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Building Digital Public Infrastructure in Emerging Economies Is More A Question of Will than Resources

02.6.25

“Imagine a world where accessing healthcare, education, and financial services is as seamless as sending a message on your smartphone. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone of this vision – a transformative framework of interoperable, scalable, and inclusive digital systems that empower governments and citizens alike, driving innovation, equity, and sustainable development on an unprecedented scale.”

Economic and Political Development

A Growth-Driven Paradigm Shift: Rethinking Climate Partnerships Between the Global North & South 

11.11.24

To meet our aggressive climate targets and combat climate change, the Global North must adopt a financing strategy that genuinely aligns with the Global South’s needs, which are rooted in economic growth and prosperity.

Economic and Political Development

Interview with African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba

05.29.24

On April 13, 2024, HKS Student Policy Review Senior Editor John McQuillan spoke with Chido Mpemba. The coversation focused on a range of topics related to young people in Africa.

Development and Economic Growth

Interview with the former Indonesian Minister of Trade Gita Wirjawan: Southeast Asia’s Future

05.8.24

On April 23, 2024, HKS Student Policy Review Senior Editor John McQuillan spoke with former Indonesian Minister of Trade Gita Wirjawan. The conversation focused on a range of topics related to the future of Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Development and Economic Growth

Interview with Former Prime Minister of Jordan Omar Razzaz: Jordan’s Future

04.14.24

On March 27, 2024, HKS Student Policy Review Senior Editor Ala’a Kolkaila spoke with Omar Razzaz, former Prime Minister of Jordan, about a range of topics affecting Jordan and the region.

Development and Economic Growth

Global Governance on Impact Investing and Accounting: A Strategy for Developing Global Standards

04.10.24

Impact investing can be a game changer in solving social problems. Yet, the lack of impact accounting standards enables investors without any social impact to disguise themselves as “impact investors” to improve the image of the company.

Business and Regulation

The Cross-Border Interoperability of National Digital Payment Systems as a Gateway to Economic Development

04.9.24

Enhanced coordination and cooperation between governments, financial regulatory bodies, central banks, and other industry stakeholders is needed to implement the vision of integrating national digital payment systems.

Development and Economic Growth

Rethinking Local Economic Development: Why Should Local Governments Handle Tax Incentives with Care?

04.6.24

Evidence on the spillover effects of tax incentives is mixed and ambiguous while evidence on the impact of tax incentives on revenue loss for public services is clear. It is time for voters and politicians to use tax incentives with care, given their high costs and controversial benefits.

Development and Economic Growth

Examining the Unintended Impacts of the “Resort Zone Provision” in Honolulu, Hawaii…and a Potential Solution 

04.4.24

In Honolulu, Hawaii, land use laws have been leveraged as a tool to manage the impact of tourism on the city. These laws should be changed to offer greater protection to local residents.

Cities and Communities

Interview with Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

11.15.23

On November 13, 2023, HKS Student Policy Review Senior Editor Jane Petersen spoke with former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. The conversation covered a range of topics including what other countries can learn from Colombia’s peace agreement, poverty alleviation efforts, and the fight against climate change.

International Relations and Security

Approving $1 Trillion is Easy, Spending It Is the Hard Part: Local Governments Need Diplomatic Hustle to Make Effective Use of Infrastructure Funding

05.18.23

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law over a year ago – a bipartisan accomplishment that felt akin to winning the lottery. With the big checks inbound, are state and local governments actually prepared to spend them? Can government administrators avoid fraud, waste, and abuse? The trillions of dollars […]

Ghana’s Vice President charts a new course for Africa’s growth on its own terms

04.16.23

Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, addressed the African Development Conference organized by Harvard Kennedy School’s Africa Caucus and Harvard Law Students Association in Cambridge,Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of Africa charting its own course towards a more prosperous and inclusive future. The conference’s theme, “Reimagining Africa’s growth on our terms,” was described as timely and […]

International Relations and Security

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