Hailing from Chile as a Luksic Scholar, Patricio Alvarez (MPP 2023), is poised to redefine public infrastructure. With a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Patricio’s journey into the public service was a deliberate choice. “Although I had a tempting job offer from Coca-Cola after graduation, my heart was set on contributing to my community through public service. I wanted to apply my business acumen to address local challenges.”
This decision led him to assume increasingly significant roles, culminating in his tenure as Executive Director of the Foundation, managing the Churches of Chiloé, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These churches, located on the Chiloé Archipelago off Chile’s coast, are renowned for their unique wooden architecture blending European influences with local craftsmanship.
Here, Patricio’s leadership played a pivotal role in not only preserving cultural heritage but also ensuring that the local community benefited economically. “Tourism brought visitors to the churches, but the economic benefits weren’t trickling down to the community,” Patricio explains. “I focused on developing strategies to ensure that the local economy flourished alongside tourism.”
Patricio’s commitment to enhancing public infrastructure transcended cultural preservation. As Regional Director of Planning for the O'Higgins Region at the Ministry of Public Works, he was tasked with overseeing investment portfolios for a region of one million inhabitants. “My role involved strategic planning of infrastructure projects and budgets, while also navigating the intricacies of local and regional politics.”
As a member of the MPP Class of 2023, Patricio appreciates an opportunity to further his expertise and acquire new skills. “The programme presents a platform to address the evolving challenges of the modern world,” he says. “I am particularly eager to delve into sustainable infrastructure and strategies to bolster resilience against climate change. The MPP programme seems well-equipped to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to address these pressing issues.”
“Studying alongside classmates from so many different countries provides diverse perspectives. We discuss problem-solving in Africa, Asia, and beyond. The real value lies in the people – their intelligence and passion. Each brings unique insights, not only from their jobs but also from their activism. Their backgrounds and feedback are incredibly valuable.”
Reflecting on his experience as a Luksic Scholar, Patricio expresses gratitude for the opportunity afforded to him. “The scholarship was the only chance for me to be able to afford studying at Oxford. It has provided a platform for me to engage with global issues and contribute meaningfully to the discourse.” The Luksic Scholarship is specifically designed to support Chilean nationals like Patricio who are committed to public service. More than just financial assistance, it is a community of like-minded individuals. “You are part of the great family. It unites people from all over Chile who share the same interest to improve the life of people,” Patricio emphasises, highlighting the sense of shared purpose within the Luksic Scholars Network.
Patricio's summer project with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington DC marks an opportunity to apply his academic knowledge in a practical setting. As part of his project, he will focus on supporting the supervision of the IDB's Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF). This role involves assisting the Team Leader in overseeing the ESPF for the active investment loan portfolio across Latin American and Caribbean countries. Patricio's responsibilities include meeting with government agencies, executing bodies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with social and environmental provisions such as participation, transparency, and mitigation measures. Additionally, he will contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of ESPF training workshops for counterparts and produce materials for these workshops.
"In this role, I'm excited to contribute to the development of sustainable practices that address environmental risks and promote social inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean."
Moreover, Patricio will provide technical assistance related to climate change adaptability by collaborating with ministries and specialists to develop a Climate Change Vulnerability Index and Emergency Response Plan. Through these efforts, he aims to address environmental risks for social protection and inclusion programs in the region. This hands-on experience aligns with Patricio's career aspirations and underscores his commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond his home country of Chile.
As Patricio looks ahead to his long-term goals in public management, his primary aim is to contribute to improving the quality of life for his fellow citizens. Recalling Ngaire Woods’ words from the first class he attended, Patricio emphasises the significance of making a tangible impact within his community. He recognises that change often begins at the local level, where he intends to focus his efforts.