GNC 2025
Participation
Participant Application
Regular Applications for the GNC 2025 (7–11 July 2025) are now open.
Early Registration is live until the 3rd of March, 18:00h CET. All applications after that date are subject to the regular participation fee of CHF 250,00CHF. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all participant spots are filled. Applications for this year’s conference will close on May 31st.
Students and recent graduates from all disciplines who have an interest in international negotiations generally or the specific topic of the conference are encouraged to apply. We accept applications from teams of 2–3 people, and individuals.
The conference is primarily intended for students pursuing a graduate programme, including PhD students although undergraduates demonstrating exceptional motivation will be considered.
Teams should highlight negotiation courses, involvement in Model United Nations or other relevant experiences in their application. Support from a team's university will also be considered beneficial.
The application should include:
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A completed Application Form
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The CVs of all applicants.
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A short letter of reference from a university instructor endorsing the team (optional).
Conference Fee
CHF 200,00 per person for early registration (10% discount for teams of 3 people)
CHF 250,00 per person for regular registration (10% discount for teams of 3 people)
CHF 100,00 for an accompanying coach/teacher/etc.
The conference fee covers participation costs, all material, lunch on all days except the simulation day, the festive conference dinner, and some of the optional socials.
The conference fee does not include travel to and from Zürich, or accommodation. Accommodation for 20 people has been provisionally reserved in a nearby student accommodation for the prize of 40CHF per Person per night. These are available on a first come, first served base and are to be paid in addition to the conference fee. The confirmation of beds will be communicated in mid-April. Please indicate in your application form the full name(s) of those interested in a bed at the student accommodation.
All applicants are encouraged to approach their university or other institutions and foundations regarding funding for their attendance at the GNC, and letters of support from the GNC team can be shared with teams once they have been accepted.
Early registration applicants who might not be able to attend the conference for financial reasons can apply for financial support from the Institute for Global Negotiation. Due to limited funds, no full scholarships will be available in 2025, and applicants must seek other funding first. The Support Application can be sent with the general application, or in a separate email as soon afterwards as possible. Individual participants from a team can apply without the whole team applying for financial support, but every applicant needs to fill out a separate application form.
Questions?
In case the FAQ below do not answer your questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Conference Team:
Preparation
Prior to the conference all teams are assigned to represent a party in the simulation on the final day. Teams will receive general information and confidential instructions on their party's negotiation position at least a month before the conference. Participants are expected to thoroughly prepare for the simulation before the conference.
The topics picked for the GNC are complex international issues sometimes where a result has not yet been reached. The presentations and workshops are supposed to stimulate participants for the simulation as well as widen their understanding of negotiation. Although, informal discussions regarding the simulation can take place during the conference these should on the whole be reserved for the day of the simulation.
Academic Accreditation
Universities are free to provide accreditation to their students for attending the GNC although this is not necessary for participation. If a university decides to award ECTS or similar university credits to their students then they are obliged to independently establish what form this should take. Preparation and attendance in the GNC alone can be deemed sufficient to award university credits. However, this could also could be counted in conjuncture with a written paper on an aspect of negotiation or the subject of the final simulation.
The organisers estimate that participants will spend at least 25-30 hours preparing for the conference and will spend approximately 20 hours over the course of the conference.
The ECTS-credits system prescribes that 25-30 hours work be spent per credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a team apply that is comprised of students from different universities?
Yes. We encourage teams made up of students from different universities and/or disciplines.
Do you only accept one team per university?
Typically we only accept one team per university in order to try and get as wide a range of participants as possible. The exception is the host university where we usually accept two teams.
I will need a visa to travel to the conference can the GNC help to secure this for me?
The GNC does not apply for visas on behalf of participants. However, we do provide a letter to confirm that you are attending the conference which can be used to apply for a visa. Please make sure you indicate in your application if this is the case and include a scan of your passport with the application.
If we need to cancel our participation will my conference fee be reimbursed?
This will depend on the circumstances. If you are unable to attend please let us know as soon as possible.
What is the dress code for the GNC?
The dress code for the opening days of the conference is smart/casual while participants are expected to wear business attire for the final simulation. Depending on external events organised as part of the conference program this may be subject to change. A detailed schedule including any dress requirements will be sent out prior to the conference.
Is there financial support available to help me attend the GNC?
We expect teams to be able to cover their own travel and accommodation to attend the conference. For teams who do not have support from their universities or other sponsors we try to assist them to attend though this cannot be guaranteed. Please make sure you indicate on your application form whether you will need assistance to attend the conference.
I am a university lecturer endorsing a team can I accompany them to the conference?
Although the teams are not required to have a coach accompanying them to the conference lecturers wishing to take part in the conference can attend for a reduced fee of CHF 100 - this should be indicated when a team applies and will be confirmed once a team's participation has been accepted.