This past term, 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 Adaptation in the Peruvian Andes
One team travelled to Cusco, Peru, working with the Organization of American States to investigate water governance at nearly 5,000 metres above sea level. In Phinaya, an alpaca-herding community threatened by accelerating glacial melt, students examined how gender, climate change, and power dynamics shape who controls access to water from the shrinking Quelccaya Ice Cap.
“Almost everyone we spoke with expressed the same idea. They said, “without glaciers, there are no bofadales, and without bofadales, there are no alpacas.” These communities are profoundly connected to this relationship, not only through their livelihoods, but through their history, culture, and politics as well.”
Youth and Policy Engagement in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda
In Gulu, Uganda, a team worked with children born during the Lord’s Resistance Army conflict who are using theatre, music, and creative expression to claim their place in transitional justice. Partnering with the Refugee Law Project and Youth Advocacy Network, students examined how arts-based approaches help this marginalized generation access memory, justice, and belonging while advancing policy change in post-conflict northern Uganda.
Addressing Health Inequities Among Female Agricultural Workers in India
In Tappal, Uttar Pradesh, a team partnered with the Transforming Rural India Foundation to address sexual and reproductive health challenges facing female agricultural workers. The research examines how patriarchal norms, caste inequalities, climate change, and occupational hazards converge to shape health outcomes for rural women.
Indigenous Perspectives on Arctic Security
In Oslo and Tromsø, Norway, a team worked with the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security to examine how Indigenous perspectives can inform Canadian defence policy in the Arctic. Students explored Norway’s approach to Sami engagement in security policy development, drawing lessons for integrating human security dimensions into Canada’s Arctic commitments.
Students will present their final research and recommendations to client organizations later this semester. More information about all projects is available in the GP² catalogue.
