GPPN Student Conference Tokyo 2013
The Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), the University of Tokyo, hosted “The Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) Student Conference, Tokyo 2013” on December 7 and 8. Following the Faculty Conference, where deans and professors from GPPN and guest institutions gathered to discuss current global challenges, the Student Conference was also concluded with great success.
The GPPN is a partnership between the world’s leading universities, School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore, Institute of Public Affairs at London School of Economics and Political Science, Sciences Po in Paris, Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Fundação Getulio Vargas – EAESP in Brazil and GraSPP, University of Tokyo. Annual Student Conference has been running since 2006 and providing a great opportunity for students to exchange their ideas and build the academic network across the world. GraSPP joined the GPPN in 2012, together with the Fundação Getulio Vargas-EAESP and the Hertie School of Governance. GraSPP had the honor of hosting the conference this year. The Student Conference was organized by the Organizing Committee, consisting of GraSPP students, who had been preparing for the conference since early September.
This year’s conference theme was “Public Policy for 2020: Medium-Term agenda with a better vision”. The Student Conference had approximately 110 participants from 32 countries in total. On December 7, starting with a keynote speech by Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda, the Governor of the Bank of Japan, we welcomed deans, professors and leading practitioners for round table sessions where they could share their expertise and exchange views with students. Students also had the opportunity to socialize and network with professors and other participants at the Networking Dinner Reception.
The students started the second day with “Students’ Policy Challenge”, with “Fukushima: Post Disaster Management” as the topic. Students were divided into 5 working groups and tasked to make presentations from different stakeholders’ political perspectives. In the afternoon, students made individual presentations on a topic chosen from three sub-themes that had been given by the Organizing Committee beforehand. The conference closed with the announcement and celebration of the Best Paper and Best Presentation Award, and winners received a Japanese traditional “Happi” coat from GraSPP professors. After the successful conclusion of the conference, students attended a farewell reception at a Japanese “Izakaya” and enjoyed a night out in Tokyo.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to our guest speakers, the GPPN institutions and all the participants, particularly the committee members, whose tireless efforts did so much to ensure the success of the conference. The next GPPN Conference will be hosted by the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
Students Reports
Shinji Yasui
On December 7th and 8th, “GPPN Student Conference Tokyo 2013” was held at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), the University of Tokyo.
Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) is a partnership between School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, FGV-EAESP, GraSPP at the University of Tokyo, Hertie School of Governance, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy(LKY-SPP) at National University of Singapore, the Institute of Public Affairs at London School of Economics and Political Science, and Sciences Po. In order to facilitate cooperation among students and faculties of GPPN member schools, GPPN has held an annual conference since 2006. This year, the GPPN Conference was hosted by the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo for the first time in its history.
For the preparation of the conference, the Organizing Committee was established in the mid of September. Although GraSPP hosts exchange events annually with LKY-SPP and SIPA, this was the first time GraSPP had invited more than 70 students from all the 7 GPPN schools together. Planning such an event was a challenge for the Committee.
Despite struggling with the preparation, the Organizing Committee members’ undying efforts were the key to success. Every time we encountered troubles in the process such as screening papers for the selection of the conference participants, planning social events, publicizing of the conference, and etc, committee members took initiatives to solve the problems.
In addition to members’ efforts, support from professors led to the successful conclusion of the conference. On the first day, Dean Takatoshi Ito and Vice Dean Hideaki Shiroyama, with other professors from GPPN member schools, joined Deans’ Round Table and had a very interesting discussion. Professor Keisuke Iida, Professor Toshiro Nishizawa, Professor Katsuhiro Kano, Professor Nobuo Tanaka, and the chair of the National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission Professor Kiyoshi Kurokawa had terrific lectures on issues regarding economics, international relations, and disaster management. On the second day, Professor Toshiro Nishizawa, Professor Hiroaki Miyamoto, and Professor Nobuo Tanaka participated in the students’ presentation session and provided them with invaluable comments. We would like to show our greatest appreciation to all professors who have kindly offered us their assistance amidst their busy schedules.
Last but not least, the GraSPP International Team with a special reference to Ms Aoi Ohno had constantly supported us since day one. From the setup of the Organizing Committee to the management of the actual conference, the team provided us with advice and guidance towards the successful conclusion of the inaugural conference in Tokyo. The team also responded to our inquiries promptly, even when it was late into the night. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused and thank them for all the assistance rendered.
We are confident that the success of the GPPN Conference Tokyo 2013 contributed to the globalization of GraSPP. As a student of the GraSPP, I am enjoying the benefits of attending one of the top schools of GPPN, and will look forward to aim higher as a future public policy maker.
 Eimi Yamamitsu |
 Tan Pengru |
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Related Links
- GPPN ／ GraSPP hosts 2013 GPPN Conference
- SciencesPo. ／ Student Conference in Tokyo
- SPPCEU ／ Dean Reinicke Attends Global Public Policy Network Conference
GPPN Conference Tokyo 2013
Photo by Yuji Ueno
GPPN Conference Tokyo 2013 was hosted by GraSPP in Hongo campus from 6-8 December, 2013. That conference brought the curtain down at last on Sunday with a huge success.
GraSPP welcomed faculty members and students from GPPN partner schools and 155 students gave high-level presentations at the Student conference.
We are receiving good feelings from student feedbacks, and the beauty of Hongo campus, how well the conference operated, and the level of student presentations are especially acclaimed.
We would like to take this opportunity to show our warmest appreciation to all of participants and organizing committee.
The GPPN Conference 2014 will be hosted by Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
Photo by Koichi Sakata
Related Links
- SPPCEU ／ Dean Reinicke Attends Global Public Policy Network Conference
- GPPN ／ Global Public Policy Network
Related Resources
- GPPN Student Conference Tokyo 2013
- MPP/IP ／ GPPN (Global Public Policy Network) Conference, Tokyo 2013
- CAMPUS Asia ／ GPPN Conference Tokyo 2013 was hosted by GraSPP in Hongo campus from 6-8 December, 2013