Past Program

Public policy is the action a government does – or does not – take in response to a matter of public concern, including laws, regulations and funding allocations. Ideas and impetus for these actions may come from or be influenced by actors outside government – such as activists, lobbyists and concerned members of the public – but public policy itself is ultimately made by governments. The complex issues addressed by public policies include but are by no means limited to criminal justice; education; health and social welfare; rural and urban development; tax and budgetary affairs; infrastructure and transport; foreign affairs and overseas development; culture and the creative economy; and media and communications.

During this interactive session, Fellows will hear from two professionals working in the field of public policy. The goal of the session is to help Fellows understand:

•    How are policies developed?  
•    What are the stages of the policy development cycle? 
•    What are the interactions between public, private, NGO sector in policy development? 

Fellows will have an opportunity to apply what they have heard to a topical issue in the field of public policy and to debate the issues involved in small groups.