Future Scenarios based on Current Trends, included Potential Conflicts and Opportunities for Cooperation.
  • Analysis of the main global players, their relationships and current geopolitical tensions.
Wednesday 23 –  Crisis of Democracies and the Role of the Media in the New Matrix
  • Examination of the Challenges Democracies Face Globally, including Erosion of Civil Rights and the Rise of Autocracy.
  • Political context: Tensions and polarizations that threaten the stability of democracies.
  • Social implications: Role of the media in influencing public opinion and trust in the democratic process.
  • Media economics: Financial dynamics between traditional newspapers and platforms online.
  • Regulation: Challenges in regulating the media to preserve freedom of expression and counter disinformation.
  • Analysis of the main global players, their relationships and current geopolitical tensions.
Thursday 24 – The role of new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity
  • Exploring the Growing Role of AI in Society, including Ethical, Social and Political Implications
  • Technological Innovation: the impact of new technologies on society.
  • Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI): how AI is changing work and life privacy.
  • Future with Advanced Technologies: the long-term implications on our lives.
  • Ethics and Digital Regulation: the ethical challenges and the need for regulations for responsible use of technologies.
  • The current of thought of “Transhumanism”.
Friday 25 – TED Talk on Wars of Religion
  • Presentation of experts on conflicts related to religion, current and past.
Activity

Diplomatic Escape Room – Students will participate in an Escape Game

Practice

Room based on Real Geopolitical Scenarios to Solve Puzzles and Deal with Crises.

WEEK 2: ECONOMY AND INEQUALITIES

Oct 28/nov 01, 2024

Monday 28 – Global Geopolitics of Energy
  • Key Concepts of International Cooperation
  • Lessons on the Fundamentals of Peace and Conflict
  • The Role of Future Leaders in Promoting Peace
Tuesday 29 – Current Geopolitical Situation and Future Scenarios
  • Discussion on possible future scenarios based on current trends, included potential conflicts and opportunities for cooperation.
  • Analysis of the main global players, their relationships and current geopolitical tensions.
Tuesday 29 – European Union system and global political and commercial relations
  • Exploring the Role of the EU in Global Trade and Political Relations.
  • Structure of the EU: Institutions and main roles.
  • EU policies: Priority sectors and strategies.
  • Global political relations: Diplomacy and cooperation with other nations.
  • Global trade relations: Trade agreements and trade policies external.
Wednesday 30 – The future of the global economy and wealth inequalitiesre of Humanity
  • Exploring the Growing Role of AI in Society, including Ethical, Social and Political Implications
  • Technological Innovation: the impact of new technologies on society.
  • Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI): how AI is changing work and life privacy.
  • Future with Advanced Technologies: the long-term implications on our lives.
  • Ethics and Digital Regulation: the ethical challenges and the need for regulations for responsible use of technologies.
  • The current of thought of “Transhumanism”.
Thursday 31 – Economic Models: The Economics of Happiness
  • Fundamental concept: Happiness economics focuses on subjective well-being and quality of life as crucial indicators of economic success, going beyond the traditional focus on
  • income and production.
  • Measuring well-being: quantifying happiness through indicators conventional and the use of measurement methodologies.
  • Public policies: planning of public policies, guiding them
  • government interventions towards improving general well-being rather than exclusively economic growth.
  • Criticisms and challenges: the difficulty of translating these concepts into concrete policies and the need to balance individual well-being with more traditional economic objectives.
Friday 01 – TED Talk on Global Goals For Sustainable Development (SDGs)
  • Presentation of Experts on the SDGs and their Role in Sustainable Development.
Activity

Mindfulness Experiences for Peace – A Guided Mindfulness Session with a Focus on

Practice

Visualizations to Promote Global Peace and Empathy

WEEK 3: CLIMATE CHANGE, JUSTICE AND CORRUPTION

nov 04/08, 2024

Monday 04 – The problem of global climate change and possible solutions
  • Examination of the causes of climate change and strategies to mitigate it.
  • Understanding the problem: scientific analysis of climate change, causes and consequences on our planet.
  • Socioeconomic impact: discussion on the impact of climate change on society and the global economy.
  • Role of technology: exploring emerging technologies that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
  • Political and social action: necessary policies and involvement of civil society to effectively address climate change.
Tuesday 05 –  Accessible Education and Global Citizenship for a Sustainable Future
  • Role of education in the promotion of global citizenship.
  • Importance of access to education to fight poverty and promote equality.
  • World citizenship: discussion on the role of education in promotion of global citizenship.
  • Sustainability: reflection on how education can contribute to a future sustainable.
Wednesday 06 – Ethics and Morality in Contemporary Leadership
  • Importance of Ethics and Morals in the Promotion of Peace and Harmony Social.
  • Vision and Values: Clear definition of the ethical and moral values that guide actions of contemporary leaders.
  • Integrity and Responsibility: Commitment to impeccable ethical and moral behavior, taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
  • Inclusion and Diversity: Promotion of ethical leadership that respects and values diversity and inclusion, creating fair and just work environments.
Thursday 07 – Corruption and Its Implications for Society
  • Definition and nature of corruption: the complexity of corruption as abuse of power for personal gain, involving illegal or ethically questionable practices.
  • Economic and social impact: obstacle to economic and social development,
  • generating inequalities, weakening public institutions and damaging citizens’ trust in government and institutions.
  • Consequences for justice and the legal system: how corruption undermines
  • the effectiveness of justice and the legal system, compromising impartiality, transparency and equal access to justice.
  • Counteracting and prevention strategies: measures and policies aimed at combating corruption, including supervisory systems, institutional reforms, ethical education and punishments for perpetrators.
Friday 25 – TED Talk on Justice and its Role in Society
  • Presentation of experts
Activity

Storytelling Laboratory – Storytelling Techniques and Narration Creation on Justice and Corruption issues.

Practice

Storytelling Games

WEEK 4: MIGRATION,RACISM ANDWORLD HUNGER

nov 11/15, 2024

Monday 11 – Migrations: Causes, Effects and Migration Policies
  • Discussion on Migration Policies at Global and National Level
  • Analysis of the Causes and Consequences of Migrations
Tuesday 12 – World Hunger: Causes and Possible Solutions
  • Causes of World Hunger: Extreme poverty, conflicts, climate change and socio-economic inequalities
  • Access to Food: Improving access to agricultural resources, food assistance and investments in rural infrastructure
  • Education and Sustainable Development: Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, reduction of food waste and adoption of sustainable development policies
  • International Collaboration: Cooperation between nations, investments in agricultural development in developing countries and financial support to address the structural causes of hunger
Wednesday 13 – Racism and Strategies to Fight It in Different Societies
  • Origins and forms of racism: the historical and cultural roots of racism and its current manifestations
  • Impact on communities: how racism affects mental health, the economic opportunities and the social integration of communities
  • Contrast strategies: policies and actions aimed at combating racism and promote equality
  • Cultural and global perspectives: the different cultural and global perspectives on racism and the strategies adopted in different sociocultural contexts
Thursday 24 – Drafting of the white document
  • Synthesis of knowledge and analysis of the knowledge acquired through the drafting of a white document.
  • This document will propose practical actions to address the topics covered by demonstrating their ability to apply the skills acquired
Friday 15 – Final Conference
  • Final Presentation of Student Projects.

Each Lesson Includes both Theoretical Components and Practical Activities, such as Negotiation Simulations, Role Playing and Case Study Analysis.

TED Talk Style Meetings will be held by Industry Experts or Thought Leaders.

The Master provides an in-depth understanding of global problems and the skills necessary to become effective leaders in the field of peace and international cooperation.