On 19-20 May 2016 global thinkers, outstanding leaders and inspiring change-makers will come together at the Blavatnik School of Government for the annual Challenges of Government Conference.
Now in its fifth year – and the first year in our new, purpose-built home – the Conference will tackle the most pressing challenges that governments around the world are facing – the lack of trust in governments, and the need for reinventing public policy and government itself.
The world is undergoing a period of unprecedented change, with trust in government wavering, unexpected political leaders and parties rising to the forefront and Europe facing both threats and opportunities. New issues are stemming from large migration and refugee flows, threatening the hope of building multicultural societies. Increasingly it seems that fragility, conflict and violence are the new normal for communities that were once well on their way to better economic futures.
Against this backdrop, our Challenges of Government Conference will set the agenda for innovation and reform in public policy. In line with the mission of the School, the Conference discussions and debates will explore how good governance can make a substantial difference in people’s lives.
Thanks to the advent of new technologies and innovative methods of policymaking, governments – working together with the private and not-for-profit sectors – can and must do better. Communities are not only demanding more effective government, they are spreading knowledge and galvanizing action to help make it happen.
The Challenges of Government conference will bring together ministers and senior advisors from across the globe, world-class academics, leading CEOs from major multinational corporations, chief economists, and civil society leaders to explore new ideas and discuss best practices around key challenges. From building integrity and values in government, and discussing new technologies and models of innovation, to implementing government reform and delivering social impact the conference themes will spread across sectors. Some of the sessions will also take on current affairs, including discussions on the future of Europe, how to build cohesive and diverse societies, and how to help governments and societies effectively find their way out of fragility and into sustainable stability.
We have already secured international speakers from a variety of backgrounds, including: Nick Clegg (former UK Deputy Prime Minister), Baroness Catherine Ashton (Former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy), Sir Ian Cheshire (Government Lead Non-Executive), Lord Browne of Madingley (previously British Petroleum), Margaret Hodge (MP for Barking), Geoff Mulgan (Nesta), Dato’ Sri Idris Jala (Performance Management and Delivery Unit, Malaysia), Dato Sabariah Hassan (Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia); Professor Donald Moynihan (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Professor Jeffrey Liebman (Harvard Kennedy School), Professor Sir Paul Collier (Blavatnik School of Government) and many more to be added.
Registration is now open for participants to register their details to attend. Join the conversation on Twitter using #COGC2016.
We are grateful to our conference partner, McKinsey & Co, whose support helps us make this conference free for participants.
Find out more about this year’s Challenges of Government Conference
