Digital Financial Inclusion in India: The Gender Gap Challenge 

Hands holding rupees

Guest blog by Richa Mukherjee, IPP ’25 After practicing public policy as a professional for 15 years, I decided to pursue it more formally as a subject from the Harvard Kennedy School’s IPP Class of 2025. This turned out to be a very insightful and an experience full of learning. The learning journey at HKS gave me comprehensive insights into addressing…Continue Reading Digital Financial Inclusion in India: The Gender Gap Challenge 

A Journey Toward Solving Mobility Challenges in Lowell, Massachusetts

A cityscape with busy highways on both sides of an elevated metro track under construction, surrounded by tall buildings at sunset.

Guest blog by Camilo Espitia, IPP ’25 Throughout this course, I’ve come to appreciate the power of taking a wholistic perspective when tackling complex problems. What initially seemed like a straightforward issue quickly revealed multiple dimensions—shaped not only by data, but by how others perceive the problem, how we present it, and how we interact with the people affected by…Continue Reading A Journey Toward Solving Mobility Challenges in Lowell, Massachusetts

Continuing Professional Development in Saudi Arabia’s Sports Sector

Aerial image of soccer fields with players

Guest blog by Mazna AlMarzooqi, IPP ’25 When I began the Implementing Public Policy (IPP) course, I expected tools, frameworks, and case studies. What I gained went far beyond that: I learned how to reframe problems, work iteratively, and see “progress” not as final results but as a series of learnings and leads that build…Continue Reading Continuing Professional Development in Saudi Arabia’s Sports Sector

Addressing the Challenge of Brain Drain and Supporting Returnees in Azerbaijan 

A magnifying glass and two passports rest on a colorful world map, symbolizing travel.

Guest blog by Vugar Aliyev, IPP ’25 First of all, I came to realize just how much quality education Harvard University provides to learners of public policy. The program went beyond theory and delivered practical tools that can be applied immediately in real-world contexts. I not only learned new knowledge but also gained frameworks that…Continue Reading Addressing the Challenge of Brain Drain and Supporting Returnees in Azerbaijan 

Public Services Delivery in Mali: A Manageable Problem

Aerial view of Bamako, Mali

Guest blog by Fatim Haby Mariko, IPP ’25 When I first embarked on the Implementing Public Policy (IPP) program, my problem statement for Mali was ambitious and, as I would soon discover, far too broad to tackle directly. I started with the challenge of Mali’s low public trust and government accountability, which hindered civic engagement. It…Continue Reading Public Services Delivery in Mali: A Manageable Problem

Reducing Workforce Shortages in Maine Through Policy and Partnership 

Woman seated in waiting room for interview

Guest blog by Ekhlas Ahmed, IPP ’25 One of the biggest lessons I learned through the IPP course is that policy is about people. The technical aspects of problem-solving are important, but what truly moves work forward is building relationships, engaging stakeholders, and creating coalitions that keep momentum alive. I also learned the importance of finding my…Continue Reading Reducing Workforce Shortages in Maine Through Policy and Partnership 

Reducing Regional Inequality in Azerbaijan: Tackling Income and Employment Gaps Beyond Baku 

Baku, Azerbaijan

Guest blog by Shamil Shirinov, IPP ’25 When I first joined the IPP course, I thought policy implementation was mostly about having the right plan and making sure it was executed properly. That’s how I had always seen things in practice: deadlines, budgets, checklists. But over time, I came to realize that implementing public policy is less about following…Continue Reading Reducing Regional Inequality in Azerbaijan: Tackling Income and Employment Gaps Beyond Baku 

Increasing the Engagement of Young Adults in STEM Careers in the Dominican Republic

An image with STEM in block letters written on a notebook with a magnifying glass.

Guest blog by Mabely Diaz Soriano, IPP ’25 My journey with the IPP program began with a lot of expectations. The process of waiting for the program to open. After the first time, I contacted the IPP team to request more information on the application. It just added more to my increasing questions about how to implement public policies successfully.   I should stop here and…Continue Reading Increasing the Engagement of Young Adults in STEM Careers in the Dominican Republic

Improving Public Spending Efficiency and Transparency in Panama

Panama Canal

Guest blog by Daniel Lombana, IPP ’25 Enrolling in the Harvard Kennedy School program Implementing Public Policy has been one of the best educational decisions I have ever made. I am a lawyer by profession, with a degree in Law and Political Science and a master’s in Procedural Law. Over the years, I have pursued…Continue Reading Improving Public Spending Efficiency and Transparency in Panama