MPPGA student Salina Dolmo Lama supports development of first free open-access Nepali textbook
Introduction to the Nepali Language is the first free open-access textbook of its kind designed for learners, educators, community groups, and heritage speakers of Nepali.
Announcing the Jordan Levi-Matin Memorial Award in Public Policy and Global Affairs
SPPGA announces the Jordan Levi-Matin Memorial Award in Public Policy and Global Affairs. The inaugural award has been granted to Mehre Dlir.
Congratulations, MPPGA Class of 2026!
We celebrate another extraordinary cohort graduating from the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program.
IAR Publication Awards
The IAR Publication Award provides grants to students whose works are accepted in high-visiblity and wide-impact outlets.
2026 Global Policy Project Symposium: Policy in a Changing World
MPPGA students take the stage at the 2026 Global Policy Project (GP²) Symposium to present their findings after months of research, fieldwork, and collaboration.
For the Love of Birds: Mural Design Contest – Submit by May 8
For the Love of Birds Mural Design Contest invites UBC students to create a custom window mural design at the Liu Institute for Global Issues to help prevent bird collisions. Deadline: May 8, 2026
Global Policy Project: MPPGA Students Tackling Real-World Policy Challenges
MPPGA students travelled internationally to conduct fieldwork for their capstone Global Policy Projects (GP²), working directly with client organizations to tackle real-world policy challenges across Peru, Uganda, India, and Norway.
Climate Leadership in Paris: UBC at the 2026 CARE Conference
SPPGA sent a delegation of ten participants to the 2026 Annual CARE Conference Paris, including six students who took part in panels, research poster presentations, and a student-led simulation exercise during the three-day experiential conference.
Reflections on the Canada China Forum Emerging Leaders Dialogue
MPPGA student and IAR Research Fellow Celine Ip reflects on attending the Canada–China Forum’s Emerging Leaders Dialogue in Ottawa, where policymakers, scholars, and industry experts discussed the future of Canada–China relations.
Developing Practical Policy Skills and a Global Perspective: Reflections from Marcos Avina, MPPGA ’25
Marcos Avina, MPPGA Class of 2025, refelcrts on his experience at MPPGA and how the program shaped his professional journey.
The Institute of Asian Research in Ottawa for discussions on the Indo-Pacific and Canadian Foreign Policy
Members of IAR discuss the Indo Pacific and Canadian foreign policy at several engagements in Ottawa linking academic expertise with national-level foreign policy discussions
What Makes the MPPGA Program Truly Unique?
Hear from our SPPGA faculty on why the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program stands out among the others
Reflections from the Second World Summit for Social Development: A Delegate Perspective by Esther C. K. Nnorom
MPPGA student Esther C. K. Nnorom reflects on her experience as part of Canada’s official delegation at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2).
Happy Holidays from SPPGA 2025
Seasons greetings from the SPPGA community!
The Competing Demands of Climate Leadership
SPPGA faculty examine how climate change is reshaping resource systems, exposing contradictions between environmental commitments and economic policy across pipelines, oceans, and fisheries.
MPPGA Students Win Judge’s Choice Award at Movement YVR’s Transit’s Next Top Funding Model
MPPGA students Kiran Nahal, Khadija Rana, and Jasleen Kaur Johal-Takhar took home the Judge’s Choice Award at Movement YVR’s Transit’s Next Top Funding Model Pitch
Academia and Activism: Reflections from CEDAR and the Social Forum in Wolastokuk
Prof. M.V. Ramana and MPPGA graduate students, Bahaar Abbas and Lilly Floerke share reflections on the Social Forum in Wolastokuk and CEDAR (Contesting Energy Discourses through Action Research).
The Institute of Asian Research Hosts Former Thai PM-Designate Pita Limjaroenrat
On November 14, 2025, UBC’s Institute of Asian Research (IAR) hosted a vibrant fireside chat with former Thai PM-designate and Harvard Kennedy School Visiting Fellow Pita Limjaroenrat.
Why Representation Matters: 2025 Women in House Program
The SPPGA Women in House program brought together 10 female-identifying UBC students and alumni, including participants from International Relations, Political Science, and the MPPGA program. Read about their experience.
The Hidden Costs of Artificial Intelligence
SPPGA researchers examine how AI is outpacing regulation across military technology, environmental impacts, energy infrastructure, and democratic processes.
Institute of Asian Research Welcomes Fellows for 2025-26
IAR welcomes scholars representing a wide range of departments and disciplines including 23 MPPGA students, 10 PhD students, 8 MA students, and 1 Law student.
MPPGA Class of 2027
Meet the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs Class of 2027.
Raphael Choquette awarded CARE Scholarship, Supporting the Next Generation of Climate-Conscious Global Leaders
“UBC is a world-leading institution in sustainability, and the CARE scholarship provided me with an amazing opportunity to combine my French background with a world-class education in Canada.”
MPPGA 10th Anniversary
This year marks a major milestone—10 years since the launch of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program!
Youth Diplomacy in Action: MPPGA Alum Marcos Avina Shares Lessons from the Y20 Summit
In August of 2025, recent MPPGA alum Marcos Avina (Class of 2025) traveled to South Africa to represent Canada at the Y20. He shares reflections of his experience here.
Reflections on Community Engaged Research with ORICE
With projects spanning mental health systems strengthening in Kenya, gender-based violence analysis in BC, and human rights advocacy for imprisoned scholars, ORICE students share how their research has contributed to a variety of community-based organizations.
Career Development Opportunities in the MPPGA Program
Hear from our community on how the MPPGA Program prepares students for a career in policy and global affairs.
Advancing Climate Justice: Reflections from CARE Interns at UBC
From Paris to Vancouver, Anouk Bassou, Justine Babin, and Leo Ruesche Neggia share their experiences as part of the Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Empowerment (CARE) Internship Program
GP² Reflections: MPPGA Students Explore Pathways to Clean Heating in Mongolia
As a part of their GP² project, MPPGA students seek to address issues of coal-powered heating and high GHG emissions in Mongolia.
Future Leaders in Defence: MPPGA Student Lindsay Burlie reflects on Peacekeeping, Purpose & Service
MPPGA student Lindsay Burlie represented UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at The Future Leaders in Defence Forum
Hats off to the MPPGA Class of 2025
As the academic year comes to a close, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the graduating students in the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
2025 Global Policy Project Symposium: MPPGA Students Address Real-World Policy Challenges
Learn about the capstone Global Policy Project (GP²), and the groups of MPPGA students who are working with clients from around the globe.
Integrated Approaches to Climate Change: UBC Delegation at the 2025 CARE Conference
A delegation of 11 UBC faculty, staff and students came together with close to 100 participants from all four CARE partner institutions as well as leading experts from the public and private sectors for this year’s CARE conference.
MPPGA Job Search Skills for the Policy Professions Conference and Reception 2025
Our students enjoyed a lively afternoon of interactive career skills training, where they had the opportunity to network with alumni and other policy professionals and speak to them about their career aspirations and goals.
MPPGA Students Get Involved: Global Affairs Canada’s 8th Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Commission
MPPGA students attended Global Affairs Canada’s 8th CPTCC commission meeting, serving as liaison officers and gaining valuable experience in diplomacy.
Juan Cristóbal Collado, MPPGA Second Year Student Exploring Solutions to Global Sustainability
Meet Juan Cristóbal Collado, a student in his second year of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program. We chatted with Cristóbal to learn more about his background of conducting policy projects in Mexico, as well as how the MPPGA program has fostered his interest in research focused on natural resources and […]
Netheena Mathews, MPPGA Second Year Student Designing Policy through a Journalistic Lens
Meet Netheena Mathews, a current second-year student of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. We chatted with Netheena to discover how her unique experiences have shaped her interest in policy design, and listened to her key takeaways from the MPPGA program thus far. Introduce yourself! What is your background? I joined the […]
Shaping Policy for Myanmar’s Future: UBC Myanmar Initiative Visits Ottawa
In October 2024, the UBC Myanmar Initiative at SPPGA visited Ottawa to meet with MP’s and policy practitioners and present their research findings on possible post-conflict scenarios in Myanmar.
Case Competition: MPPGA Students Develop Policy Solutions for Energy Transitions
MPPGA students reflect on their takeaways from the CARE Sustainability in a Changing Climate Case Competition, focusing on policy design for energy transitions.
SPPGA Year in Review: 2023-24 Highlights
The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs continues to foster interdisciplinary research, innovative educational programs, impactful policy engagement and a range of other events and activities.
Claire McPhee, MPPGA Second Year Student Striving for Equitable Climate and Environmental Policies
In getting to know Claire, we learned about her background in project management and how she developed a passion for policy design, as well as what the highlights of her first year in the program are.
