View Global Policy Projects from the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program below.
Africa | NGO
Evaluation of Refugee’s Resilience, Maternal Health and Rights in Kenya
Project Title: Evaluation of Refugee’s Resilience, Maternal Health and Rights in Kenya Client: International Centre for Humanitarian Affairs Students: Laura O’Dogherty, Najma Nizar, Netheena Mathews, Raahina Somani Faculty Lead: Erin Baines Fieldwork Location: Kenya Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project explores the multidimensional barriers refugee women and girls face in accessing maternal and reproductive healthcare, provided by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), within refugee camps in Kenya. This work aims to produce actionable recommendations to inform humanitarian aid work provided by the KRCS and healthcare policy frameworks, ultimately affecting positive maternal health outcomes for female refugees in Kenya. The goal is to support the development of evidence-based strategies that address the immediate healthcare needs of refugee populations and build long-term resilience and equity within these communities.
Asia | Multilateral
Exploring Opportunities for Clean Heating Technologies in Mongolia
Project Title: Exploring Opportunities for Clean Heating Technologies in Mongolia Client: Global Green Growth Institute Students: Benjamin Kofa Fyneah, David Mayfield, Ghassan Hamzeh, Maha Siddiqui, Roanna Pizarro Faculty Lead: Tarun Khanna Fieldwork Location: Mongolia Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project will prioritize two key areas of research: (a) identifying the subsidies provided for coal heating, including calculating the true cost of coal with externalities and determining the size of the subsidies, and (b) conducting a jurisdictional scan to examine policy instruments and strategies that other regions have used to move away from fossil fuel subsidies for heating, with a specific focus on exploring how to garner buy-in during the shift away from coal energy.
North America | Government
Enhancing Indigenous Oversight of Major Energy Projects in Canada
Project Title: Enhancing Indigenous Oversight of Major Energy Projects in Canada Client: Canada Energy Regulator Students: Gabrielle Jacob, Mercy Muthuuri, Sixuan Wang, Yumna Jilani Faculty Lead: Allison Macfarlane Fieldwork Location: Kelowna Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project seeks to inform the development of a systemic model to enhance Indigenous oversight of CER-regulated infrastructure pursuant to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 34. Accordingly, the project will incorporate learnings from current models such as the CER Indigenous Advisory Committees, the Indigenous Oversight Fora, and the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Line 3 Replacement projects as well as other domestic and international mechanisms. The project will explore pathways to strengthen Indigenous involvement at each phase of CER-regulated energy infrastructure projects. The project aims to support the CER in advancing its commitment to Reconciliation, while enabling the full realization of the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Calls To Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
North America | Other
Strengthening Canada’s Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-Up for International Human Rights Commitments
Project Title: Strengthening Canada’s Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-Up for International Human Rights Commitments Client: Maytree Students: Jimmy Yi-Te Ho, Luka Houde, Nishtha Gupta, Su Thet San Faculty Lead: Matias Margulis Fieldwork Location: Ottawa Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project seeks to address the challenges in Canada’s human rights reporting, monitoring, and follow-up systems by first investigating the existing mechanisms. Through interviews with federal and provincial actors, the project aims to identify and diagnose the key issues, including gaps in transparency, intergovernmental collaboration, and accountability. Once these challenges are clearly understood, the project will then propose concrete improvements, drawing on best practices from other countries. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance transparency, strengthen collaboration, and improve the overall accountability of Canada’s human rights commitments.
Africa | NGO
Promoting Sustainable Peace through Transitional Justice in Uganda
Project Title: Promoting Sustainable Peace through Transitional Justice in Uganda Client: Refugee Law Project Students: Elizabeth Ogunsemowo, Hei Son Lo, Paige Cummings, Rebecca Zuk Faculty Lead: Ulrike Lühe Fieldwork Location: Uganda Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This study broadly explores the impact of conflict on internally displaced peoples in the Acholi region of Uganda, focusing on the changes to family structures as a result of conflicts in the region between 1986 and 2008. The project aims to examine the policy implications of these changing family structures for nation-building, thereby contributing to work currently underway to advance implementation of Uganda’s National Transitional Justice Policy, given that nation building is one key pillar of this policy.
Asia | Government
Women, Peace, and Security: Understanding Female Participation in the Mongolian Defence Sector
Project Title: Women, Peace, and Security: Understanding Female Participation in the Mongolian Defence Sector Client: Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security Students: Alessia Iafano, Alexander Morrow, Anshika Srivastava, Nishi Kant Dixit Faculty Lead: Julian Dierkes Fieldwork Location: Mongolia Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project focusses on exploring the degree of female participation in the Mongolian armed forces, including involvement in Mongolian defense concepts and policies. The team is exploring ground realities, opinions, experiences, and implicit expectations regarding women in decision-making state security among different stakeholder categories, as well as exploring the priorities and needs of local actors involved in shaping defense, peace and security policies, programs & approaches.
North America
Paths to Participation: Analyzing Adolescent Participation Programs in the Dominican Republic
Project Title: Paths to Participation: Analyzing Adolescent Participation Programs in the Dominican Republic Client: UNICEF Dominican Republic Country Office Students: Ankita Goyal, Elena Del Rivero, Khayria Mansouri, Cathy Wang Faculty Lead: Grace Jaramillo Fieldwork Location: Dominican Republic Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project aims to identify the key factors that determine the success of efforts by various national and international institutions to promote adolescent participation in the Dominican Republic, to help inform the development of more effective programs in the future. It aims to understand how different variables influence program outcomes. This analysis will explore the design elements of successful programs and assess their adaptability across different contexts. The goal is to determine what makes a program achieve desired outcomes, such as increased youth engagement, retention in educational programs, and improved leadership skills.
South America | NGO
Youth Engagement on Sustainable Water Resource Management in Ecuador’s Central Highlands
Project Title: Youth Engagement on Sustainable Water Resource Management in Ecuador’s Central Highlands Client: Esquel Students: Claire McPhee, Jie Fang, Kyle Visvanathan, Sophie Groll Faculty Lead: Atieh Yekta Fieldwork Location: Ecuador Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project, in collaboration with Fundación Esquel, aims to understand the connection between youth and water resource management in the Central Highlands of Ecuador. By characterizing this connection, the research aims to identify how to best engage youth in advancing sustainable water resource management. More broadly, this project aims to support climate adaptation efforts and to advance Ecuador’s climate and development commitments.
Africa | NGO
Female Empowerment Through Land Ownership in Kenya’s Coffee Industry
Project Title: Female Empowerment Through Landownership in Kenya’s Coffee Industry Client: Fairtrade Africa + Fairtrade International Students: Jia Suwatanapornchai, Kaylie Carr, Layla Haddad, Sherry Madahzad Faculty Lead: Kristen Hopewell Fieldwork Location: Kenya Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project aims to address gender inequality and increase female participation in Kenyan land title ownership in the coffee-growing industry. Our project will focus on understanding the root causes of barriers preventing female land title ownership, which may include but are not limited to gender norms, cultural perspectives, laws, deeply rooted policies, customary practices, and demographic factors. We are looking to evaluate access to female land ownership at Fairtrade farms and to inform Fairtrade’s advocacy efforts and develop strategies to achieve inclusive policy changes that will enhance the lives of Kenyan female coffee farmers.
