The ISDG - Bodhigram Foundation successfully organized a three-day Orientation Workshop on Public Policy and Governance from 16th to 18th May 2025 at the Bodhigram Campus. Led by public policy expert John Samuel, the workshop aimed to provide young participants with a foundational understanding of the evolving landscape of public policy, governance, and advocacy.
Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop was designed with the following objectives:
To provide an orientation on the changing global and national context of political economy and the policy ecosystem.
To develop an understanding of knowledge and policy leadership in the 21st century.
To enhance conceptual clarity on the public policy ecosystem.
To explore governance frameworks and institutional dynamics.
To equip participants with tools for policy research and analysis.
To introduce strategies and techniques for policy advocacy and influencing.
Methodology
The sessions followed a participatory and reflective learning approach. Through interactive lectures, group discussions, collective learning activities, and open forums, participants were encouraged to critically engage with core concepts and contemporary policy challenges.
Workshop Highlights
Day 1 | 16 May:
Welcome and introduction
Session on The Changing Context of Knowledge and Policy Leadership
Group discussion on Political Economy in a Changing World
Day 2 | 17 May:
Introduction to Public Policy and Its Impact
Group discussions and reflective sessions
Deep-dive session on Understanding Governance
Open forum on Politics, Policy, and Governance in Transition
Discussion on career pathways in policy, development, and governance
Day 3 | 18 May:
Workshop on Advocacy: Principles and Practices
Group discussion on Advocacy in a Changing World
Reflective feedback and formal closing
Conclusion
The workshop served as a critical space for nurturing young minds interested in engaging with public policy and governance. By grounding discussions in both theoretical frameworks and real-world examples, participants left the workshop better equipped to analyze and influence the policy landscape. The event reaffirmed ISDG and Bodhigram Foundation’s shared commitment to fostering informed, reflective, and action-oriented policy leadership.
