December is fast approaching and with it our exciting annual event, the Challenges of Government Conference. This year the theme is ‘Flourishing Cities’ – what makes a city successful, prosperous, and resilient?

‘Flourishing Cities’ will see world-leading academics, government representatives and third sector leaders from across the world come to Oxford on 11-12 December to discuss the pressing themes around urbanisation.

But this exceptional event would not have been possible without the backing of our partners, who have stepped up to support our vision for better public policy. Some of the topics that will be discussed at ‘Flourishing Cities’ are also at the heart of our partners’ activities and we are pleased to welcome their expert speakers to our sessions.

• McKinsey & Company – The global management consulting firm’s Centre for Government (MCG) provides governments with knowledge and tools to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. Expert Kate Jackson will share her views in the discussion around big data and technology.
• ARUP – The multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm has a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable designs. We’re excited to have Arup’s associate director Susan Claris and Jo Da Silva, director of the specialist non-profit business Arup International Development, as speakers.
• Lemann Foundation – The Brazilian non-profit organization works to enhance the quality of public education to speed up social change. They have been supporting the Blavatnik School by providing scholarships for Brazilian students and hosting some of our students on their Summer Project placement. The Foundation’s CEO Denis Mizne will be part of a panel that will discuss systems that can provide effective education for all citizens.
• Louis Dreyfus Foundation – With the aim of improving food security through local and sustainable farming, the Foundation marries perfectly with the session about ‘Feeding cities’ that will tackle the issues of growing urban demand for food, while re-thinking the modern food chain.

The event will take place in Oxford on 11-12 December. 

Find more information about 'Flourishing Cities', including the programme and a list of speakers confirmed to date.

Read the previous news story about Challenges of Government.