PMP study tour: a journey through justice and diplomacy for USI students

Earlier this semester, first-year students of the Master in Public Management and Policy at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) had the opportunity to take part in a two-day study tour alongside their colleagues from the PMP network at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the University of Bern (UNIBE). The initiative provided participants with direct access to key Swiss and international institutions and the valuable opportunity to explore crucial topics in public management, governance, and international diplomacy. This was achieved by effectively combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience in the field.

On the first day, members of the USI delegation met their counterparts from UNIL and UNIBE during an official visit to the Swiss Federal Court. This was a visit marked by the role of la Svizzera italiana. The students were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Federica de Rossa, a federal judge and PMP lecturer at USI; Prof. Dr. Dominique Hänni, secretary of the first Court and PMP lecturer at IDHEAP and USI; and Dr. Lorenzo Eggloff, deputy Secretary general of the Court. "It was an incredible opportunity, not only to grasp the legal operations of the Court but also to understand the less visible—yet equally crucial—aspects of its organisational management," explains Professor Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, Co-Director of the PMP Master's programme, who organised and accompanied the group during the tour.

The following day, USI students, accompanied by a selected group of UNIL and UNIBE, visited the American Embassy in Bern. After passing through the high-level security usual in such institutions, the students met with Yuriy Fedkiw, the Deputy Chief of Mission. During their meeting, they discussed the political transition process in the United States and - one of the unique aspects of US diplomatic representation - where the ambassador is appointed politically rather than being a career diplomat. "The new Swiss ambassador will be appointed shortly," explains Prof. Villeneuve, "this was also an opportunity to learn more about how diplomacy works between the two countries, especially the Bons Offices provided by Switzerland to the US in their relations with countries such as Iran."

The study tour was more than just an academic activity for the students from the three participating universities; it provided a valuable opportunity to experience the complexities of public institutions firsthand. This experience helped build connections within the PMP network and allowed students to engage directly with high-level professionals and representatives. By strengthening the link between training and real-world institutional practices, the PMP Master's programme continues to foster a dynamic and practice-oriented learning environment. This approach equips future public managers and professionals with the skills and curiosity needed to tackle present and future challenges effectively.