Annika Wythes and George Zedginidze have both been named as the recipients of the first Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholarship, awarded in association with Green Templeton College and University College.
The scholarships, which cover both fees and living expenses, are granted to students who have a demonstrable commitment to public service and improving government through both academic and professional records. They are a sign of the commitment to our mission of inspiring and supporting better public policy globally, by engaging with, and educating, the top change makers from across the world, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Richenda Gambles, Tutor for Admissions, said: “We are delighted to have been able to offer Annika and George Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholarships. Both have a proven track record of high-level public service, and an exceptional education record. These funds have made it possible for both recipients to study at Oxford, and we are proud to support them in studying for an MPP, so that they can go back to serving their communities and governments with improved knowledge and skills.”
Qualified German-Australian lawyer, Annika, currently works as the Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor in the Pacific for the UN, where she manages a joint UN Development Programme-UNODC project. The 33 year old, who says serving the people has been a life-long driver, took the decision to apply for an MPP because she wants to learn the tools required to advocate for better policy. She has also volunteered with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Children’s Fund, and has led to many Pacific countries showing their commitment to governance reforms by ratifying the UN Conventions Against Corruption.
She said: “I am honoured and thrilled to have received this scholarship. Attending the Blavatnik School of Government with current and emerging leaders will allow me to learn new tools to implement effective policy, and to sharpen my existing knowledge of the subject through hearing about real-world examples. I am looking forward to a great year ahead, and to becoming part of the stimulating and diverse School community!”
George, who is from Georgia and also 33, has six years’ experience in public service, and further experience in the NGO and education sectors. Following his Masters of Education at Harvard University, he returned to his home country to apply his studies to the country’s development. He served as the Deputy Minister, and subsequently Minister of Environment Protection, before becoming the youngest member of the President’s Cabinet. On completing the MPP, George expects to return to his ministerial position where he will continue to work on sustainable development changes.
On receiving the scholarship, George said: "The Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholarship has been one of the highest rewards in recognition of my commitment to the public sector. I strongly believe that my future contributions to the sector, upon graduation from Oxford, will be more significant and of a larger impact, as my strong commitment to making the planet a better place to live in remains irreversible. It has been an honour and pleasure to be part of Georgia’s reforming government, which changed the country from a soviet to a modern, democratic one within a decade. "
These new scholarships represent a promising addition to the package of support that we already offer to supplement funding for those students who most need it. Thanks to a growing community of donors to the School, we are able to supplement alternative funding sources with over 30 Blavatnik School scholarships, of which 10 are fully funded.
