University of Geneva

Throughout those years, and bit by bit, a deeper urge grew on me towards the topics of Corporate Social Responsibility, Development Economics, and Sustainability. During a 3 months internship for the Permanent Mission of Greece at the WTO, I had the opportunity to take part in discussions related to trade barriers, subsidies, SMEs and their growth potential, technologies in developing countries and among all, follow up negotiations in international level and impact that got me inspired to a point that I wanted to pursue more. And there I fell onto the Master of Standardization, Social Regulation and Sustainable Development (STAREG). Geneva has gained a special place in my heart, broaden my horizons and unraveled new international paths for me. But most importantly, the door I am willing to open now with this Master.

Matteo AMEN

Laiba AMIR

Duygu ARSLANKILIÇ

After graduating from social work and completing my education in family counselling, I had a chance to work with NGOs in different regions.

Muhammad Farhan ARANDRA

Altynai ASAKEEVA

Natasa BECANOVIC

I applied for the STAREG programme due to a perceived need to broaden my understanding of the concepts of sustainability and standardization in order to put these elements into practice in my professional career going forward.

Academically, I have recently focused on the themes of conflict sensitivity, diplomacy and institutional capacity building. This has awoken my interest and desire to delve deeper into how countries can chart pathways towards development that do not have adverse impacts on economic, social, political or environmental conditions for the generations to come.

Sabrina BENAVIDES RODRIGUEZ

In 2019, I obtained a Bachelor degree in Arts of sociology from the University of Geneva. 

As I am naturally interested in the social aspect of the sustainability transition at both international and local level, pursuing my cursus within STAREG was clear to me as it gathers these concepts in one curriculum. For the sake of my master thesis, I plan to dig more into those elements, particularly in the effects of international sustainable initiatives on small communities, to spot the challenges around it and see what can we learn from that. 

Jesswin BERTSCH

I cultivate a strong interest in issues of sustainability, innovation and technologies that can empower communities.This curiosity led me to contribute to the creation of projects in the sanitary field in South India and Ethiopia through an association and then to do an internship in an NGO working on access to water in South-East Asia. These experiences reinforced my idea of applying for Stareg, which is unique in that it takes into account the social and economic aspects as well as standards in the notion of sustainability, making this master's degree all the more complete and relevant in today's world. As standardization is becoming increasingly important in the corporate world and in the international development branch, I hope to acquire real expertise in the field before continuing my career.

Malena BINDER DE SERDIO

Francis BOATENG

Manon Ana Maria BONJOUR

I have a strong interest in Sustainability, Climatic Change and social Inequalities. I am genuinely interested in developing my skills in those areas. Due to those topics, I chose to do a bachelor of geography and environment in the university of Geneva. By pursuing this Master I would open possibilities in the workfield related to these topics. I want to be able to have an impact during my career.

Andra BOSILCA

I am a graduate of the University of Calgary (B.A. in Political Science) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law) interested in working on sustainability issues at the intersection of global business and public policy. Sustainability issues require coordination between private entities, governments, and civil society organizations, and professionals well-versed in standard-setting and sustainability project management can have a real impact on business operations – particularly when it comes to energy transition and decarbonizing global supply chains.

Nicolas Cotte CABARCAS

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in  Economics in 2016 I  worked with the Colombian Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction Agency where I  participated  in the execution of disaster response actions and was deployed on the field in different regions of the country. Afterwards, I worked with an INGO (Danish Refugee Council) in a program delivering humanitarian assistance in Bogotá and its surroundings, to migrant population and their host communities. Taking part of this program will help me keep questioning how it is that we can contribute to build societies that promote care,  inclusion, and a wholesome relationship with the environment. 

Lei-Ming CAINE

I am from the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific and I graduated with a bachelors in Environmental Management. This master is interesting and relevant to me through its focus on sustainability as well as its emphasis on standardisation.  It would be an interesting addition to my current knowledge as well as explore new insights into how the world works. 

Arnaud CHATTON

My professional goal is to contribute to a more environmentally friendly world by increasing the responsibility of firms. Thus, I would like to work as a Sustainability Consulter or Complier and help the corporations of our world to respect all the standards needed and also to put in place real actions that would give the opportunity for human evolution to continue with respect for nature.

