International Summer University on “Federalism, Decentralisation and Diversity” - 21st Edition

August 24 – September 11, 2009

"Division of Power and Democratic Governance in Multicultural Societies"

The Institute of Federalism (IFF) held its 21st International Summer University from 24 August to 11 September 2009 on the subject of „Federalism, Decentralisation and Diversity: Division of Power and Democratic Governance in Multicultural Societies“, under the guidance of Prof. Eva Maria Belser, director of the IFF's International Centre.

37 students from four continents were able to benefit from the knowledge of experts in the fields of administration, diplomacy, academics and practice. Topics included the basic concepts and principles of federalism, with focus on Switzerland, but also referring to Brazil, Madagascar and the Philippines; the challenges faced by multicultural societies, with focus on South Africa, India, the United States and Germany; multiculturalism, democracy and human rights, with focus on the Arab world.

Highlights included a lecture by Prof. Nicolaas Steytler from South Africa, an expert in constitutional law who helped draft his country's new Constitution. The Summer University broke new ground with contributions on the Arab world by guests from Jordan Syria and Sudan.

And, for the first time the course was open to students taking a Master’s degree at the University of Fribourg.

All the participants were asked to prepare a brief paper on aspects of dealing with diversity in their native countries. The best 10 will shortly be published on our web site.