Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) international drive was recently solidified with the engagement of College of Public Policy delegates in a high-level conference at the Graduate School of Public Policy of Nazarbayev University in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, in the period of October 10 to 12.

Dr. Leslie A. Pal, dean of HBKU’s College of Public Policy, delivered the closing plenary at the 2019 Graduate School of Public Policy Conference on Risk, Rationality and Resilience. Dr Pal’s speech shed light on the future of policy studies, as well as approaches to policy sciences and methodologies. The conference’s overarching themes touched upon good governance, anti-corruption measures, public service reforms in the region; and identity policy. 

During the three-day conference, Dr. Pal also chaired a panel on Good Governance: Causes, Costs, Consequences, exploring the role of evaluation in assessing the effectiveness of political party systems and their impact on governance and international aid. 

Speaking on his participation in the conference and discussions with the dean of the Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University, Dr. Weng Tat Hui, Dr. Pal said: “The College of Public Policy is committed to supporting HBKU’s internationalization efforts, particularly in the central Asian region. Nazarbayev University has a dynamic School of Public Policy, and I am very pleased to showcase our own college here and address an international audience of scholars and practitioners. It is also a step forward in building networks among the best schools in the world.” 

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Tat Hui said: “It was pleasure to have Dr. Pal participate in our annual conference, and to give the closing keynote. We also discussed possible research cooperation between our two schools, given some of the similar policy challenges faced by our two countries. International collaboration among schools of public policy is rapidly becoming the norm as a way of exposing students and faculty to different approaches and solutions.”
On October 14 and 15, Dr. Pal took part in high-level meetings at the Graduate School of Development and the Institute of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Central Asia’s offices in Bishkek. While there, he met with the dean of the Graduate School of Development, Dr. Bodhan Krawchenko,  and the rector of the university, Dr. Sohail H. Naqvi. The university boasts three dynamic and state-of the-art campuses across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. The visit examined prospects for students exchange and collaborative research projects.

Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko, dean of the Graduate School of Development at the University of Central Asia, said: “We are especially pleased to be hosting Dr. Pal of HBKU’s College of Public Policy. Over the years, he has provided valuable advice that helped the development of the University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration. We are very interested in bolstering cooperation between our institutions. Global collaboration programs that expose students and staff to different societal contexts and worldviews are needed now more than ever. ”

The College of Public Policy’s foundational program – the Master of Public Policy – aims to provide students with pivotal knowledge that is necessary to enrich the policymaking process in Qatar and the region. The program explores various policy-making aspects in relation to ethics, entrepreneurship, and innovative policy design.

The college was founded to support the Qatar National Vision 2030 as the nation transforms into a knowledge-based society.

For more information about the College of Public Policy, and the opportunities it offers, visit cpp.hbku.edu.qa.