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Global Public Policy Network

GPPN, Global Public Policy Network

The School of Public Affairs is a member of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN). Founded in 2005, the GPPN brings together the public affairs schools of eight world-renowned universities (Columbia, LSE, Hertie, GrasPP, Lee Kuan Yew, Fondaçao Getulio Vargas, Munk School, Sciences Po). The network organises an annual conference during which students and deans of member schools exchange on the main global issues related to public affairs. These exchanges contribute to the improvement of training, promote pedagogical innovation, and stimulate research. Members have also set up exchange and dual degree programs to allow their students to benefit from this international network. 

Section #participate

Participate in the conference

Can you propose workable solutions to important public policy problems? Can you apply your analytical skills to solve a policy issue? Do you want to showcase your ideas during an international conference? Do you want to meet creative students from all around the world? 

Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) will host the 2025 international conference of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) on Thursday 6 March and Friday 7 March 2025. Students selected to participate will have the opportunity to present their projects to the Deans of eight of the most prestigious schools of public affairs as well as network with students from all over the world. 


GPPN Theme for 2025  

As the world faces escalating climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, social inequality, and other grand societal challenges, there is an urgent need for policies and innovations that foster sustainable (social, environmental, and economic) development. 

How can we create enabling environments for the development and financing of innovative solutions in climate tech, renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and social innovations, especially in vulnerable regions where we need them the most?  

We are looking for policy proposals that address this question and offer actionable solutions.

The Challenge 

The GPPN invites students to work on an important policy challenge in any field in line with the chosen theme. Proposals can incorporate public, private or hybrid approaches. 

We are looking for student presentations on public policy proposals that demonstrate:

  • Argumentation : A precise identification and analysis of the targeted population or territory; this precise analysis of the problem will need to be clear prior to discussion of any possible solutions 
  • Figures : A strong use of analytics and empirics and how these can be applied to inform a solution to the public policy problem identified 
  • Implementation : An astute understanding of how policy solutions can be implemented given the interests of the policy actors in the chosen context 
  • Benchmarking : A clear awareness of when similar solutions have been tried in the past, why they were successful or amended in order to be successful in the future. 

To see examples of past proposals, please watch the four presentations on the GPPN website from last year’s conference: 

https://www.gppnetwork.org/2024-conference-paris

Teams 

Students should form teams of 2 members minimum and 3 members maximum and work together to develop their proposals. Each member should only participate in 1 team. 


Funding & Accommodations

Sciences po will fund up to 1000 euros toward travel expenses for student team members participating in the conference. Accommodation in New York City (up to 3 nights, check-in on Wednesday 5 March and check-out on Saturday 8 March) will be paid for and arranged by Columbia SIPA, with details provided to participants closer to the time.


Criteria 

Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria, which are equally weighted. These are the same criteria as will be used at the conference.

  • Problem : policy analysis and strength of design (i.e. if it is based on sound analytical principles) 
  • Solution : implementation concerns including awareness of stakeholder interests  (relevance of the solution) 
  • Implementation : Mechanisms for learning, self-correction and refinement over time (setting up the proposal over time : the proposal must include differents scenarios) 
  • Presentation : Quality of presentation (clarity, legibility, compliance with instructions)


Format 

Selected teams and proposals selected to participate in the GPPN Conference at Columbia SIPA will each give a presentation on the first day of the conference of up to 3 minutes. 

Up to 8 teams/proposals will be given detailed feedback by the Jury of Deans and selected to present on the second day of the conference. This second presentation will be for up to 5 minutes followed by questions from the Jury. 

Please note that attendance is mandatory during the 2 days of the Conference for all the students selected. 

To apply 

Your proposal should not be longer than 1000 words (excluding diagrams and references).

 You must complete the application form below and upload your proposal by Friday 6 December 2024. Results will be available in late December. 

Questions? Contact emelyne.grellety@sciencespo.fr   Applications are open to first and second year Master students. 

Section #previous-editions

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