Oxford Policy Pod

Jana Bischler is the focal point for social protection and climate change at the International Labour Organization (ILO), where she works with governments worldwide to design systems that protect people from climate shocks and support long-term resilience. From a career in development consulting to shaping global social protection policy, Jana brings both on-the-ground insight and international perspective. In this episode, Jana explains how cash transfers, pensions, health insurance, and adaptive social protection programs can break the cycle of climate-driven vulnerability, protecting children, older people, informal workers, and whole communities before, during, and after disasters. Drawing on examples from Kenya, Brazil, the Philippines, China, Côte d’Ivoire, and the United States, she shows how countries with different systems can prepare, expand coverage, and respond quickly to floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The conversation also tackles financing and governance challenges from coverage gaps and debt burdens to the role of the new loss-and-damage fund while exploring how national adaptation plans and COP negotiations can bring social protection to the centre of climate action. Jana highlights why stronger coordination between environment and social ministries is key, and how growing public demand for climate action opens a window for universal, climate-ready social protection. Grounded in global evidence and practical country cases, this episode offers a clear roadmap for building resilient, inclusive social protection systems that safeguard lives and livelihoods in an era of worsening climate change. 

Vinod Karate is Project Director for State Reform at the Central Square Foundation where he helps drive India’s landmark NIPUN Bharat Mission to ensure every child can read, write, and count by age ten. From an early career in investment banking to shaping one of the world’s largest foundational learning reforms, Vinod’s journey bridges sharp strategy with deep community engagement. In this episode, Vinod shares how India is rethinking the very foundations of schooling and how CSF partners with states to design and scale reforms that align with India’s NIPUN Bharat goals. He unpacks CSF’s three-phase approach to state reform: strengthening teacher capacity, redesigning governance around learning outcomes, and building political and administrative coalitions, which helps make large-scale change possible.  Drawing on his experience in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, Vinod illustrates how reform really takes root on the ground. He explains how structured pedagogy, sustained teacher mentoring, and real-time data and assessment can translate policy into daily classroom practice, and how seizing windows of political alignment, unlocking budgets, and shifting decision-making from state capitals to districts ensures that change is owned and sustained at the local level. Grounded in evidence, this episode offers a clear, actionable roadmap for strengthening foundational learning and creating education systems that sustain reform and deliver lasting results for every child. 

From community-led forest conservation in Odisha to negotiating at the United Nations, Archana Soreng embodies how lived experience can reshape global climate policy. An Indigenous climate leader from India’s Kharia tribe, Archana served on the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change (2020–2023), is a Skoll World Forum Fellow (2024), and sits on The Rockefeller Foundation’s Climate Advisory Council. She works at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, youth leadership, and climate governance, advocating for policies that honour land rights, protect biodiversity, and include those most affected in decision-making. In this episode, Archana shares how her community’s traditions of forest conservation and sustainable living shaped her vision for climate justice. She explains why free, prior and informed consent and genuine participation are essential, and how poorly designed mitigation like ill-planned plantations or large solar projects can harm adaptation and livelihoods. Drawing on her experience from village gatherings to UN climate negotiations, she reflects on overcoming tokenistic representation, breaking barriers to climate finance for youth and Indigenous groups, and the importance of mental well-being in long struggles for environmental justice. From safeguarding culture and language to influencing national climate commitments, Archana offers a grounded, hopeful blueprint for policymakers, funders, and young leaders working toward an inclusive and sustainable climate future.

"Something's Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely-just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favourite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy. In this episode, Wynsey chats with Julia, an MPP student from Uganda, about the “why” that drives her. From overcoming challenges in accessing education to finding her voice as a young advocate, Julia speaks candidly about the experiences that shaped her journey. With honesty and heart, she reflects on her childhood, her path into advocacy, and the making of the strong woman she is today.

Possible Utopia is the podcast exploring the intersection of politics, gender, and leadership to imagine a more inclusive future.In this episode, we speak with Vanessa Nakate, Ugandan climate activist, founder of the Rise Up movement, and author of A Bigger Picture. She shares her journey from launching Fridays for Future in Uganda to amplifying African voices in the fight for climate justice.We discuss her leadership, the challenges of being a young woman in the public eye, how she addresses online trolling, and her vision for the future of climate action.🎧 Tune in to hear what drives her, how she keeps community at the centre of her work, and whether politics might be part of her path ahead.