South America | Multilateral
A Resilient Future: Evaluating Peru’s National Adaptation Plan and Gender and Climate Change Action Plan
Project Title: A Resilient Future: Evaluating Peru’s National Adaptation Plan and Gender and Climate Change Action Plan Client: Organisation of American States Students: Anna Leila Szigeti, Katherine Xu, Maddie Sides, Sifiso Madonko Faculty Lead: Andre Xavier Fieldwork Location: Peru Year: 2024-25 About the Project: This project asses the implementation of gender-focused climate action strategies in Peru, with a particular focus on water resources and risk management. Fieldwork in Huaraz – an area significantly affected by glacial retreat – will provide critical local insights, while broader, national perspectives will be gathered through engagement with institutions in Lima. The aim is to identify gaps in the current Gender and Climate Change Action Plan and develop recommendations to enhance gender-responsive policies. By analyzing both local and national challenges, the project seeks to support the OAS and Peruvian government in improving climate resilience and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women, across the country.
North America | NGO
A Case for Culture: Bridging the Gap Between Newcomers & Healthcare System
Project Title: A Case for Culture: Bridging the Gap Between Newcomers & Healthcare System Client: BCACHC – Umbrella (British Columbia Association of Community Health Centres + Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-Op) Students: Nicole Ng, Adiya Baratova, Anshul Tipnis, Daniel Beltranena Faculty Lead: Veena Sriram Fieldwork Location: Virtual – Lower Mainland Year: 2023-24 About the Project: "A Case for Culture: Bridging the Gap Between Newcomers & Healthcare System” delves into the vital nexus between cultural responsiveness and accessible healthcare for cultural communities, including newcomers in British Columbia (BC). Through targeted advocacy for cultural brokering, this project aims to offer practical, actionable strategies to raise recognition of cultural brokers and encourage multi-sectoral collaboration, to advocate for cultural brokering as means to achieve inclusive and equitable healthcare and social services for newcomers throughout BC.
North America | Indigenous Community
Upholding Squamish Values and Principles in Policymaking
Project Title: Upholding Squamish Values and Principles in Policymaking: Strategies to Address Inequities and Disparities in Policies, Laws, and Regulations of the Squamish Nation Client: Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Students: Alex Talavera Vilchez, Karthik Chinta, Kopal Heda and Tim Linsell Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual – Squamish Nation Territory Year: 2023-24 About the Project: Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is interested in defining inequities and pursuing strategies to reduce inequity and disparity in their policies, laws, and regulations. The vision of the Squamish Nation is to lift one another up according to Squamish values, ways of knowing, and care. This project aims to surface possible approaches and best practices in accordance with this vision that may be used in their policies, laws, and regulations.
North America | Multilateral
Gender Situational Analysis and Programmatic Review
Project Title: Gender Situational Analysis and a Gender Programmatic Review for UNICEF-Dominican Republic Country Office Client:UNICEF Dominican Republic Students: Alida Oegema Thomas, Elena Gordillo Fuertes, Simran Pachar, Christina Tse, Liliane Pari Umuhoza Faculty Lead: Grace Jaramillo Fieldwork Location: Dominican Republic Year: 2023-24 About the Project: This project involves conducting a comprehensive Gender Situational Analysis in collaboration with the UNICEF-Dominican Republic Country Office. In doing so, the team evaluated and assessed the key gender issues faced by children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic, enhanced UNICEF’s understanding of gender dynamics in the region, identified gaps and challenges, and developed evidence-based recommendations.
Asia | Government
Incentive-based Regulatory Models to Improve Energy-saving and Efficiency
Project Title: Developing Policy Recommendations for Introducing and Implementing Incentive-based Regulatory Models to Improve Energy-saving and Efficiency Client:The Energy Regulatory Commission of Mongolia Students: Tajwar Arnab, Rachel Thibeault, Clarence Lau, Tong Zhang Faculty Lead: Tarun M. Khanna Fieldwork Location: Mongolia Year: 2023-24 Publications: The Diplomat About the Project: As a landlocked country with an infamously continental climate, Mongolia relies heavily on coal for its energy supply, especially in heating and industry; approximately 90% of domestic electricity production comes from coal-based combined heat and power plants (CHPP), split into five regionally based energy systems. Further, one fifth of domestic production is supplemented by imports from China and Russia. The most important regional system for energy production is the Central Energy System, which supplies the capital city Ulaanbaatar, and the surrounding central region. However, energy production has not been able to keep pace with the energy demand due primarily to aging CHPP infrastructure and distribution grids. Anticipating a lag between projects to address these issues and increasing energy demand, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to create a short-term incentive-based energy efficiency and conservation program to manage the growing gap and promote energy efficiency within Mongolian industry. The project team intends on…
North America | Indigenous Community
Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation Land Stewardship
Project Title: Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation Land Stewardship Client: Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation Stewardship Program Students: Amir Alavi, Jenina Ibañez, Mitali Madhusmita, Rakashdeep Kainth Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Stswecem’c Xget’tem territory (Northern Shuswap-Williams Lake area) Year: 2023-24 About the Project: The Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (SXFN) is interested in developing its own land stewardship policies. To achieve this, they seek to understand the current Federal and Provincial policy landscape, as well as how different acts interplay or supersede each other. This project, conducted with the SXFN community, aims to support land stewardship practices by examining the relevant policy landscape. This examination will result in policy recommendations, strategic user-group engagement, and actionable guidelines in the form of a handbook for SXFN’s Land Stewardship Department. The project is deeply informed by SXFN’s distinctive geographical and historical circumstances.
Asia | Multilateral
Forest Carbon and Land Tenure Issues in the Mekong Region
Project Title: Forest Carbon and Land Tenure Issues in the Mekong Region: A Scoping Study Client: Mekong Region Land Governance Students: Song Fu, Melissa Lo, Oluwole Soyinka, Sheng Huan Tang, Simran Kaur Faculty Lead: Juliet Lu Fieldwork Location: Laos Year: 2023-24 Publications: Mongabay About the Project: In recent years, land-based carbon management projects have become increasingly popular among countries in the Mekong region, where deforestation and forest degradation have greatly undermined the regional resilience against climate change. Nearly 17 million hectares of forest have been lost in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to make room for agribusinesses and other investments in the last 20 years. As these sustainable development initiatives introduce new models of land governance to the Mekong region, they are also facing challenges from existing issues of land tenure security. Our project aims to understand the relationship between the carbon projects in the Mekong region and local land tenure security, by examining whether these projects compromise or improve smallholder farmers’ access to the land and resources they depend on.
Asia | Other
Critical Minerals: Canada’s Position and Opportunities
Project Title: Critical Minerals: Canada’s Position and Opportunities Client: Green Technology Asia (GTAsia) Students: Zachary Nanji, Xuanming Na, Stephen Odoi Faculty Lead: Allison Macfarlane Fieldwork Location: Japan Year: 2023-24 About the Project: This project is to examine the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, exploring Canada’s future trade opportunities in the critical minerals sector. The project focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of Canada’s positioning and potential collaborations with Japan. The project will investigate diverse factors which affect bilateral trade and cooperation between Canada and Japan, identifying and analyzing key factors to help improve the trade relationship. It also examines the impact of trade on environmental and social outcomes.
Africa | NGO
Promoting the Rights of Farmers and Workers in the Global South
Project Title: Promoting the Rights of Farmers and Workers in the Global South through Canada’s Upcoming Corporate Human Rights Due Diligence Legislation Client: Fairtrade Canada Students: Kirsten Badame, Meredith Barkey, Nozomi Shirakawa, Tanya Dawar Faculty Lead: Kristen Hopewell Fieldwork Location: Kenya Year: 2023-24 About the Project: Fairtrade Canada, as a member of Fairtrade International, aims to carry the voices of rightsholders, particularly farmers and agricultural workers from the Global South who are part of the global Fair Trade movement. In line with the international Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) legislations, Fairtrade Canada wants to further understand the larger impacts of HREDD on rightsholders and develop a policy report. The focus of this report is to investigate the potential burdens of these legislations on farmers, farm workers, and their communities.