Meet the Class of 2026
We proudly present our Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs – Class of 2026.
Su Thet San, MPPGA Second Year Student Rethinking Policies Affecting Minorities in Myanmar
Before joining the MPPGA Program, Su Thet worked at a local NGO in Myanmar and their current interests are deeply informed by this experience. Read more about their research and their experience with the program so far.
2023/24 IAR Publication Awards
The IAR Publication Award provides grants to students whose works are accepted in high-visiblity and wide-impact outlets.
Celebrating the MPPGA Graduates of 2024
It is with utmost pride that we send off this year’s MPPGA graduates, who have made great strides as SPPGA students and will continue on to shape the future of policy-making.
Incoming MPPGA student Anna Manuel Awarded the Inaugural Phil Lind Memorial Fellowship
Anna Manuel, an incoming MPPGA student, receives the inaugural Phil Lind Memorial Fellowship to support her dedication to shaping the future of policy-making.
New Phil Lind Memorial Fellowship in Public Policy and Global Affairs Announced
A new fellowship has been made possible through a generous gift from the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) in memory of Phil Lind
Advancing Gender Equality and Security with Erin Baines and Liliane Pari Umuhoza
SPPGA Professor Erin Baines and MPPGA student Liliane Pari Umuhoza recently presented at the third annual RN-WPS symposium at the University of Ottawa.
MPPGA Students Win Best Position Paper Awards at Carleton Model NATO Conference
MPPGA students participate in Carleton University’s Model NATO Conference and Nicole Ng and Mahnan Omar win two out of three Best Position Paper awards.
Research that Matters: Support Experiential Learning this UBC Giving Day
Support hands-on fieldwork and research activities associated with GP² and give students a valuable opportunity to influence positive change.
Introducing MPPGA’s Class of 2025
Introducing the MPPGA Class of 2025, a dynamic cohort poised to tackle diverse policy challenges.
Meet the Class of 2024
Introducing the MPPGA Class of 2025, a dynamic cohort poised to tackle diverse policy challenges
Welcome 2024 Liu Scholars
SPPGA welcomes four 2024 Liu Scholars – strong advocates for social change who will be working with SPPGA faculty members on pertinent topics.
2023 Olav Slaymaker Scholars at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
Introducing the 2023 Olav Slaymaker Scholars: Rudri Bhatt and Mercy
2023 Simons Award Recipients in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security
UBC students won the 2023 Simons Award for research in nuclear disarmament and global security.
MPPGA Student Association Announces New 2023-24 Executive
UBC MPPGA students selected their 2023-24 leaders and set their academic year’s goals
2022/23 IAR Publication Awards
The IAR Publication Award provides grants to students whose works are accepted in high-visiblity and wide-impact outlets.
GreenTech Asia Grows with the Help of Current and Former SPPGA Students
By David Deen (MPPGA, Class of 2023) Students from the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) are playing a key role in defining Canada’s relationships in Asia. Graduates are working in influential positions within public and private sector organizations on both sides of the Pacific. At the forefront is Green Technology Asia Pte […]
MPPGA Student Panthea Pourmalek, Prof. Heidi Tworek, Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Can Elections Survive the Digital Age?
Researchers from SPPGA’s Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) and the Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research examine the role of social media in elections.
MPPGA Student Norma Patiño Sánchez Receives 2022 Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship
Congratulations to UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student Norma Patiño Sánchez for receiving the 2022 Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship.
Congratulations to 2022 Simons Award Recipients!
Six UBC students received the 2022 Simons Award in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security for their research on nuclear disarmament, nuclear energy, and global security.
Call for Applications: Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment
Applications are open to UBC graduate students studying environmental issues and is supervised by an SPPGA faculty member.
MPPGA Student David Deen Co-produces Home Away from Home: The Untold Story of Canada’s ‘Little Tibet’
MPPGA Student David Deen co-produces a broadcast depicting the Tibetan community’s fight to preserve its identity in Canada.
Call for Applications: 2022 Simons Awards for Student Research in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security
Undergraduate and graduate students will receive $1,000 and $1,500 respectively for their successful research paper or product on topics related to nuclear disarmament and/or global security.