Possible Utopia is the podcast where we explore the intersection of politics, gender, and leadership to imagine a better world. From addressing challenges of safety and well-being in public life to uncovering the motivations that drive individuals, we look at the stories behind those shaping our societies. Together, we take on difficult questions, confront systemic barriers, and reimagine a more inclusive and just political landscape.This is not just a conversation about policy and gender; it is a journey toward possibility, a utopia we can begin building today. Let’s explore it togetherMeet our host of Possible Utopia, Kanksshi Agarwal, Founder of NETRI Foundation, India’s first incubator for women in politics, featured in LiveMint’s 100 Women Shaping India, TEDx speaker, and Cyril Shroff Scholar at University of Oxford.About the Episode with Kartik DesaiIn this episode, we welcome Kartikeya N. Desai, an investing and development finance expert and Founder of Desai & Associates.Kartik Desai, an impact investor at leading Indian funds and advisor to foundations and policymakers on blended and outcome finance, explains how capital can advance gender and climate goals.💡 The conversation includes examples from his work in gender-lens investing and outcome funding for women’s skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship, as well as blended finance facilities for women-led SMEs and efforts to overcome regulatory barriers driving systemic change in India.🎧 Listen now and discover how finance can be a force for good when applied the right way.

In this episode, MPP students Helen Orjuela and Ana Osorio explore one of the most pressing yet often overlooked public policy issues: careThey are joined by Diana Rodríguez Franco, Special Advisor on Gender and Diversity to the Inter-American Development Bank and former Secretary for Women in Bogotá, where she led the creation of the city’s internationally recognised Care System - Manzanas del Cuidado.Together, they unpack why care work, largely carried out by women, remains undervalued despite being essential to economic and social well-being. Drawing on Diana’s experience, the conversation explores how innovative public policies can address time poverty, redistribute unpaid care, and create more equitable societiesThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gender equality, social protection, and the design of transformative policies.🎧 Tune in to understand why care is not just a private matter—it’s a public good, and a cornerstone for inclusive development.

Nikunj Agarwal is a public policy practitioner, an Oxford MPP alumna, and currently the Strategic Stakeholder Country Lead for the What Works Hub for Global Education at the British CouncilIn this episode, he reflects on bridging the gap between evidence and policymaking, the power of listening over telling, and what it takes to make education reform work in the real world.From cost-effective solutions to collaborative system change, Nikunj shares insights from classrooms, coalitions, and policy spaces across India.He also offers a simple, thoughtful framework for anyone exploring a career in public policy.

🌱Empowering Communities through Climate Justice🎙️In this episode, we are joined by Alexandra Gallo, a policymaker specialised in environmental justice and climate resilience. From working on California's Transformative Climate Communities programme to implementing the largest environmental justice grant in US history under the Inflation Reduction Act, Alexandra shares her journey and challenges. We unpack how truly community-driven governance can transform climate action, why representation matters, and what's at stake in the current political landscape💪🏽🌍🎧Listen now if you're interested in equity, climate policy, and the future of environmental justice.

In this episode, Madison Jennings, Glória Almeida da Silva and Famin Ahmed explore how race and ethnicity shape the experience of gender-based violence around the world.Together, they discuss the legal and systemic barriers women of color face, the narratives that silence survivors, and the grassroots and policy efforts pushing for justice. Drawing on their work in Australia, Brazil, and the U.S., the guests share personal reflections, policy insights, and bold visions for an anti-racist, decolonial approach to GBV prevention.🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience, and intersectional policymaking.

🎙️ Shaping the AI we want: A conversation with Gabriela RamosIn this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, MPP students Melissa Muñoz (Dominican Republic) and Gloria Almeida (Brazil) sit down with Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO and one of the world’s foremost voices in ethical artificial intelligenceTogether, they explore what it means to govern AI not just as a technological issue, but as a societal one—one that touches education, science, culture, communication, and human rights. Drawing from her leadership in creating UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, Gabriela shares why inclusion must be at the center of the digital transition, and how Latin America is stepping forward in shaping a more just technological future.As a candidate to lead UNESCO, Gabriela reflects on institutional leadership in a time of rapid change, and makes a powerful case for compassionate governance and global cooperation. This conversation is as much about algorithms as it is about agency, equity, and imagination.Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation on the future of AI, multilateralism, and public purpose.

"Something’s Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely—just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favorite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy.In this episode, Wynsey sits down with Mamiko and Shinnosuke, two MPP students from Japan, who reflect on the trials and tribulations of their lives, as well as the lesser known formative personal experiences that shape the policymakers that they are today. They delve into deeply personal histories - from the profound impact of a cherished mentor whose memory they carry forward, to unique life experiences such as living on a remote island, working for a delivery company, and supporting a community's evacuation during a volcanic eruption. Mamiko and Shinnosuke reveal how unconventional detours and pathways were instrumental in their development as civil servants in Japan, ultimately bringing them together during a chance encounter that sparked a strong friendship. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of resilience, the unexpected lessons found in diverse experiences, and the human stories that drive a commitment to public service.