Asia | Government
Canadian Contributions to Security in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Project Title: Canadian Contributions to Security in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta Client: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam, Global Affairs Canada Students: Ashley Brownlie, Charlotte Bull, Amanda Doyle, Quinn Goranson, and Nasim Victory Faculty Lead: Vina Nadjibulla Fieldwork Location: Vietnam Year: 2023-24 Publications: Policy Options About the Project: The Government of Vietnam recognizes the strategic significance of the Mekong Delta to the region and its own future, and continues to call on partners, including Canada, to play a more active role in ‘Mekong security’. Canadian engagement under the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and a Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, creates further expectations for Canada to engage in this area of priority for Vietnam. The Embassy of Canada in Hanoi (GAC) proposes a project to evaluate potential avenues for Canadian involvement in enhancing the security of the Mekong Delta. The project aims to provide recommendations that are grounded in an analysis of security aspects of the Mekong region (economic, environmental, food, human, and geostrategic), relevant political, institutional, and international interests, as well as Canadian policies and programs that may be brought to bear between 2024 and 2027.
South America | Government
Enhancing Child Agency
Project Title: Enhancing Child Agency: Bridging the Gap Between Institutional Standards & Soldier-Centric Child Protection in Peacekeeping Missions Client: Dallaire Centre of Excellence For Peace And Security (DCOE) Students: Mahnan Omar, Raashi Dabola, Sarah Sam, and Aydan MacDougall Faculty Lead: Hugh Gusterson Fieldwork Location: Uruguay Year: 2023-24 Publications: Policy Options About the Project: This research examines how child protection operates in peacekeeping missions. It specifically focuses on topics such as the influence of gender roles on the responsibility for protecting children, as well as the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers when balancing UN child protection protocols with their country-specific mandates. This study aims to identify potential barriers and solutions for effective child protection. Additionally, it will investigate youth agency, with a specific emphasis on youth expectations and preferences regarding soldiers' roles in situations of armed conflict, criminal warfare, and high-risk environments. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of child protection, fostering gender-sensitive and youth-inclusive strategies in peacekeeping missions.
North America | Government
ESG Report in the Context of BC Local Government
Project Title: Exploring environmental, social & governance (ESG) reporting in the context of BC local government Client: Climate Action Secretariat (CAS) of BC & Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) of BC Students: Cait Cameron, Chun Lok Tang, Jiaxin Zhang, Kritika Kukreja, Sanat Kanwar Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - British Columbia Year: 2022-23 About the Project: This research explored Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reporting within the context of BC municipalities with an emphasis on climate-related risks and opportunities specific to the ‘E’ of ESG. Interviews with local government representatives and subject matter experts working in areas of sustainability, climate and accounting demonstrated the practice of sustainability reporting among local governments and the potential for incorporating ESG reporting. The desk research encompassed identifying good practices in Canada and foreign jurisdictions of ESG and other relevant reporting mechanisms at the municipal level. Further, the project reviewed Canadian legislation and accounting standards concerning asset management, global standards for disaster risk reduction, finance, accounting standards, and other relevant literature. The two outputs from this project include an ESG primer created for local government staff and representatives as a conversation starter, and a policy brief for the project’s clients which outlines the challenges facing local governments and…
North America | Government
Responding to Climate Misinformation in Vancouver
Project Title: Responding to Climate Misinformation in Vancouver: Best Practices from Local Governments Client: Department of Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability, City of Vancouver Students: Duo Pan, Xinyu Zhang, Nicolas Côté, Ian McAuliffe Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver, British Columbia Year: 2022-23 About the Project: Through the Climate Emergency Action Plan, the City of Vancouver has set a bold climate target to cut carbon pollution in half by 2030. Implementing policies and programs to reach these climate targets requires building understanding and support from local residents, and, in some cases, clarifying misinformation. This research seeks to identify interventions the City could adopt to address misinformation and increase public understanding and support for evidence-based municipal climate solutions. Keywords: Climate Change, Misinformation, Social Impact
North America | Indigenous Community
Embodying Values, Protecting Futures: A Sḵwxwú7mesh Constitution
Project Title: Embodying Values, Protecting Futures: A Sḵwxwú7mesh Constitution Client: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Students: Divija Madhani, Joseph Flores Ayala, Karla Erika Ordoñez, Matthew Putman Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Squamish Nation Traditional Territory Year: 2022-23 About the Project: This project explores how Indigenous peoples around the world have exercised their right to self-determination within colonial constructs through constitution-building. It identifies rights, responsibilities, and best practices that Squamish Nation can use to develop a constitutional framework that is consistent with Squamish values, but legally robust in a colonial system. Key Words: Constitution, Self Governance, Colonialism
North America | Government
National Security Threats Enabled by AI
Project Title: Understanding National Security Threats Enabled by Artificial Intelligence: Implications for CSIS Client: Canadian Security Intelligence Service Students: Linda Xu, Mackenzie Edwards, Edi Qereshniku, Hisham Hazari Faculty Lead: Chris Tenove Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Ottawa Year: 2022-23 About the Project: This research identifies three categories of threat-related activities exacerbated by AI-enabled technologies. It analyzes CSIS’ capabilities to define, detect, and respond to AI-enabled threats under its current legislative framework. It also describes how AI-enabled threats and possible investigative actions conducted by CSIS interact with the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens. The outputs from this project were a slide deck presentation and a policy report provided to CSIS. Key Words: Artificial Intelligence, National Security, Governance
Global | Government
Consent in Nuclear Waste Disposal Siting
Project Title: Consent in Nuclear Waste Disposal Siting: The Role of Canada's Nuclear Regulator Client: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Students: Rashi Chaturvedi, Sabah Haque, Jasmine Parmar, Jack Crompton Faculty Lead: Allison Macfarlane Fieldwork Location: Finland and Sweden Year: 2022-23 About the Project: Understanding how community consent is obtained and maintained for long-term radioactive waste management project proposals to inform the CNSC’s policies and approaches for consultation and engagement on radioactive waste management projects. Key Words: Community Engagement, Consent, Transparency
Asia | Multilateral
Promoting Urban-to-Rural (Reverse) Migration in Mongolia
Project Title:Promoting Urban-to-Rural (Reverse) Migration in Mongolia Client: International Organization for Migration, Mission to Mongolia (IOM Mongolia) Students: Alyssa Brochu, Paola Matha, Nellie Kamau, Niloufar Vahid-Massoudi Faculty Lead: Julian Dierkes Fieldwork Location: Mongolia Year: 2022-23 Publications: The Diplomat About the Project: Understanding the needs and expectations of migrants and Ulaanbaatar inhabitants to incentivise reverse migration, away from Ulaanbaatar towards secondary cities in Mongolia such as Darkhan. Key Words: Urban, Migration, Social Impact
Asia | NGO
Agri-Food Trade with ASEAN
Project Title: A Partner in Food Security: Canada’s Opportunity for Agri-Food Trade with ASEAN Client: Canada-ASEAN Business Council Students: Karine Kfoury, Khanh Pham, Mia MacKechnie, Oliver Boucher Faculty Lead: Kristen Hopewell Fieldwork Location: Singapore Year: 2022-23 About the Project: This project assessed the barriers to the two-way agri-food economic relationship between Canada and ASEAN and how Canada can increase its presence in the region to both increase trade revenues for Canadian exporters, while also helping to strengthen food security in the region by leveraging its strengths in agri-food. This includes identifying evidence on possible policy solutions and mechanisms that other countries (i.e. Australia, the US, and the Netherlands) are using to strengthen and promote their relationship with ASEAN and further their agri-food trade presence. Key Words: Trade, Food Security, Agro-Food
North America | Multilateral
Child Marriage and Early Unions (CMEU) in Latin America and the Caribbean
Project Title: Positioning the Issue of Child Marriage and Early Unions (CMEU) in Latin America and the Caribbean – The Case of UNICEF Dominican Republic Client: UNICEF Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office Students: Clara Renault, Condie Cantrell, Darby Walton, Norma Patiño Sánchez Faculty Lead: Grace Jaramillo Fieldwork Location: Dominican Republic Year: 2022-23 About the Project: The project consists of documentation of strategies and challenges of the UNICEF Dominican Republic (DR) Country Office that contributed to positioning the issue of child marriages and early unions (CMEU) in the public and government agenda. The students analyzed the policy process and the roles of the most relevant stakeholders involved. The objective of the project is to support UNICEF DR in building its institutional memory and sharing learnings and best practices (of bringing the CMEU problem into the public and government agenda) with other programs in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Key Words: Social Impact, Children, Knowledge Transfer