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Dr. Chris Tenove, MPPGA Students: Online Hate in the Pandemic
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chris Tenove, MPPGA alumnus Wilson Dargbeh and MPPGA student Oliver Zhang, publish an article outlining case studies on hate and harassment targeting health communicators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022 Global Policy Project Symposium
Leading up to their graduation, MPPGA students from the class of 2022 presented their policy findings at the annual Global Policy Project Symposium held by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
MPPGA Students: A Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia
MPPGA students Benedetta Beltramo, Soumya Kolluru, Lisa Slager, and Lindsey Wall published a report on One Health Commission exploring the implementation of One Health in jurisdictions in Asia to find ‘good practices’ that can inspire, inform, strengthen, and accelerate One Health policy implementation in British Columbia, Canada.
UBC MPPGA Students Graduate Ready to Tackle Urgent Challenges
Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students are graduating from the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs ready to shape a better world. Learn more from four of our graduates about their experiences in the program, what issues they’re passionate about, and their career aspirations.
Call for Applications: 2022 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs welcomes applicants interested in applying for the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
MPPGA Student Shifa Thobani Receives Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship
Congratulations to Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student Shifa Thobani for receiving the Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship in recognition of her work in the space of menstrual hygiene management with the adolescent girls and women in the villages of India.
MPPGA Students: Recruiting Child Soldiers: A Problem with Too Many Approaches and Too Little Success
MPPGA students Wilson Dargbeh, Moysal Sana, Kshitij Sharan, and Will Shelling, co-author this article discussing challenges in the prevention of recruitment of children in armed conflict.
MPPGA Students Participate in Research Network on Women, Peace and Security Symposium
MPPGA students Samantha El-Ghazal, Nicole Johnston, and Panthea Pourmalek participated in a Research Network on Women, Peace and Security’s Youth Advisory Board and recent symposium in Montreal, mentored by SPPGA Prof. Erin Baines.
MPPGA Students: Is Disaggregated Data the Answer? Narratives From the Canadian Context
MPPGA students Melissa Hollobon, David Markwei, Claire Okatch, and Savannah Tuck, co-author this article discussing how different Canadian government agencies are using disaggregated data as a strategy to better understand marginalized communities and deliver services to them.
Global Policy Projects: MPPGA Students Engage with Clients on Policy Challenges
The Global Policy Project allows MPPGA students to engage with policymakers and client organizations to solve a real-world policy challenge. Learn about some of this year’s projects, with topics related to housing crisis, climate policy and reconciliation.
MPPGA Students & IAR Fellows: The Hurdles Facing Mongolia’s Overseas Voters
MPPGA students Anoushka Chandarana, Anthony Coompson, Jemimah Ogundele, and Hari Narayan write about the challenges overseas Mongolians face to vote in key elections and the implications this has for democracy, as part of their Global Policy Project with IOM Mongolia.
Prof. Veena Sriram and MPPGA Students Write Heroes on Strike: Trends in Global Health Worker Protests During COVID-19
Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authors a policy brief with MPPGA students Narayanan GL and Chloei Andres, and others about the global trends in health worker protests during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
MPPGA Students Co-Author British Columbia and One Health: A Collective Approach to Policymaking
MPPGA students Benedetta Beltramo, Soumya Kolluru, Lisa Slager, and Lindsey Wall co-author an article for Genome BC with George Poulakidas on the implementation of One Health to combat environmental disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
UBC MPPGA Awarded Third Place at 2022 CAPPA Competition
MPPGA students won bronze at the 11th Annual National Public Administration Case Competition. In this year’s competition, teams worked on the case study, A Wicked Problem: Rough Sleeping in Cities.
MPPGA Students Co-Author a Blog Post on Mongolian Diaspora
MPPGA students Anoushka Chandarana, Anthony Coompson, Jemimah Ogundele, and Narayanan (Hari) GL co-author a blog post on the blog, Mongolia Focus.
Jeehye Kim: Management of Us–China Rivalry Is Key to South Korea’s Future
Jeehye Kim (Director of the Centre for Korean Research, IAR; Political Science Postdoctoral Fellow) discusses why one of the most pressing items on the foreign policy agenda for South Korea’s next president is how to handle the US–China contest for influence.
Temitope Onifade: How Much Are Taxpayers Really Subsidizing Canada’s Fossil Fuel Industry?
Temitope Onifade (Co-chair of the Liu Institute Network for Africa; PhD candidate at Allard School of Law) discusses why money spent on fossil fuel subsidies could be better spent on the clean energy transition, health care, and education.
MPPGA Students Arthur Zhang, Prajna Singh & Paige Inglis: Rethinking Resource Development in Canada
MPPGA students Arthur Zhang, Prajna Singh, and Paige Inglis write about the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the 18 newly proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects for First Nations communities in Canada.
