Why do countries choose federalism as a mode of state organization? Why does federalism pop up on the radar of many countries in conflict and coming out of conflict? Where do concepts of decentralization, devolution, deconcentration feature in federal discussions? Why do secessionist groups demand federalism? Where role does human rights play in federations? These and other topics were discussed and debated at the 28th edition of the Summer University on Federalism, Decentralisation and Conflict Resolution which took place in Fribourg, Switzerland From 27 August to 12th September.

With participants from over 21 countries and representing most geographic regions of the world, the Summer University 2018 was a truly international experience. Lecturers were invited from Europe and Africa, sessions were of an interdisciplinary nature, with lawyers, political scientists and business psychologists leading the sessions. Ms. Yvonne Heiter and Mr. Nicolas Chardonnens were responsible for the administration and organization of the Summer University.

Week 1 was devoted to understanding the concept of a state, an introduction to theories of federalism, a case study on Swiss federalism, why federalism is seen by many as a possible solution to internal conflicts and on mediation as a mechanism of resolving armed conflicts. The lecturers in Week 1 were Prof. Eva Maria Belser (University of Fribourg), Dr. Rekha Oleschak- Pillai, (University of Fribourg) and Dr. Julian Hottinger (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs). Week 1 included a panel discussion on federalism and the society, panelists were Prof. Amir Dziri (Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Fribourg), Prof. Pahud de Mortanges (Prof. of Law, University of Fribourg), Dr. Andrea Egbuna- Joss (Swiss Competence Centre for Human Rights), Prof. Siegfried Weichlein (Professor of History, University of Fribourg). Week 1 also included a guided tour of the city of Fribourg with Dr. Bernhard Altermatt, historian and political scientist on the bilingual nature of Fribourg.

Week 2 was devoted to case studies and mechanisms and tools of conflict resolution. Week 2 started off with a lecture by Prof. Evelyne Schmid (University of Lausanne) on the role and reception of international law in multilevel governance. Prof. Peter Hänni (em. Prof. of law, University of Fribourg) held a session on fiscal federalism. This was followed by a lecture by Dr. Natia Kalandarishvili on Self-Determination in international law. Week 2 included a trip to the Federal Parliament in Bern and a team building exercise, where the participants wholeheartedly pushed their limits to find consensus and the federal spirit by building a tower. Dr. Anna Katrin Heydenreich (Lecturer, Organisational Psychology, University of St.Gallen) held a session on multi-stakeholder approaches to conflict resolution. The Horn of Africa (Ethiopia and South Sudan) was presented as a case study by Dr. Mengistu Arefaine. The final session of the week was directed by Dr. Andrea Iff, (Swiss Development Cooperation) on conflict resolution which was designed as an interactive session. Week 2 ended with a trip to a cheese factory, the castle of Gruyéres and a chocolate factory.

Week 3 was led by Prof. Nico Steytler (Dullah Omar Institute, University of Western Cape), who presented on South Africa and Yemen. Two afternoons were devoted to negotiation sessions on conflict resolution on a fictitious case study, where participants had to take up several roles and had to find solutions. The Summer University closed on Wednesday 12th of September with the final examination, a diploma ceremony and farewell dinner.

The Summer University was a very intensive, exciting and enriching experience for the organisers, the participants and lecturers, we look forward to the next Summer University, to be held in 2020.