One of my best experiences at university was to coordinate the Sustainability Week of Geneva at UNIGE in collaboration with the Graduate Institute of Geneva.

Sarah DAILLY

Coming from a small village in the countryside of the most agricultural region of France, I developed an awareness from a young age of environmental degradation associated with intensive industrialised agricultural practices. This awareness progressively evolved into a strong interest in environmental issues in general and in turn, I decided to study politics and international relations at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I chose to pursue my studies at the University of Geneva, with the intention of strengthening my knowledge about the world's political economy in order to find solutions to reorganise our societies in a more environmental and socially sustainable way."

Leslie DE OLIVIERA GONCALVES

I have always had a particular interest in International affairs. After following a class on Global Health, my curiosity for sustainable development heightened. Upon finding out about STAREG, I knew it would be the perfect fit. The multidisciplinary approach gives me the opportunity to further my knowledge in the matter. Especially from an economic point of view. STAREG also offers a practical approach which is so important today for future professionals. I would like to pursue in the field of sustainable development and I am hopeful this Master's program will provide me with the necessary tools and experience to achieve my goals.

Anand DORJ

My interest in sustainability started while I was working for an engineering and construction company in Mongolia. We were building one of the world’s largest underground mining project and sustainability played a pivotal role in every aspect of the construction phase. Therefore, I decided to study more about sustainable development.

One of the main reasons that I chose SACHA is its core concept of sustainable development and its interdisciplinary study plan. The master’s program would equip me with the right skills and knowledge, and it would open up new opportunities especially with Intergovernmental Organizations.

Jaina Alix DUPERREX

My name is Jaina Duperrex. I am 22 years old and I am from Lausanne in Switzerland. I have done my bachelor’s degree in international relations at Geneva University (orientation in global studies). Last semester, I had the opportunity to do an exchange and study in Finland. In my free time, I enjoy spending time for association or organization which help other people. I also really enjoy travelling and discovering each other culture. I think everyone has so much to give and share with each other. I am really looking forward to start my master. It looks really interesting to me.  

Valentine DUPRAZ

Ai-Peri DZHUMASHALIEVA

In the final year of my Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights, I have produced a dissertation titled “Poverty Through Gender Lens: Evidence, Legal and Policy Review on Women and Poverty”, where I explored the interconnection between economic processes, international policies, and their effect on social and economic rights women. What I found that I was missing was skills on how to connect theory with practice. I am most eager to pursue a Master’s in Standardization, Social Regulation and Sustainable Development because of the program’s multidimensional approach to sustainability, decision-making and standards. I am excited about the next two years as me and my colleagues take our first steps to transform our current practices for the maximum benefit of our society. 

Poverty problem have always been my major concern, as I went through this during my childhood. I volunteered as teacher in China and in Indonesia, hoping to encourage local kids to get rid of poverty through education as I did. Yet later I realized individual influence is limited. Then I turned to believe that development would be the best way to eliminate poverty. Therefore I worked in the telecommunication infrastructure construction sector in Senegal, hoping to bring some changes through infrastructure-driven development. But I was still disappointed by the local socio-economic and international geopolitical barriers to development. In the end I turned to the SACHA program for a sustainable answer to this problem.

Isabel FEAR

Mario FERNANDEZ

With roots in Spain and France, I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sciences Po in Paris, specializing in Latin American and EU studies. My career began in fashion, where I delved into CSR research, sparking my interest in sustainability. Later on, as a research manager, I further explored sustainability issues when analyzing the triple bottom line of tertiary buildings in France. Now, I’m pursuing the SACHA master’s program to see how to address the environmental impact of digital technologies.

Sofia GIL MORA

Yuan HUANG

During my two years volunteering in underprivileged areas in China, I  initiated an educational sustainability project that supports 60 teachers, ultimately reaching over 4,000 students. This year, my volunteer work continues as I mentor five teachers in the EU through the Global School Program. Academically, I earned an MS in Business Sustainability at Uppsala University and am currently enrolled in the SACHA program at the University of Geneva. I am passionate about researching social issues and plan to either pursue a PhD or work in NGOs in the future.