MPPGA Student, Hugo Tang, on Why Hong Kong Must Lift Covid-19 Flight Ban
MPPGA student Hugo Tang authors an op-ed detailing updates about the ongoing Hong Kong Covid-19 flight ban and the consequences it has on Hongkongers.
Hari Narayan on the “Freedom Convoy” in Canada
Hari Narayan (MPPGA student) discusses the ongoing “Freedom Convoy” around Canada and the invocation of the Emergencies Act. (Subscription)
Manimugdha S. Sharma: Why Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shahenshah’ Comment on Modi Shouldn’t Surprise the Right
Manimugdha S. Sharma (SPPGA and CISAR Fellow; History) authors an article on a comment made by the former Indian Congress president and current Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi in his speech in the Lok Sabha on February 2.
Ketty Anyeko: “Justice is Lived”
Ketty Anyeko (SPPGA Postdoctoral Research Fellow) writes about their doctoral research findings, discussing women’s senses of justice and reparations after wartime sexual violence in Northern Uganda.
SPPGA Welcomes 2022 Liu Scholars
The Liu Institute for Global Issues at SPPGA welcomes our 2022 Liu Scholars who are working with SPPGA faculty on projects centered on: Sustainable food systems; Climate crisis politics; Global health; Online communication; and/or Energy transitions.
MPPGA Student Tasha Carruthers, Prof. M.V. Ramana and Others on Decolonizing Energy and Small Modular Reactors
In collaboration with SPPGA Prof Ramana, MPPGA student Tasha Carruthers co-authors this article discussing why the Kebaowek First Nation is calling for an alternative to a planned nuclear reactor.
MPPGA Students Working Towards Real Policy Impact through Global Policy Project
UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student teams have been conducting virtual fieldwork with clients on projects in Canada, India, and Mongolia as part of the 2021-2022 Global Policy Projects.
MPPGA student Panthea Pourmalek Co-Publishes Paper on the Missing Global Governance Capacity Around AI Acceleration with Prof. Yves Tiberghien
Yves Tiberghien, SPPGA Faculty Associate and Political Science Professor, co-published this paper with Honours graduates Panthea Pourmalek (MPPGA student) and Danielle Luo, evaluating the governance gap surrounding digital and AI acceleration.
SPPGA Announces Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment Recipients
Congratulations to UBC graduate students Prerna Gupta and Alice Guimaraes who are recipients of the 2022 Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment.
Existential Gap: Digital/AI Acceleration and the Missing Global Governance Capacity
Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien, MPPGA student Panthea Pourmalek, and Danielle Luo co-authored this paper discussing the growing gap between disruptive technology and the human capacity to manage it.
Reflections from Yale-UBC Fox International Fellow Jory Smallenberg
Jory Smallenberg reflects on her time as a fellow in the Yale-UBC Fox International Fellowship, hosted by the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia.
Congratulations to the 2021 Simons Award Recipients!
Congratulations to the seven UBC students who are the recipients of the 2021 Simons Award, selected by the Liu Institute for Global Issues in the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
MPPGA Student Association Announces New 2021-22 Executive
UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students recently appointed their 2021-22 Student Association executive members and set forth their strategic vision for this academic year.
Why I Attended COP26 and What I Learnt – Temitope Onifade
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow has recently concluded. Temitope Onifade, PhD candidate at the Allard School of Law and Co-chair of the Liu Institute Network for Africa at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia participated as […]
Call for Applications: 2021 Simons Award in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security
Undergraduate and graduate students will receive $1,000 and $1,500 respectively for their successful research paper or product on topics related to nuclear disarmament and/or global security.
MPPGA Global Policy Project Catalogue
We’ve launched the full catalogue of Global Policy Projects from UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students, showcasing their work with clients on real-world policy challenges. Learn about each project, browse policy reports, and view presentations.
SPPGA Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs has published its 2020-2021 annual report which features our faculty’s research projects, policy engagement, and notable achievements, student and alumni profiles, and our various convening and learning activities.
Shelve Nuclear Power, Go for Cleaner Alternatives
Read MPPGA alumni Edwin Edou’s (Simons Award 2020 Recipient) op-ed on the future potential of nuclear energy in Kenya, and why he believes that investing in utility-scale solar and wind energy is more sustainable and cost-effective.