A group of upcoming global public service leaders united at the Blavatnik School to attend a unique and immersive programme to enable them to tackle the biggest challenges facing the public sector and lead with confidence in today’s complex world.

25 senior civil servants from all parts of the globe – including Brazil, Ghana, Kosovo, Brussels, UK and Armenia – attended our week-long Rising Public Leaders Programme in order to gain the essential skills and knowledge to take on a top leadership role. The diverse environment allowed participants to engage with like-minded peers from across the world, enabling them to exchange challenges and solutions, while gaining new perspectives on pressing issues within the public service.

I had the privilege of learning from the exceptional faculty at Blavatnik and sharing experiences with outstanding public servants from 20 different countries. We explored a range of topics, from the power of storytelling in driving change to a multilateral negotiation simulation on internet governance. This experience not only broadened my perspective but also reinforced the importance of public integrity and the impact of cognitive biases in decision-making. The lessons I gained from these discussions are invaluable, and I look forward to applying them in my work.

Today’s rapidly changing and deeply challenging world calls for integrous policymakers that prioritise for the public interest and work across barriers to offer practical solutions.

The Rising Public Leaders Programme provides participants to work on the knowledge and skills that are crucial in effectively leading in today’s dynamic policy environment. Applications for our 2025 cohort are now open, to receive more information visit the programme page or register your interest. If you think this programme is right for one of your peers, or would like to learn more, please contact us at executive.admissions@bsg.ox.ac.uk.