On June 23, 2025, for another consecutive year, CCIG was invited to deliver a session on “The UPR and Civil Society Contributions” as part of the Summer University program in Geneva. The 2025 edition, entitled “Human Rights and Education,” was organized by OIDEL in partnership with the University of Geneva.

This session aimed to encourage the development of civil society’s effective advocacy strategies within the UPR framework. CCIG was pleased to deliver the session to 23 students from Spain, Andorra, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Ireland, and Germany, as well as 14 faculty members from the same countries and from Switzerland, Pakistan, and Brazil.

The session was moderated by CCIG Secretary General Maria D’Onofrio, who opened by presenting the context of CCIG’s work and the UPR Platform it has developed. This was followed by an introduction to the UPR mechanism and an overview of the various forms of civil society participation, including drafting UPR submissions, conducting advocacy, delivering oral interventions at the Human Rights Council, and designing monitoring and follow-up plans. The session concluded with a discussion on potential on-the-ground engagement activities in Geneva and beyond.

Once again, CCIG appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the Summer University program and to raise awareness of the UPR mechanism for the benefit of civil society actors. CCIG values this exchange as a meaningful learning experience and remains committed to supporting students and partners in strengthening human rights advocacy through effective engagement with UN mechanisms.