North America | Government
Canada, Latin America and the Russia-Ukraine War
Project Title: Canada, Latin America and the Russia-Ukraine War Client: Global Affairs Canada Students: Jose Villagra, Bianca Batacan, Genevieve Varelas, Gustavo Villela Faculty Lead: Maxwell Cameron Fieldwork Location: Washington, USA Year: 2022-23 Publication: Open Canada About the Project: Assessing the diverging responses from states in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and the key factors and vulnerabilities that are influencing those positions. This research will inform recommendations on how Canada can influence and support partners in the region, and help mitigate their vulnerabilities, to oppose (or continue to oppose) Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as help to identify key areas or countries where Canada could focus its efforts. Key Words: Geopolitics, Foreign Policy, Peace
Europe | NGO
Trade Justice Advocacy in Canada
Project Title: Advancing Trade Justice Advocacy in Canada Client: Fairtrade Canada Students: Rutu Patel, Oliver Zhang, Celine Ng, Julia McKenzie Faculty Lead: Matias Margulis Fieldwork Location: Belgium, France, and Germany Year: 2022-23 Publication: Policy Options About the Project: This research explored leading trade justice policy jurisdictions in Belgium, Germany and France to understand how best to activate Canadian trade justice advocacy efforts. The outputs from this project were a policy report, two relevant op-eds, and presentations to support Fair Trade Canada in advancing its emerging advocacy strategy. Key Words: Trade, Advocacy, Due Diligence
Asia | Other
MSME Climate Risk in Southeast Asia
Project Title: MSME Climate Risk in Southeast Asia: A Gender-Based Approach Client: Greentech Asia Students: Shifa Thobani, Mana Murakami, Maira Malik, Michelle Kadzirange Faculty Lead: Shashi Enarth Fieldwork Location: Thailand and Philippines Year: 2022-23 About the Project: This study aimed to identify the impact of climate change on women-owned micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs) in ASEAN's tourism sector. The outputs from this project were a presentation, a report, a toolkit and a research proposal for building climate resilience among WMSMEs in the sector. Key Words: Tourism, Social Impact, Sustainability, Gender
Africa | Government
Women, Peace and Security and Human Security
Project Title: Women, Peace and Security and Human Security: A Canadian Approach Client: Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security (DCOE) Students: Samantha El-Ghazal, Nicole Johnston, Jasmine Mastracci, Delali Ofori, Panthea Pourmalek Faculty Lead: Luna KC Fieldwork Location: Ghana Year: 2022-23 Publication: Research Network on Women, Peace and Security About the Project: This research responds to a need within the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defense to understand and operationalize the concept of 'human security' in a contemporary geopolitical context. It aims to uncover how human security interacts with Canada's commitments to implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and obtaining stakeholder perspectives on the Canadian Armed Forces' implementation of both security approaches. Key Words: Peace, Human Security, Gender
North America | Government
Working Towards Data Management Bias Mitigation in the National Security Context
Project Title: Working Towards Data Management Bias Mitigation in the National Security Context Client: Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Students: Claire Okatch, Savannah Tuck, Melissa Hollobon, David Markwei Faculty Lead: Timothy Cheek Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Ottawa Year: 2021-22 Publication: Lights on Data About the Project: This research identified options for best practices to mitigate the emergence of bias within data management. These options will inform recommendations on how CSIS can balance the privacy-security dilemma, with emphasis on bias mitigation, accountability, privacy rights, and alignment with CSIS’ mandate. The outputs from this project were a publication, presentations, a policy brief, and a policy report (available in English and French) provided to CSIS to support these goals. Key Words: Data management, Bias Mitigation, National Security -
Global | Multilateral
The Youth Housing Crisis
Project Title: The Youth Housing Crisis: Barriers Youth Face in Accessing Housing in Urban Centres Client: UN-Habitat - Human Rights and Social Inclusion Unit Students: Annie Law, Dariel Filwood, Jamal Khamis, Priya Rai, Samira Hosseina Faculty Lead: Tara Cookson Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Global Year: 2021-22 About the Project: UN-Habitat has identified that the specific experiences, needs and barriers of youth ages 18-29 transitioning into the housing market are insufficiently covered by policy debates and urban planning design. This research analyzed the diverse barriers that youth face when accessing safe, adequate and affordable housing across global urban centers, the findings of this project were provided to UN-Habitat in a policy report and final presentation to be used to inform policy pathways for addressing youth housing needs. Key Words: Urban, Youth, Housing Crisis
North America | Indigenous Community
Exploring Policy Options for the Village of Ging̱olx
Project Title: Exploring Policy Options for the Village of Ging̱olx in the Context of Large Infrastructure Development Client: Ging̱olx Village Government Students: Prajna Singh, Paige Inglis, Arthur Zhang, Surabhi Gupta Faculty Lead: Julian Dierkes Fieldwork Location: Virtual – Nisga’a Lands Year: 2021-22 Publications: National Observer About the Project: The Ksi Lisims Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a proposed 12-million-tonne-per-year liquefied natural gas project that will be situated at Wil Milit, north of Prince Rupert, BC, approximately 15 kilometers east on land owned in fee simple by the Nisga’a Nation. The Ksi Lisms LNG project will generate social and economic benefits, including public revenues, jobs, training, and business opportunities, for the Nisga’a Nation and the Village of Ging̱olx. Guided by the idea that “we don’t know what we don’t know”, the research team provided the Ging̱olx Village Government with examples of economic development policies in similar communities or projects, policy frameworks in line with Indigenous self-governance, and evidence-based policies to gain community support for their evolving local economic development opportunities. The outputs of this project were a presentation provided to the Ging̱olx Village Government Council and an infographic explaining Impact Benefit Agreements. Key Words: Economic Development, Self Governance, Energy
Asia | NGO
Setting a Course Toward Social Public Procurement in India
Project Title: Setting a Course Toward Social Public Procurement in India: A Global Good Practice Report Client: SELCO Foundation Students: Julia Brown, Katherine Pease, Tasha Carruthers, Annabel Steidl Faculty Lead: Matias Marguils Fieldwork Location: Virtual - India, Brazil, Malaysia, New Zealand, UK Year: 2021-22 Publication: Pub Poli About the Project: This research explored case studies to determine the enabling environment required for the successful implementation of social public procurement in India, specifically analyzing how best to engage social enterprises to maximize social outcomes. The outputs of this project were a policy report, presentation and policy brief provided to the SELCO Foundation to support their advocacy work. Key Words: Public Procurement, Social Enterprise, Social Impact
North America | Government
Inspirations for the City of Vancouver
Project Title: Inspirations for the City of Vancouver: Engagement, Climate Policy & Reconciliation Client: Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability Department, City of Vancouver Students: Kazi Mohua, Sason Ross, Shanel Feller, Soheil Nasseri, Yeonjin Lee Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver Year: 2021-22 About the Project: This research provided inspirations for City of Vancouver on how to develop meaningful and impactful engagement practices with local First Nations and Urban Indigenous peoples to advance reconciliation with its climate policy. The project explored literatures and actual applications in several jurisdictions and provides actionable toolbox in the form of a presentation and a policy report. Key Words: Climate Change, Reconciliation, Urban
Africa | Government
Collaboration to Prevent the Recruitment of Child Soldiers
Project Title: Collaboration to Prevent the Recruitment of Child Soldiers Client: Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security (DCOE) Students: William Shelling, Wilson Dargbeh, Moysal Sana, Kshitij Sharan Faculty Lead: Michael Small Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Global Year: 2021-22 Publication: RAUSI About the Project: This research examined the role of armed forces in UN peacekeeping missions in the prevention of recruitment of child soldiers through the lens of the Vancouver Principles. The outputs of this project were a publication, presentation, policy brief and a policy report provided to the DCOE to support their advocacy work. Key Words: Social Impact, Peace and Security, Interdisciplinary
North America | Indigenous Community
Changing the Rules of the Game
Project Title: Changing the Rules of the Game Client: Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Students: Arthur Bledsoe, Chloei Andres, Joshua Codd, Nadine Van Dalen, Prithy Ahmed Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Squamish Nation Traditional Territory Year: 2021-22 About the Project: Researching good practices for developing and maintaining relationship agreements that advance Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw strategic goals.
