Student profile: Nihad Lablack

Before enrolling at the Urban School of Sciences Po Paris, I completed a building engineering degree at ESTP (Grande école d'ingénieurs de la construction), followed by a research master’s in civil engineering at ENS Paris-Saclay. My fascination with the complex interplay of urban governance and public affairs grew from my technical background. This curiosity about the pressing challenges facing our cities fuelled my decision to dive deeper into the world of social and political sciences at Sciences Po.

My passion for understanding complex global issues, particularly in urban governance, and my will to tackle the pressing challenges of our cities led me to Sciences Po. The GLM master's programme was a perfect fit. The program’s emphasis on real-world applications, policy impact, and international perspectives provides the tools to influence urban planning and policy effectively. It’s clear to me that cities are where the battle against climate change will be won or lost, and I wanted to be on the front lines. 

My technical background in civil engineering combined with a growing expertise in policy analysis equips me with a dual lens to view both the micro-engineering and macro-policy aspects of sustainable transitions. This blend allows me to approach urban challenges with a holistic perspective, ensuring that technical solutions are viable within their social and political contexts. I believe that my ability to bridge these areas positions me to contribute effectively to more resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems, fostering policies that are not only innovative but also grounded in technical reality and social acceptability.

My career aspiration is to become an influential policy advisor in an international organisation focused on sustainable urban development. I aim to leverage my interdisciplinary expertise to develop and implement policies that address the core challenges of global cities, such as climate resilience, resource management, and social equity. During my internship at the Solar Impulse Foundation in Switzerland, I worked within the public affairs and advocacy team on sustainable innovation, which solidified my commitment to this path. This experience gave me practical insights into how policies are designed and implemented on an international scale, reaffirming my career direction.

Among the most inspiring experiences at Sciences Po were the field trips across Jordan, Denmark, and Sweden, where I engaged with issues from mobility to food security. A defining moment was the field trip in Jordan, where I studied water management strategies amidst some of the most severe water scarcities in the world, highlighting the potential for well-crafted policies to significantly improve living conditions in challenging environments. Each trip offered a deep dive into the specific challenges and solutions unique to each location, broadening my understanding of sustainable living and thriving communities. These experiences have been pivotal, continually fuelling my passion and drive in my studies and future ambitions.

As I look to the future, my goal is clear: to contribute to an international organisation where I can help shape effective, evidence-based policies that drive ecological transitions and international development. Whether it’s through policy analysis or ground-level initiatives, I’m excited to be part of the global push for a more sustainable and peaceful planet. Every lecture, every trip, every discussion at Sciences Po has been a building block for my dream of making a difference. And I can't wait to see where these foundations will take me next.