Blog

Launching the Leadership, Organizing, and Action Podcast Series

Marshall Ganz headshot

Blog by Adin Becker and Kathryn Lang We’re excited to launch a new podcast series, Leadership, Organizing, and Action, featuring Marshall Ganz. Marshall Ganz is the Rita E. Hauser Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Organizing and Civil Society at HKS and one of the world’s leading authorities on democratic organizing. Our 6-part podcast series walks you…Continue Reading Launching the Leadership, Organizing, and Action Podcast Series

Using PDIA to Improve Literacy for Children in Argentina’s Schools

Children listen as a teacher reads to her students

Guest blog by Karina Stocovaz, IPP ’24 For the past four years, I have led Instituto Natura, a corporate foundation that directs social investments to improve education across six Latin American countries. In Argentina, we work closely with provincial governments to design and implement literacy policies, aiming to ensure that all children learn to read…Continue Reading Using PDIA to Improve Literacy for Children in Argentina’s Schools

BSC 2024: Year in Review

BSC Team

written by Salimah Samji At Building State Capability (BSC) we resolve public problems with purpose. The increasingly complex, interdependent, and uncertain world we live in requires more flexible and adaptive approaches to solve complex problems, making the core of our mission more important than ever.  2024 was a year of new beginnings for BSC. We…Continue Reading BSC 2024: Year in Review

Navigating Complexity with Clarity: Mental Health in Kenya

IPP participants on HKS campus

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

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

An image of tropical Papua New Guinea

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

"Invest in People" silhouette

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

Team members in PNG

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

Sweet potato fields 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

Podcast: Managing Difficult Conversations Effectively with Rob Wilkinson

A difficult conversation

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