Asia | NGO
A Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia
Project Title: A Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia: Opportunities for Application in British Columbia Client: Genome BC Students: Lisa Slager, Lindsey Wall, Soumya Kolluru, Benedetta Beltramo Faculty Lead: Kai Ostwald, Drona Rasali Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand Year: 2021-22 Publication: Genome BC About the Project: This research explored the implementation of One Health (a multidisciplinary approach that recognizes and addresses the interdependencies between human, animal, and environmental health) in jurisdictions in Asia to find 'good' practices that can inspire, inform, strengthen, and accelerate One Health policy implementation in British Columbia, Canada. The outputs from this project were a blog post, presentations, and a policy report published by the One Health Commission provided to Genome BC to support these goals. Key Words: Health, Interdisciplinary, Whole-of-Government Approach
Asia | Multilateral
Activating the Mongolian Diaspora
Project Title: Activating the Mongolian Diaspora Client: International Organization for Migration, Mission to Mongolia (IOM Mongolia) Students: Hari Narayan, Jemimah Ogundele, Anoushka Chandarana, Anthony Coompson Faculty Lead: Julian Dierkes Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Mongolia Year: 2021-22 Publication: The Diplomat, Mongolia Focus About the Project: This research works to assess the concerns and priorities of the Mongolian diaspora in North America while researching best practices for engagement to activate benefits for Mongolians both at home and within the diaspora. The outputs from this report were a presentation, policy report and a proposal for funding provided to IOM to support their work in engaging the Mongolian diaspora Key Words: Diaspora, Community Engagement, Knowledge Transfer
Africa | Government
Strategies for Strengthening Relations
Project Title: Strategies for Strengthening Relations Between the Canadian Armed Forces and Civil Society Organizations Client: Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security (DCOE) Students: Claudia Kobetitch, Muhyee Nyera Bakini, Travis Liu Faculty Lead: Erin Baines, Ketty Anyeko Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Ottawa and Iraq Year: 2020-21 Publications: Women, Peace and Security Network - Canada About the Project: The purpose of this research was assessing the role of Canada's National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security in the Canadian Armed Forces approach to implementing UNSCR 1325 within its operations in Iraq. The outputs of this project were a policy report and policy brief provided to the Dallaire Centre of Peace and Security to support their continued work in this area. Key Words: Whole-of-Government Approach, Peace and Security, Social Enterprise
North America | NGO
Impact of Climate Change on Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Project Title: Impact of Climate Change on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Internally Displaced Persons in Haiti Client: Global Justice Center (GJC) Students: Gina Zuno, Paige Rumelt, Joshua Diemert, Sogol Ghattan-Kashani Faculty Lead: Erin Baines, Ketty Anyeko Fieldwork Location: Virtual - New York and Haiti Year: 2020-21 Publication: The Pub About the Project: This research included analyzing the gaps within the Haitian legal and policy frameworks, which allow climate emergency events (eg. hurricanes) to heighten the risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking. The output of this project was a policy report provided to GJC, which acts as a scoping report to help GJC access the practical and thematic issues attached to this stream of work. Key Words: Climate Change, Gender, Peace and Security
Asia | NGO
Disparity and Disconnection
Project Title: Disparity and Disconnection: Impacts of COVID-19 on Education in Nepal Client: Open Learning Exchange (OLE) Nepal Students: Boyd Hayes, Nabila Farid, Riya Sirkhell Faculty Lead: Sara Shneiderman Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Nepal (Sindhupalchok and Lalitpur) Year: 2020-21 Publications: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Nepali Times About the Project: This research assessed the opportunites and challenges that have emerged as the Nepalese education system adapts to COVID-19 through a hybrid back-to-school model. The output of this project was a policy report developed for Open Learning Exchange Nepal. Key Words: Education, Digital, Social Impact
Asia | NGO
Advancing Electronic Commerce and Digital Trade
Project Title: Advancing Electronic Commerce and Digital Trade between ASEAN and Canada Client: Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) Students: Esther Ocheni, Edwin Edou, Shane Dial Faculty Lead: Kai Ostwald Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Singapore Year: 2020-21 About the Project: The goal of this research was to understand the gaps that Canada's future ASEAN Free Trade Agreement can address by harnessing electronic commerce and digital trade. The output of this project was a policy report developed for the Canadian ASEAN Business Council describing all relevant FTAs in terms of their digital trade provisions and summarizing the experiences of the CABC's members whose work includes digital trade. Key Words: Economic Development, Digital, Governance
Asia | NGO
A Farmer Assistance Scheme Database
Project Title: A Farmer Assistance Scheme Database: Agriculture, Solar and Food Processing in India Client: SELCO Foundation Students: Ziwei Luo, Gavin Davies, Matthew Colenbrander, Clinton Mix Faculty Lead: Matias Margulis Fieldwork Location: Virtual - India (Karnataka, Odisha, and Assam) Year: 2020-21 About the Project: This project provided in-depth research and a comprehensive description of the policies and initiatives that facilitate small/micro scale green-energy food processing in India, supporting SELCO's future programming and advocacy work. The output of this project was a database and a slide deck describing the government schemes currently available in three Indian provinces. Key Words: Social Enterprise, Climate Change, Social Impact
North America | Indigenous Community
Contributing to a Safe Land-based Education Program for the Tahltan Community
Project Title: Contributing to a Safe Land-based Education Program for the Tahltan Community Client: Tū’desē’cho Wholistic Indigenous Leadership Development Society (TWILD) Students: Sumaiyyah Adam, Jessika Woroniak, Khushi Nilani Mohan Haranahalli, Lilian Shams-Amiri Faculty Lead: Nadja Kunz Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Tahltan Territory Year: 2020-21 About the Project: In partnership with TWILD, the researchers worked with the Tahltan community to assess the existing processes for that land-based learning and review the strategies used in similar programs to support the creation of a community-specific education policy. The outputs from this project were a policy report describing the team's findings as well as a summary of available data storage platforms and their benefits. Key Words: Education, Youth, Self Governance
North America | Indigenous Community
Village of Lax̱g̱alts’ap Assessment of Sea-Level Rise Adaptation Strategies
Project Title: Village of Lax̱g̱alts’ap Assessment of Sea-Level Rise Adaptation Strategies Client: Nisga'a Village Government of Lax̱g̱alts’ap Students: Brayden Pelham, Stephen Patenaude, Erica Steele, Victoria Ker Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual – Nisga’a Lands Year: 2020-21 Publication: National Observer About the Project: This research from this project focused on assessing the adaptation startagies that are available for the Lax̱g̱alts’ap as they respond to rising water levels along the Nass River. The output of this project were a policy report and an infographic summarizing the findings. Key Words: Climate Change, Self Governance, Community Engagement
North America | Indigenous Community
Climate Action Strategy