Xinran HUANG

I obtained my master degree in Public Administration at ANU, with a B.A in Business. Previously, I had internship experience in quality assurance on international aid programs design. Vulnerability derived from poverty, inequality, and lack of capability in women and youth empowerment, that I witnessed during the volunteer experience in a developing country, has motivated me to engage with real-life policy issues and sustainable development work in the future career path. I am hence eager to learn the profound knowledge in sustainability and cross-sector dynamics to carry through the SDGs, from this master program of sustainable societies and social change at UNIGE.

After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts in Geography and environment from the University of Geneva, I wanted to learn more about sustainability. The SACHA Masters occurred to me as evidence as it focuses not only on the environmental part of sustainability but also on the social and economic parts. Therefore, this master’s degree represents for me a good opportunity to improve my knowledge in this field. I am also very interested to learn more about the responsibility that different actors have towards sustainable social change and how this responsibility changes among collective such as government, International organizations, or individual levels.

Before starting my studies in Standardization, Social Regulation and Sustainable Development, I have studied International Relations with a major in history and a minor in law at the University of Geneva. With a background in both law and history, I’m both interested in the evolution of the concept of sustainability with time, the evolution of the economic system and international trade, as well as soft law and self-regulation. 

When I was an undergraduate, I was always passionate about  promoting sustainable development goals among young people, being a part of SDG Youth Ambassadors movement in my hometown. The whole experience prompted me to apply for SACHA master’s programme, which seems perfectly set up to provide political and technical knowledge on sustainability, alongside giving its students a more thorough understanding of the concept of standardization, economics of globalization and corporate citizenship at the national and international level, which I am less familiar with. I believe that this programme will help me with my future career prospects, being a great start for studying the most acute social development issues.

I have a five years working experience in the sector of Administration and Procurement. I got interested with this program after attending several workshops related to sustainability development and globalization, i was inspired to pursue the course since it's a contemporary and applicable in all areas tackling social and sustainability development in a broader scale. I am looking forward to the interdisciplinary nature of the program that will allow me attain an acquainted knowledge and an analyzing skills with regards to standardization and sustainability development.    

I have been interested in sustainable solutions and diplomatic topics since a while. My Bachelor studies in Human-Geography at the Goethe-Universität Frankfurt were somehow the bridge to these topics as i have dedicated all my knowledge to space, since the space has always become the decisive element for me. Like the study of geography for the time being, Geneva as a global city now combines the topics of interest to me as providing the opportunity to be more active in sustainable development policies. MASACHA therefore addresses my interests in terms of content and opens up new opportunities for me through the internationalisation.

For the last five years, I have been deeply interested in the issues of Climate and Social Justice. This is what drew me to apply to STAREG. With its modern aspects and solutions-oriented approach, I believe this programme will give me the tools to better understand the dynamics at play between relevant actors beyond theory. In general, I consider my studies to be complementary with my societal engagement, which I find to be mutually beneficial and inspiring. After having been active in the European Youth Parliament, I am now one of the Swiss Youth Delegates to the United Nations, as well as the Co-President of the Young Greens Geneva. After my studies, I hope to be able to work in the pursuit of greater corporate accountability and towards more Climate and Social Justice from the public sector or civil society perspective.

With a bachelor's degree in management and a master's degree in ethics, I focus on the ethical issue around artificial intelligence as well as sustainable and responsible AI. In the following years, I expect to dig into the standard-setting and governance of AI and other emerging IT technologies.

I am an Australian citizen with Sri Lankan origins. After obtaining my Bachelor degree in Inter-cultural Mediating from the university of La Sapienza, Rome, I moved to Australia, where I had the opportunity to worked in Finance for over ten years. I needed to focus my energy to something I am passionate about, to be part of the change of our ways of living into sustainable future. We are failing to match climate rhetoric with climate action. We face a tremendously difficult period in society, economy, and planet. It’s never too late to learn how to preserve our planet. I selected Master SACHA to broaden my knowledge and get a better understanding of sustainability and how the society needs to be changed in order to preserve our planet for many years to come.

I previously studied a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioscience Enterprise in New Zealand. Following my studies I worked for New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, working in the International Relations space, helping to grow offshore opportunities for New Zealand’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. Sustainability is a necessity for the long term viability for all of these industries, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn about new ways of combating some of society’s major challenges in the home of international relations in Geneva.

With a deep interest in sustainability, on the individual, community-wide and global levels, my bachelor's degree allowed me to explore the emerging synergy between sustainability and finance. After gaining several years of experience in the world of investments, my aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability’s multifaceted realm, its role in addressing the climate crisis, and the practicality of sustainable finance tools as part of the solution. My interest lies in discovering ways to transition to sustainable economies while simultaneously improving socioeconomic equality and overall quality of life.

I have always been attracted by the international environment and wanted to be a citizen of the world, gaining experience in various countries. Originally from Belgium, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Sociology at Université de Montréal. I have chosen this program because I wanted to better grasp what stands behind sustainability and how companies can support the sustainable evolution of societies. I also wanted to understand the impacts of this evolution on individuals and what strategies can be put in place to maintain their well-being and development.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, majoring in Economics. Having always been convinced that changes for our future need to be made on a wider scale rather than only on an individual level, it is quite naturally that I have chosen the SACHA master. Indeed, I want to brighten my understanding of development and sustainability and learn how to implement it to institutionalized levels. Furthermore, my objective is to acquire knowledge and technical skills which I will subsequently be able to apply to my professional life. This program suits my wishes perfectly as it teaches us in a practical way through different fields of studies such as sociology, economics, and project-based work. Hence, I know that by choosing this master I will have the means to make a positive impact on society.

Sustainability enthusiast on a quest to save the world, one tangled problem at a time (or occasionally all at once), and sometimes taking breaks to recycle my teacup.

Atys Maximilian MICHEL

Environmental and social justice are important concerns that I've had for a long time that have motivated me to act. I have followed a bachelor's in sustainability and participated in various alternative initiatives and movements. I now take great interest in making my knowledge and skillset applicable to real world needs.

Yasuka MIHARA

I have a Bachelor’s degree In Liberal Arts (specialization in Anthropology & Sociology) from Sophia University in Tokyo and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from IHEID in Geneva. My previous studies and experiences focused on humanitarian issues. Now, I am in the SACHA program to deepen my understanding of the complex interplay between societal structures, environmental sustainability, and the need for transformative change.

Outside of work, I like to go on hikes and explore the nature. After moving to Switzerland, I go on hikes almost every weekend!

Juan ORDUZ

I hold a degree in Business Studies from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales. I worked for more than 5 years in projects aimed at providing humanitarian aid and enhancing access to justice for communities affected by armed conflict and displacement in Colombia. I co-founded a specialty coffee shop in Bogotá, Colombia and I’m particularly committed to working alongside coffee growers and vulnerable communities in rural areas to promote sustainable development. Out of work, cycling and coffee would be number one but I always prefer to share a great quality of time with my wife and daughters.

Martin MIQUEL PEDERSEN

With dual citizenship in Spain and Denmark and strong ties to various countries, I’ve developed a multicultural perspective that shapes my commitment to environmental protection. My passion for the outdoors has deepened my understanding of global environmental challenges and the need for collective action. Currently studying in the MASACHA program, I am driven to contribute to meaningful, lasting solutions. My Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Communication has equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively communicate these critical issues

Having grown up in a developing country, I became especially intrigued by the concept of “sustainable development” which was often presented as an all-encompassing solution to many problems in the world, from poverty to climate change. The STAREG program appealed to me because not only does it provide the theoretical knowledge needed to analyze sustainable development from different perspectives, but it also helps develop practical skills such as standardization and project evaluation. At the end of the program, I am confident that I will be well equipped to contribute to sustainable development, whether it be in the public or private sector.

Maria Victoria OLIVER

Alexandre OMARINI

I define myself as a passionate and creative person, who enjoys finding innovative solutions to face today’s challenges. Profoundly inspired by diversity and cultures, I always try to enrich myself, and that is why I choose the SACHA Master's program. During my Bachelor's in sociology at the University of Geneva, I took part in an NGO as a Human Rights Officer and had the opportunity to explore the UN decision-making processes around SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Sustainability can no be longer ignored and I want to be part of the change.

