Digital Policy Leadership Program

🌍✨ From November 14th to 15th, Professor Mariana Valente accompanied the 2024.01 and 2025.1 cohorts of the Digital Policy Leadership Program (DPLP) on an visit to international organizations in Geneva.

The DPLP is a semester-long exchange program between students from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and Insper, Brazil. Funded by the Lemann Foundation, its mission is to train the next generation of leaders in digital policy for both countries.

During the visit, students got a firsthand look at the international ecosystem driving conversations on digital trade, intellectual property, and other key issues.

📍 Day 1

• A visit to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) kicked things off with a presentation into its efforts to protect innovators’ and creators’ ideas across borders.
• Over lunch with Marcelo Daher, Human Rights Officer for Freedom of Expression at the OHCHR, students explored the UN system and the impact of information integrity on human rights.
• At the DiploFoundation, Marilia Maciel, Head of Digital Commerce and Internet Policy, shared an overview of Geneva’s vibrant digital policy scene and ongoing global negotiations.
• The day wrapped up at the Brazilian Mission to the WTO, where Minister-Counselor Erika Watanabe Patriota and Brazilian diplomats shared their perspectives on Brazil’s position in discussions about digital governance.

📍 Day 2

• At UNCTAD, students had the chance to meet Alexander Riveros, Chief of the Director’s Office for the Division on Technology and Logistics, and economist Laura Cyron. Students learned how UNCTAD helps developing countries harness technology for inclusive and sustainable growth and got to chat directly with the experts behind the 2024 Digital Economy Report.
• The visit ended with a guided tour of the iconic Palais des Nations, led by Mazin Khan from UNITAR, giving students a glimpse into Geneva’s rich diplomatic history.

Applications are now open for the DPLP Fall 2025 for HSG students!

The deadline for submissions is 12 December 2024, at 16:00 (CET).

🌐 For further information, please visit the program’s webpage.