Between Evidence and Action: Rethinking How Education Reforms Really Happen
Nikunj Agarwal is a public policy practitioner, an Oxford MPP alumna, and currently the Strategic Stakeholder Country Lead for the What Works Hub for Global Education at the British CouncilIn this episode, he reflects on bridging the gap between evidence and policymaking, the power of listening over telling, and what it takes to make education reform work in the real world.From cost-effective solutions to collaborative system change, Nikunj shares insights from classrooms, coalitions, and policy spaces across India.He also offers a simple, thoughtful framework for anyone exploring a career in public policy.
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Empowering Communities Through Environmental Justice
🌱Empowering Communities through Climate Justice🎙️In this episode, we are joined by Alexandra Gallo, a policymaker specialised in environmental justice and climate resilience. From working on California's Transformative Climate Communities programme to implementing the largest environmental justice grant in US history under the Inflation Reduction Act, Alexandra shares her journey and challenges. We unpack how truly community-driven governance can transform climate action, why representation matters, and what's at stake in the current political landscape💪🏽🌍🎧Listen now if you're interested in equity, climate policy, and the future of environmental justice.
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Intersections: Race, Ethnicity & the Global Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
In this episode, Madison Jennings, Glória Almeida da Silva and Famin Ahmed explore how race and ethnicity shape the experience of gender-based violence around the world.Together, they discuss the legal and systemic barriers women of color face, the narratives that silence survivors, and the grassroots and policy efforts pushing for justice. Drawing on their work in Australia, Brazil, and the U.S., the guests share personal reflections, policy insights, and bold visions for an anti-racist, decolonial approach to GBV prevention.🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience, and intersectional policymaking.
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Shaping the AI we want: A conversation with Gabriela Ramos
🎙️ Shaping the AI we want: A conversation with Gabriela RamosIn this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, MPP students Melissa Muñoz (Dominican Republic) and Gloria Almeida (Brazil) sit down with Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO and one of the world’s foremost voices in ethical artificial intelligenceTogether, they explore what it means to govern AI not just as a technological issue, but as a societal one—one that touches education, science, culture, communication, and human rights. Drawing from her leadership in creating UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, Gabriela shares why inclusion must be at the center of the digital transition, and how Latin America is stepping forward in shaping a more just technological future.As a candidate to lead UNESCO, Gabriela reflects on institutional leadership in a time of rapid change, and makes a powerful case for compassionate governance and global cooperation. This conversation is as much about algorithms as it is about agency, equity, and imagination.Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation on the future of AI, multilateralism, and public purpose.
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Something's Brewing with Shinnosuke and Mamiko
"Something’s Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely—just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favorite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy.In this episode, Wynsey sits down with Mamiko and Shinnosuke, two MPP students from Japan, who reflect on the trials and tribulations of their lives, as well as the lesser known formative personal experiences that shape the policymakers that they are today. They delve into deeply personal histories - from the profound impact of a cherished mentor whose memory they carry forward, to unique life experiences such as living on a remote island, working for a delivery company, and supporting a community's evacuation during a volcanic eruption. Mamiko and Shinnosuke reveal how unconventional detours and pathways were instrumental in their development as civil servants in Japan, ultimately bringing them together during a chance encounter that sparked a strong friendship. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of resilience, the unexpected lessons found in diverse experiences, and the human stories that drive a commitment to public service.
A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.
The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty.
The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford.
To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.
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