My past work experience with ISO standards and businesses, has sparked an interest in me about everything that has to do with standards, regulations and sustainable development. I have chosen STAREG because I genuinely believe that both these three fields – standards, regulations and sustainable development are particularly important for the coordination of various stakeholders in a systemic perspective on the long-term consequences of today's policies for tomorrow's environment, society and economy. I am looking forward to receive a cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience from experienced and professional faculty members at the University of Geneva.  

I am Swiss and Canadian. I have just completed my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Lausanne. My degree has been very enriching and has lead me to become more focused on societal and global issues as a whole. As I look to the future, I would like my professional path to be meaningful, which is why I wish to dedicate my career to bettering our society as well as the state of our environment. With sustainability becoming one of the most prominent topics of our generation, I was drawn to the Master’s in STAREG. I was also motivated by my work experience in an international company, in which I was exposed to the fact that they must operate in an increasingly ethical way, for instance, addressing problems related to sustainable development as well as acknowledging their responsibility in the problem and finding solutions. 

I have always had a particular interest for the questions of justice, ethics and moral. Inequalities and finding solutions towards them are my major interest. Sensible to sustainability since my childhood, “saving the planet” has always been my dream and meaning of life. From my bachelor of geography and environment I gained knowledge on those questions, but sustainability was not central enough for me. I wish to learn more and to study how we can practically find solutions towards creating a better world for everyone. That’s what brought me to this master, where I can deepen my knowledge to contribute to our biggest challenge of the 21st century.  

I graduated in 2018 with a BA in Environmental Studies, with a concentration in Policy. During my undergrad, I lived in a large city and became interested in the unique diversity of urban ecology. I found myself drawn to learning about flora and fauna, and was fascinated in how education could be used as a tool in conservation. I served one term in AmeriCorps as an Environmental Educator for the New York Department of Parks, and then moved on to become a Park Ranger for the New York City Parks Department. Working as an environmental educator in an urban setting, gave me a critical perspective on the vulnerability of many city populations to climate impacts. I am interested in discovering ways to empower urban communities with the knowledge and tools necessary, to combat local and regional environmental problems.

My academic journey began in Turkey at Bilkent University, where I realized the profound influence of development on societies. My partnership with the Youth Deal Cooperative solidified my newly found passion, with its political, ecological, and economic commitments. Choosing this Master's program exposes me to exciting content and the French language, as well as a project-based learning environment and a professional network. I am dedicated to global sustainable development, and bridging research with action.

I have a Bachelor's degree in International Business, (English and Italian). I also have a 1st year Master’s Degree in International and Local Project Management of Organizations.

Previously, I worked as an Innovation Project Manager in the Salomon headquarters (FR).

I graduated with an Economics and International Relations degree from The University College Utrecht in The Netherlands. I spent a significant portion of my academic life abroad, including a year on exchange in India and this master's in Geneva. Previously, I worked for Speakeasy Strategies as an Analyst Relations Specialist, focusing on analyst relations for digital-native firms giving me deep insights into cloud-native open source technologies and markets. 

Outside of work, I have a deep love for the outdoors. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and spending time in the mountains—activities that allow me to stay connected with nature.

Beijing Normal University

In the four years of my law studies of an undergraduate degree in Beijing Normal University, I had some social science-related working experiences, for example, took part in a social investigation which researched on poverty issues and economic development of the rural areas in the northwest of China, worked on a social service project financed by the local government of Shenzhen and finally completed my thesis project related to Children's Welfare Policy which based on my internship in China Philanthropy Research Institute. I am quite interested in Child Protection, Adolescent Development and Social Responsibilities. And I strongly expect to learn multidisciplinary knowledge in an interdisciplinary master program and hope it will be helpful for my future employment.

I am strongly committed to driving positive change for marginalized ethnic groups and indigenous peoples worldwide who are suffering from different social problems. As a member from the Hmong ethnic group in China majoring in ethnology, I gained first-hand experience with Indigenous issues through fieldwork. This allowed me to see the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. Through my research with diverse ethnic groups across regions, I gradually realized their challenges are closely tied to sustainability and that I needed to deepen my knowledge in this area.

After a first master's degree in development sciences, I'm keen to acquire more hands-on skills in areas related to sustainability. My interests range from the promotion of human rights to climate resilience policies, as well as ethical production and consumption practices.