Project Title: Climate Action Strategy: Coordinating Action on Squamish Nation Territory Client: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Students: Kingsley Eze, Remy Hellstern, Nidhi Sharma, Claire Ross Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Squamish Nation Traditional Territory Year: 2020-21 About the Project: This project is situated in the information-gathering phase of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s Climate Action Strategy. The overall focus is on identifying recommendations on practical, implementable mitigation and action strategies and highlighting opportunities for strengthened intergovernmental relations. The outputs from this project included a comprehensive report and a presentation to the Squamish Nation Council describing the research findings. Key Words: Climate Change, Self Governance, Social Impact
North America | Government
Prioritizing Threats and Allocating Resources
Project Title: Prioritizing Threats and Allocating Resources: Applying Lessons from Four Sectors to Inform National Security Priorities Client: Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Students: Daniel Park, Easton Smith, Nicolas Jensen, Yahe Li Faculty Lead: Julian Dierkes Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Ottawa Year: 2020-21 Publications: The Pub About the Project: This research worked on improving the policy planning process at CSIS pertaining to the challenge of balancing priorities between short-term threats to life (e.g. terrorism), and long-term strategic threats (e.g. economic security) by developing a menu of prioritization options by studying how other governmental and private sector organizations balance competing priorities. The output of this project were a policy brief and policy report provided to CSIS. Key Words: National Security, Knowledge Transfer, Governance
North America | Government
Refugee Resettlement Strategies
Project Title: Refugee Resettlement Strategies: Exploring Barriers to Success for New Vermonters Client: State of Vermont Office of the Lieutenant Governor Student: Hazel Brewster Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vermont, USA Year: 2020-21 About the Project: This project was a partnership with the Vermont Lieutenant Governor’s Office that aimed to supply the Lt. Governor with the information necessary to garner a comprehensive understanding of the current state of refugee resettlement in Vermont. This research highlighted existing barriers that must be addressed to strengthen the existing policy infrastructure in anticipation of an influx of refugees coming to the state. The outputs of this project were a short policy report and a presentation to the LG Vermont. Key Words: Migration, Community Engagement, Social Impact
North America | Government
Opportunities to Decolonize 'The Vancouver Plan'
Project Title: Opportunities to Decolonize 'The Vancouver Plan' Client: Department of Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability, City of Vancouver Students: Archana Rajendren, Michael Law, Isabella Pepe, Alexander Howes Faculty Lead: Andrea Reimer Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver Year: 2020-21 About the Project: The goal of this research was assessing strategies used by communities to the City of Vancouver to support the COV in developing an initial understanding of what they imagine a decolonized City should look like from a policy and/or land-use perspective. This reserach can be used by the COV as they continue to understand what a “decolonized city” might look like in the context of "the Vancouver Plan” planning process. The output of this project was a policy report and presentation to the City of Vancouver. Key Words: Urban, Governance, Reconciliation
Global | Other
Redefining Policy and Practice
Project Title: Redefining Policy and Practice: Unraveling Definitions of Sexual Violence through a Survivor-Centred Approach Client: Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice (WIGJ) Students: Ravina Anand, Solomon Atta, Dinoba Kirupa, Israa Noureddine, Eseohe Ojo Faculty Lead: Erin Baines Fieldwork Location: The Hague, Netherlands; Geneva, Switzerland; New York, USA Year: 2019-20 About the Project: Recommending changes to the UN's definition of conflict-related sexual violence so it can be more inclusive, contemporary, victim and survivor focused. The output of this report was a policy report given to the client that outlines the rationale behind these recommended changes. Key Words: Gender, Peace, Security
Asia | NGO
Strengthening the Canadian-ASEAN Connection
Project Title: Strengthening the Canadian-ASEAN Connection: Business Mobility Client: Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) Students: Hadir Ali, Somi Ajagu-Amamgbo, Zeynya Alemayehu, Anam Imtiaz Elahi, Alessia Rodríguez Di Eugenio Faculty Lead: Kai Ostwald Fieldwork Location: Jakarta, Indonesia; Singapore; Ho Chi Min, Vietnam Year: 2019-20 About the Project: Identifying key barriers to business mobility and provide policy recommendations to increase connectivity and facilitate business activities between Canada and ASEAN. The output of this project was a policy report, which was published by the CABC articulating a concern the organization has with current policies and connecting it with the opinions of the CABC's members. Key Words: Migration, Economic Development, Governance
Asia | NGO
Expanding Water Harvesting Practices in Rajasthan
Project Title: Expanding Water Harvesting Practices in Rajasthan Client: Gram Gaurav Sansthan (GGS); Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) Students: Rai Friedman, Sanmini Koffi, Chengkun Lv, Andrés Penaloza Faculty Lead: Milind Kandlikar Fieldwork Location: India (Karauli, Jaipur, New Delhi) Year: 2019-20 About the Project: Focusing on upscaling water harvesting structures within the Dang region in India, with the aim to explore strategies of how GGS can effectively advocate for the promotion of successful community based water harvesting policy alternatives at the state level. The output of this project was a policy report for the GGS clearly outlining the benefits of their program in comparison to other options as well as identifying areas for improvement and advocacy. Key Words: Social Enterprise, Climate Change, Social Impact
Asia | NGO
Barriers to Effective Teaching and Evolution
Project Title: Barriers to Effective Teaching and Evolution in Nepal Client: Open Learning Exchange (OLE) Nepal Students: Citlali Cruz Cruz, Hannah Geiser, Hafsa Khan, Beatrice Zano Faculty Lead: Sara Shneiderman Fieldwork Location: Nepal (Kathmandu, Sindhupalchok, Gorkha) Year: 2019-20 About the Project: Synthesizing and evaluating factors that negatively impact the quality and capacity of primary school educators in Nepal. The outputs of this research were a detailed policy report, a presentation of the head of OLE outlining the findings, and a policy brief relevant to OLE's advocacy work. Key Words: Education, Community Engagement, Social Impact
North America | Government
Applying an Equity Lens
Project Title: Applying an Equity Lens to the City of Vancouver's Climate Emergency Response Plan Client: Department of Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability, City of Vancouver Students: Schyler Edmundson, Shivangi Khanna, Alexandra Martin, Nikki Wirawen, Sean Wu, Yi Yang Faculty Lead: George Hoberg Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver Year: 2019-20 About the Project: Understanding how low-income Vancouver seniors are particularly vulnerable to ambitious municipal climate policies, as well as how policy instruments can mitigate potentially disproportionate impacts on this equity-seeking group. The output of this project was a report for the City of Vancouver to use when further developing their Climate Emergency Response Plan. Key Words: Climate Change, Equity, Governance
Asia | Government
Strategies for Increasing Youth Civic Engagement in Nalaikh
