Guest blog by Team Akepile: Surgant Gand Mond, Rose Dama, Mathew G. Jonathan, Elizabeth Kai, Lilly Graham, Jack Maima, and Belinda Kora Key Learnings from the PDIA Course Our PDIA journey taught us valuable lessons about addressing complex social issues:…Continue Reading PDIA to Address SARV Cases in Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea
Guest blog by Lynette Etemesi, IPP ’24 I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) Program. This intensive course brought together policy professionals, change-makers, and thought leaders from around the world, all focused on a singular mission: to create meaningful, lasting impact in our respective fields. As I reflect…Continue Reading Navigating Complexity with Clarity: Mental Health in Kenya
Guest blog by Anna Ga’a, Denphil Hunt-Mitir, Nabieu Lansana, Solomon Mape, Julia Tubang Doing the PDIA program was unexpected for our group; initially, we doubted we could tackle the process effectively. But, by welcoming PDIA’s open and collaborative approach, we embraced the challenge. Here’s an overview of our journey, including the lessons learned, the challenges…Continue Reading PDIA to Engage Youth in Papua New Guinea’s Tuna Bay Area
Guest blog by Jeremy Flowers, IPP ’24 I was born and raised in New England, where Harvard University holds mythological levels of prestige. So, when I applied for the Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy program, I expected knowledge and skills that couldn’t be obtained anywhere else, and world-class presentations by dazzlingly brilliant professors. I was…Continue Reading Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona
Guest blog by Sharlene Gawi, Nesther Horiva, Audrey Kari, Naijolin Tumul Gender-based violence has become a prevalent and growing issue in Papua New Guinea. Research from the 2016-2018 Demographic Health Survey showed that at least 68% of women in PNG have experienced this violence at some point in their lives. This is double the global…Continue Reading Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea
Guest blog by Elsie Mongoru, Alexander Tanabi, Dorcas Mileng, Emmanuel Kokiva, Evenezer Tanda, David William, Nancy Ilambi In the heart of Papua New Guinea lies Kutubu rural local government area in Nipa Kutubu District of Southern Highlands Province. The population is estimated to be 24,155 with a youth population of around 7,229 of which 43%…Continue Reading Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea
Solving complex problems usually requires engaging in difficult conversations. In conversation with Building State Capability, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Robert Wilkinson shares insights on how to manage challenging interactions effectively. Instead of focusing on advocacy, which is forcing information and arguments at others, Wilkinson highlights the power of inquiry, genuine listening, and empathy. Through thought…Continue Reading Podcast: Managing Difficult Conversations Effectively with Rob Wilkinson
In the city of Blueville, after understanding their recycling problem through the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) process, the team faced a new challenge: the mayor requested a six-month action plan focused on quick and effective problem-solving. While the timeline seemed daunting given the complexity of the recycling issue, their coach encouraged an adaptive strategy emphasizing…Continue Reading Case: Finding Entry Points for a Recycling Problem
Guest blog by Barbara Thomas, Maliwai Sasingian, & Kirk Gibson In January 2024, the Black Wednesday riots shook Papua New Guinea (PNG). Local thinkers highlight these as acts of desperation, driven by underlying causes including unemployment and the increasing cost of living. But governments alone cannot solve the complex problems that drive these events. Citizens, civil…Continue Reading Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical
