Webster Geneva Campus Celebrates 30 Years of the International Humanitarian Conference
January 29, 2026
On Nov. 25, 2025, Webster Geneva Campus proudly celebrated 30 years of the International Humanitarian Conference (IHSC), marking three decades of research, dialogue and commitment to humanitarian engagement.
Since its founding, the IHSC has served as a key platform for students, academics, practitioners and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions on global humanitarian issues. This year’s conference continued that legacy, bringing together diverse perspectives to address some of today’s most pressing global challenges.
“What makes this conference particularly special is its relevance over the past 30 years. We bring together Webster students from all our international locations, as well as high school students from the Swiss area. At its core, humanitarianism is a universal principle — it doesn’t matter what nationality, geography or culture you come from. The idea of a global civil society is to unite like-minded individuals for the greater good of society,” said Ryan Guffey, PhD, Executive Vice President of Webster International.
A Focus on Global Governance and Contemporary Challenges
The 30th anniversary conference titled “The New World (Dis)order: Global Governance, Institutions and Norms in an Age of Uncertainty,” placed global governance at the center of its inquiry, examining how geopolitical fragmentation, technological acceleration and shifting norms are reshaping the humanitarian and security landscape. Across four thematic sessions, discussions addressed U.S.-China technological competition, cybersecurity governance, the role of AI and innovation in humanitarian action, CE1 and the contemporary relevance of international humanitarian law. Keynote interventions and expert panels brought together voices from international organizations, academia and policy to critically assess how institutions and norms can adapt to an increasingly volatile global order.
A Platform for Dialogue, Research and Engagement
As with previous conferences, the IHSC reinforced Webster Geneva Campus’ commitment to fostering critical thinking, global understanding and academic excellence. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with experts, ask questions and deepen their understanding of humanitarian issues beyond the classroom.
Over the past 30 years, the conference has become a cornerstone of the University’s academic and humanitarian mission, bridging theory and practice while encouraging informed global citizenship.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, Webster Geneva Campus remains committed to advancing dialogue, research and humanitarian engagement for years to come. The 30th IHSC stands as a testament to the power of sustained academic inquiry and global collaboration.
Together, we continue to advance dialogue, research and global understanding.