PDIA to Engage Youth in Papua New Guinea’s Tuna Bay Area

Publication date November 22, 2024

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

Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona

Publication date November 18, 2024

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

Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

Publication date November 15, 2024

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

Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea

Publication date November 11, 2024

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

Podcast: Managing Difficult Conversations Effectively with Rob Wilkinson

Publication date November 8, 2024

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

Case: Finding Entry Points for a Recycling Problem

Publication date November 4, 2024

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

Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical

Publication date November 1, 2024

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

Podcast: Building Effective Teams with Monica Higgins

Publication date October 30, 2024

Implementing public policy and solving complex development problems requires working in teams, but working in a collaborative way often creates significant challenges. In conversation with Building State Capability, Harvard Graduate School of Education Professor Monica Higgins shares critical insights on how to build and manage an effective team. Instead of viewing teams as simply a…Continue Reading Podcast: Building Effective Teams with Monica Higgins

Case: Tackling a Frustrating Recycling Problem

Publication date October 28, 2024

In the city of Blueville, a newly elected mayor entered office with ambitious promises. Central to her platform was a strong environmental message, with a particular focus on promoting recycling and reducing the quantity of plastic waste littering the city streets. The challenge was clear: Blueville had no existing recycling program, and the path to…Continue Reading Case: Tackling a Frustrating Recycling Problem

Event: Motivation and Purpose in the Public Sector

Publication date October 14, 2024

On Monday, October 28th, we co-hosted a seminar with The People Lab featuring Dan Honig, BSC Associate, Associate Professor at Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy and University College London in conversation with Elizabeth Linos, Emma Bloomberg Associate Professor of Public Policy and Management at Harvard Kennedy School. In this talk, Dan Honig discusses the…Continue Reading Event: Motivation and Purpose in the Public Sector