Project Title: Strategies for Increasing Youth Civic Engagement in Nalaikh Client: Governor's Office of Nalaikh District, Office’s Division of Family, Youth, and Child Development (DFYCD) Students: Claire Casher, Samantha Coronel, Rasmus Dilling-Hansen, Cassandra Jeffery Faculty Lead: Julian Dierkes Fieldwork Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Year: 2019-20 Publications: The Diplomat About the Project: Developing strategies to address the lack of youth civic engagement in the Nalaikh District, which hinders effective policy creation and implementation. The output of this project was an indepth report for the District of Mongolia as well as initial findings on youth perceptions from a series of focus groups that the UBC team fascilitated with local university students. Key Words: Youth, Community Engagement, Governance
South America | Government
Enhancing Gender Mainstreaming in Water Resource Management
Project Title: Enhancing Gender Mainstreaming in Water Resource Management Client: Autoridad Nacional de Agua (ANA); Canadian International Resource and Development Institute (CIRDI) Students: Heather Park, Guilherme Rosales, Emily Enright, Eliza Bethune Faculty Lead: Alexandra Carlier Fieldwork Location: Peru (Lima, Arequipa) Year: 2019-20 About the Project: Analyzing existing gender challenges in ANA's water management systems and to provide policy recommendations to address those challenges. The output of this project was a policy report for ANA, including results of the first in-house survey on gender awareness. Key Words: Gender, Energy, Governance
Africa | Government
A Roadmap for ESIA in Ethiopia’s Mining Sector
Project Title: A Roadmap for ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment) in Ethiopia’s Mining Sector Client: Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP), Ethiopia; Canadian International Resource and Development Institute (CIRDI) Students: Melisha Charles, Denby McDonnell, Christopher Stoicheff, Joshua Tafel Faculty Lead: Nadja Kunz Fieldwork Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Year: 2019-20 Publications: A roadmap for ESIA policy change in Ethiopia should address wide-ranging governance reforms in the Journal of Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal About the Project: Identifying gaps and opportunities for ESIA policy change in Ethiopia. Maximizing the benefits of mining development while minimizing negative impacts for the country is only possible with a strong ESIA policy framework. The outputs of this project were a policy report and a policy brief for CIRDI to use in their work advising the Ethiopian government. Key Words: Social Impact, Energy, Governance
North America | Other
Preparing a Labour Transition for Oil Sands Workers
Project Title: Preparing a Labour Transition for Oil Sands Workers Client: Alberta Federation of Labour Students: Susanne Beilmann, Clare Kim, Tommy Koh, Aaron Nelson Faculty Lead: George Hoberg Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Alberta Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Exploring the strategies that the Alberta Federation of Labour can advocate to manage the impact on oil sands workers and their immediate communities, focusing on maintaining their standard of living. The output of this project was a policy report to be used for internal decision making. Key Words: Employment, Climate Change, Social Impact
North America | Government
Balancing the Equation
Project Title: Balancing the Equation: Reconciling BC's LNG Export to China with its Climate Target Client: Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Energy, Government of British Columbia Students: Aboozar Ahmadi, Jiaxin Li, Nicole So, Darren Touch Faculty Lead: Wenran Jiang Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Examining the policy options available to the Government of British Columbia for reconciling the desire to grow its LNG industry and its obligation to meet provincial and national climate targets. The output from this project was an excellent summary of BC's policy options for using LNG exports to reach its climate goals. Key Words: Climate Change, Governance, Energy
North America | Government
Greening Vancouver’s Fleets
Project Title: Greening Vancouver’s Fleets Client: Department of Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability, City of Vancouver Students: Luthfi Dhofier, Sara Harb, Nicholas Lloyd-Kuzik, Alex Loginov, Chiamaka Mọgọ Faculty Lead: George Hoberg Fieldwork Location: Vancouver Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Providing guidelines on the possibilities, processes, and barriers to promoting the transition to zero emissions in the City of Vancouver based on best practices implemented in other cities. The output from this project was a report for the City of Vancouver to use when developing its own zero emission vehicle policies. Key Words: Climate Change, Energy, Urban
South America | Government
Integrated and Inclusive Water Resource Management
Project Title: Integrated and Inclusive Water Resource Management and Social Conflict in Peru Client: Autoridad Nacional de Agua (ANA); Canadian International Resource and Development Institute (CIRDI) Students: Atieh Razavi Yekta, Adrianna Spyker, Tovonirina Nere Jose, Misrak Yacob, Diego Bastidas Fieldwork Location: Peru (Lima, Cusco) Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Studying the policies, programs, and institutions within ANA in terms of their equitable and integrated approach to water management. The output from this research was a policy report for ANA to reference when continuing to improve its water management systems to align with global commitments. Key Words: Energy, Social Impact, Equity
Africa | Government
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Ethiopia
Project Title: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Ethiopia: Examining the Policy Frameworks, Institutional Mechanisms and Gender Inclusion in ASM Client: Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP), Ethiopia; Canadian International Resource and Development Institute (CIRDI) Students: Adam Cassady, Huilin Gao, Catherine Tarimo, Juliana Craig, Sebastian Jarrin Fieldwork Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Evaluating the adequacy of Ethiopia’s institutional mechanisms that are designed to enable gender inclusiveness in artisanal and small-scale mining operations. The output from this research was a policy report that CIRDI can refer to when supporting Ethiopia's developing mining sector. Key Words: Gender, Energy, Governance
Africa | NGO
The Evolution of the Community Resistance Tool
Project Title: The Evolution of the Community Resistance Tool Client: Free the Slaves Students: Adedoyin Luwaji, Ali Abdullah Bajwa, John Ede, Simin Yook, Ros Seibert Fieldwork Location: Ghana (Mafi-Tedeafenui, Ada West, Srafa Aboano, Hweda) Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Providing a robust mechanism to measure the effectiveness of Free the Slaves’ intervention activities and resiliency of communities from slavery. The outputs from this project included an improved Community Resilience Tool, a guide for using that tool, and a report describing its development. Key Words: Community Engagement, Social Impact, Peace and Security
Asia | NGO
Sickle Cell Disease Management and Service Delivery in Nepal
Project Title: Sickle Cell Disease Management and Service Delivery in Nepal Client: Creating Possibilities Nepal Students: Bashar Alsaeedi, Shafaq Noorani, Marzia Rizvi, Daniela Rodriguez, Hadis Siadat Faculty Lead: Sara Shneiderman Fieldwork Location: Dang District, Nepal Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Providing recommendations on the adequacy of the Nepali public health policy infrastructure and services for addressing the socio-economic impact of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and supporting appropriate disease management in the Tharu community. The output from this project was a detailed policy report that can be used by CP in their continued advocacy work to convince the Nepalese government to address the long standing issues described by the research team. Key Words: Health, Community Engagement, Service Delivery
Asia | Multilateral
Assessment of Gender Gaps in Infrastructure Projects
Project Title: Assessment of Gender Gaps in Infrastructure Projects Client: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Students: Dorine Akwiri, Alex Ash, Alfonso Hernandez, Tracy To Trieu Hai Ly, Rafael Posada Fieldwork Location: Gujarat, India Year: 2018-19 About the Project: Evaluating the approaches utilized by large development banks for assessing gender gaps in their infrastructure projects so the AIIB can implement their own gender assessment approach. The output from this project was a presentation to the AIIB on key findings as well as detailed policy report outlining diverse ways of including a gender lens into infrastructure development so the AIIB can develop their own approach. Key Words: Gender, Economic Development, Public Procurement
North America | Other
Between Two Rivers
Project Title: Between Two Rivers: Access to Safe Drinking Water in Canada and the Case of Lytton First Nation Client: Global Reporting Centre (GRC) Students: Marc Attallah, Amelia Duggan, Yannick Gayama, Farah Kashaf Faculty Lead: Peter Klein Fieldwork Location: Lytton First Nation Traditional Territory Year: 2017-18 About the Project: Examined overall water governance structures, standards and regulations which are held by provincial and municipal governments, and the interplay with Canada’s Indian Act, focusing on the experiences and innovation of the Lytton First Nation. The output from this research was a BBC article describing the research findings that was co-authored by MPPGA and iSchool students. Key Words: Energy, Community Engagement, Service Delivery
North America | Government
Resilient Neighbourhoods Project
Project Title: Resilient Neighbourhoods Project: Fostering Social Connectedness and Engagement Client: Resilient Neighbourhoods Program, City of Vancouver Students: Candy Tladi, Oluwatoyin Christiana Onabola Faculty Lead: Moura Quayle Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Vancouver Year: 2017-18 About the Project: Analysing how to harness the City’s current social assets in order to foster a stronger sense of community and strengthen the connecting and engaging capacities of neighbourhoods. The output from this project was a policy report for the COV to support their programming and policy development. Key Words: Equity, Urban, Community Engagement
Global | NGO
Canada and the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty
Project Title: Canada and the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty Client: Reaching Critical Will Students: Laurélène Faye, Adilkhan Shashdavletov, Henry Shum, Salman Ghumman Faculty Lead: M. V. Ramana Fieldwork Location: Virtual - New York Year: 2017-18 Publications: The Bulletin About the Project: Analyzed expert opinion on nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament, public perception, international diplomacy and political constraints to better understand Canada's refusal to sign or participate in the negotiations that led to the UN’s Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons, 2017. The output from this research was a report that clearly outlines the elements that constraint Canada's policy options in this area. Key Words: National Security, Governance, Peace
Asia | Other
Fostering Financial Inclusion in Timor-Leste with KIF
Project Title: Fostering Financial Inclusion in Timor-Leste with KIF Client: Kaebauk Investimentu no Finansas Students: Claire Allen, Joanna Fensome, Nathan Seef Fieldwork Location: Timor-Leste (Ermera, Maubara, Dili, Maubisse, Alieu) Year: 2017-18 About the Project: Identified barriers to financial services and explored the feasibility of transitioning from a brick-and-mortar branches to mobile technology-based services. The output from this research was a policy report for KIF to use in to continue to improve their programming. Key Words: Equity, Service Delivery, Community Engagement
Asia | NGO
Financial Inclusion in India
Project Title: Financial Inclusion in India Client: Sub-K IMPACT Solutions Ltd Students: Elisha Connell, Mitch Hulse, Hyun Ju Lee, Tinashe Mutsonziwa Fieldwork Location: India (Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur) Year: 2017-18 About the Project: Examined internal mechanisms to improve resilience against adverse policy changes and reconciling the twin objectives of achieving poverty alleviation and staying commercially viable. The output from this research was a report that articulates challenges with Sub-K's progrmaming to be used internally for future improvement. Key Words: Equity, Service Delivery, Community Engagement
Asia | Multilateral
Cooperation and Progress
Project Title: Cooperation and Progress: Examining the Co-operative Movement in India Client: International Cooperative Alliance of Asia (ICA-AP) Students: Lauren Hamman, Reagan Rockzsfforde, Bo Wang Fieldwork Location: India (New Delhi, Hyderbhad, Kerala, Bangalore) Year: 2017-18 About the Project: Examining the co-operative movement in India to determine what changes can be recommended to support co-operatives functioning in a sustainable and equitable manner while they strive to deliver on their development goals. The output from this project was a policy report for ICA-AP, which contributes to their ongoing research and policy development. Key Words: Social Enterprise, Public Procurement, Community Engagement
Asia | NGO
Enhancing Rural Livelihoods
Project Title: Enhancing Rural Livelihoods Client: Aga Khan Rural Support Program - India (AKRSP(I)) Students: Keskine Owusu Poku, Luis Pablo Acosta Zamora, Sarah Froese Fieldwork Location: Gujarat, India Year: 2017-18 About the Project: Examines the efficacy of three major activities of the Aga Khan Rural Support Program for sustainable livelihood development against the backdrop of rural development policies of the State of Gujarat. The output from this research was a report that helped AKRSP(I) improve their programming design. Key Words: Social Impact, Community Engagement, Equity
South America | Government
Evaluating Water Access Projects for Vulnerable Communities
Project Title: Evaluating Water Access Projects for Vulnerable Communities Client: Global Affairs Canada Students: Denea Bascombe, Andrés Delgado, Sonia Takhar, Petrina Torgerson Faculty Lead: Milind Kandlikar Fieldwork Location: Virtual - Ottawa Year: 2016-17 About the Project: Developing a policy tool for evaluating Global Affairs Canada’s projects in terms of their efficacy for improving the quality of drinking water and addressing sustainable development goals in Canadian, Mexican, and Peruvian indigenous communities. The output from this project was an evaluation tool for Global Affairs Canada to support their domestic and internationally staff in evaluating proposed projects. Key Words: Energy, Governance, Public Procurement
Asia | NGO
Financial Inclusion in India's Digital Age
Project Title: Financial Inclusion in India's Digital Age Client: Sub-K IMPACT Solutions Ltd, Akhuwat Islamic Mircofinance Institute Students: Talia Ahmad, Corrin Bulmer, Zameena Dadani, Chad Rickaby, Fernando Rodriguez Faculty Leads: Shashi Enarth, Milind Kandlikar Fieldwork Location: India (Hyderabad, New Delhi, Raipur); Lahore, Pakistan Year: 2016-17 About the Project: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the financial inclusion policies environment that influences the financial services available for those Indians living at or below the poverty line and to evaluate the current Sub-K service delivery model within that policy setting. The output from this project was a policy report that outlines areas for improvement in a number of BASIX's policies in India and Pakistan. Key Words: Equity, Service Delivery, Community Engagement
Asia | Multilateral
Setting Up the Path for Success
Project Title: Setting Up the Path for Success: Cross-Cutting Gender in a 360-Degree Risk Assessment for the TLFF Client: Tropical Landscapes Finance Facility (TLFF) Secretariat Students: Kiran Alwani, Emily Mann, Brady Fox, Raphael Roman, Bryan Taylor Faculty Lead: Paul Evans Fieldwork Location: Indonesia (Jakarta, Medan) Year: 2016-17 About the Project: Leveraging private finance for public good in Indonesia through an examination of how to successfully implement the TLFF given the organizational, environmental, political and social risks. The output of this project was a report for TLFF outlining the findings and identifying elements to consider as the TLFF continued to grow. Key Words: Gender, Governance, Climate Change