This episode takes a step back from policy topics to dive into a pervasive phenomenon in public service work: constant busyness and burnout. Ronan Harrington, an international speaker, expert on burnout and resilience, and MPP alumnus, joins MPP student Nate for a conversation on why burnout is so pervasive in public service careers and what we can do about it.The conversation explores:• Why is overwhelmed and burnout a particular problem in public service?• What are the root psychological factors that lead to constant busyness and burnout?• Is overwhelm and exhaustion just necessary in high impact careers?• Can technology and AI save us?• What are practical strategies to manage overwhelm when we can’t control the demands placed on us?

Siviwe Gwarube is South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education and one of the country’s youngest-ever Cabinet members. A fierce advocate for gender equity, evidence-based policymaking, and the foundational right to education, she brings a new voice and vision to the continent’s education leadership. In this episode, Minister Gwarube reflects on her first year in office—what surprised her, what challenged her, and what guides her approach. She speaks candidly about the mental toll of public leadership, the power of authenticity, and why prioritising foundational learning is not just a pedagogical choice, but a political one. She lays out five pillars of her strategy: early childhood development, literacy, teacher training, infrastructure, and inclusion. From advocating for mother-tongue education to navigating South Africa’s political transition, this episode offers a powerful reflection on what it means to lead with purpose—and why the future of education starts with bold decisions today. 

Carlos Scartascini is a global leader in behavioral economics and its real-world application to public policy. As Deputy Chief Economist and head of the Behavioral Economics Group at the Inter-American Development Bank, he’s led research and projects that use behavioral science to tackle everyday policy challenges—like boosting tax compliance, improving public health, and building trust in government.

Jaime Saavedra is one of the world’s most influential education reformers. Former Minister of Education in Peru and now Director of Human Development for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, he has led and advised some of the region’s most ambitious efforts to improve learning outcomes at scale. In this episode, he unpacks what it really takes to deliver effective education reform—not just design it. Drawing on decades of experience, Saavedra outlines four essential conditions for change: sound technical design, sustainable financing, strong implementation capacity, and political will. He explains why many systems fail despite good intentions, and why reforms succeed when countries invest in teachers, strengthen bureaucracies, and centre policy around student learning. From the turnaround in Peru after disastrous PISA results, to lessons from Sobral and the province of Mendoza, this conversation offers a masterclass in how to transform systems—not just schools. 

"Something’s Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely—just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favorite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy.In this episode, Wynsey sits down with Nami and Kenneth, two MPP students from Mongolia and Indonesia, who are carving bold new paths in the energy and sustainability sectors. From childhood memories to formative moments, they reflect on how their roots continue to shape their ambitions, values, and sense of mission.Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation on identity, impact, and the power of purpose.

Juan Gabriel Vásquez has a central preoccupation: the past —a theme that has shaped much of his fiction. His latest novel, Los nombres de Feliza, published in January, explores the life of Colombian sculptor Feliza Bursztyn, who was politically persecuted and forced into exile during the Cold War. In this episode of Oxford Policy Pod, the acclaimed Colombian author —winner of the 2011 Alfaguara Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in Spanish-language literature— reflects on the roots of this enduring fascination, which has led him to write nine novels and several short story collections. He also discusses the place of culture in political life, the rise of authoritarianism around the world, Colombia’s current political climate, and more.

Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo is one of Spain’s most prominent political voices. A historian and journalist, she is a Member of the Spanish Parliament and a staunch advocate for democracy, freedom, and constitutionalism. Educated at Oxford, where she studied under Sir John H. Elliott, she transitioned from academia to journalism at El Mundo before stepping into politics. In this episode, she dissects the crisis of democracy in the West, the rise of nationalism, the evolving role of women in politics, and the growing tensions between free speech and identity politics. From Europe to Latin America, she offers a sharp and unfiltered perspective on the political forces shaping today’s world. 

🎙️🌎 Sacrifice Zones: The Price of Progress? In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, we sit down with legal scholar Iza Linazasoro to uncover the harsh realities of sacrifice zones—communities forced to bear the cost of industrial development at the expense of their health and environment. Featuring the Quintero Bay case in Chile, Linazasoro highlights the environmental, social, and health impacts of industrial pollution. She also discusses the roles of various stakeholders, the power imbalances, and the inadequate institutional responses. The conversation includes insights into international frameworks and policies necessary to address these injustices and emphasises the importance of community involvement and advocacy in policy-making.Tune in and join the conversation 🎧