申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今　英語　のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

The Global Public Policy Network(GPPN) Student Conference 2013, hosted by Graduate School of Public Policy(GraSPP), was successfully concluded on 6-8 December 2013 at the University of Tokyo’s Hongo Campus.

This year, GraSPP gathered 155 faculty members and students from the GPPN partner schools in Tokyo to discuss the theme of “Public Policy for 2020:Medium-Term Agenda for a better vision”. Conference participants had the chance to discuss various policy issues with distinguished speakers through the Deans’ Roundtable and Practitioners’ Roundtable. Participants also presented their own creative policy ideas in the Student Presentations and Student Policy Challenge.

The conference was an excellent opportunity for motivated public policy students from all around the globe to brainstorm ideas for real life problems. Not only was it an educational experience, participants also had the opportunity to network with the faculty members of the participating schools, invited speakers, professors and among future leaders like themselves.

As Academic Division Leader, I was honored to be able to lead such a fantastic team in the successful organization of the inaugural GPPN Student Conference in Tokyo. Without much knowledge of the conference, there were huge expectations on my team as we were expected to manage the conference applications and the organization of the conference itself. We ventured into unchartered waters with the conviction to provide the best conference experience for our participants. Since the start of September 2013, the academic division started our regular meetings to prepare for the conference.

As this conference was unprecedented in Tokyo and largely a student initiative, we had trouble contacting distinguished external speakers to give keynote speeches at the conference. However, the never-say-die attitude and constant encouragement within the team pushed us through the difficult times when organizing the conference.

All the hard work and effort put into organizing the conference was worth it when we heard compliments and positive reviews about the conference. All of this would not have been possible if not for the kind support of the participating Professors, Practitioners, Conference Participants, International Affairs Office, GraSPP office and the entire GPPN Organizing Committee. I would like to make use of this opportunity once again to convey my heartfelt thanks for their undying support of the GPPN Student Conference 2013 Tokyo.