We are an initiative led by students from the MENA region at the Geneva Graduate Institute. We aim to share our vibrant cultures with fellow students and to engage on topics and issues that are important and relevant to us. But most importantly, we create a safe space that we can call home for those of us who are far away from families and friends.

The MENA Initiative organizes events such as film screenings, panel discussions, fundraisers, parties, and of course everyone’s favorite, our dinners and food sales. Our events aim to promote a more nuanced and authentic understanding of our region and its issues. They also aim to share different cultures of the region in the forms of language, food, music, and dance. We are also active in student advocacy at the institute where we try to push for more awareness and inclusion for marginalized people from our region.

Over the recent years, the MENA community has grown into a family where everyone is warmly welcomed. Through our engagement, we are shaping the Graduate Institute community into a more diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to doing so in the future. All in all, being part of the MENA initiative will be a rich and exciting part of your student experience at IHEID.