Student Leadership Initiatives
MPP students are engaged in an array of dynamic leadership initiatives at the Munk School – while studying for your degree, you can take part in a range of Student Leadership Initiatives (SLIs), case competitions and conferences. From publishing journals and hosting podcasts to serving as consultants on real-world problems, the student leadership initiatives offer the chance to get involved, gain experience and apply your skills.
Student Leadership Initiatives
AI Policy Group
The AI Policy Group is a student-led initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, dedicated to advancing student knowledge in Artificial Intelligence policy and regulation. Our speaker events bring together experts from different fields to discuss the latest topics in AI policy with students. Members produce well-researched think pieces focusing on the link between AI and areas like education, work, cybersecurity, climate change, healthcare, innovation policy, and much more. Our goal is to help students gain a deeper understanding of the risks and policy opportunities related to AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing sector.
Website | Email | Instgram - munk.aipg | LinkedIn | X @aipolicygroup
Consulting Careers Initiative
The Consulting Careers Initiative (CCI) provides students pursuing a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) degree an opportunity to develop and enhance the skills necessary for a career in consulting.
In addition to providing important career development resources for students, CCI aims to showcase MPP and MGA students’ skills and abilities to prospecting consulting firms. We strive to be innovative in our approach to expand CCI’s network while supporting the prestigious brand of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a student leadership initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy that aims to raise the profile of environment, sustainability, and climate-related issues at the Munk School while providing a platform for students to explore the intersections of sustainability, environmental policy, and climate change as they relate to other pillars of public policy and global affairs. EWG is a platform for students to research and build knowledge on emerging topics in the climate sphere, collaborate with like-minded peers, and learn about careers in climate and sustainability while networking with alumni and industry professionals.
Equity, Diversity and Public Policy Initiative
The Equity, Diversity, and Public Policy Initiative (EDPP) promotes the adoption of an intersectional lens in policy analysis. EDPP is a graduate student-led organization at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and encourages the discussion of gender and identity-based inequalities in the realm of public policy in collaboration with Munk School student initiatives, faculty and administration, our alumni advisory group, and other networks within the University of Toronto landscape.
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Ford + Munk Conference
Ford+Munk is an annual policy case competition hosted by the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. Ford+Munk provides a unique opportunity for students to tackle pressing policy issues affecting both Canada and the US. The annual three-day event consists of workshops, an expert speakers panel, time for teams to develop their proposed solutions, and presentations to judges.
Indigenous Policy Initiative
The Indigenous Policy Initiative is a student-led organization at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy committed to advancing awareness, education, and engagement on Indigenous issues. Grounded in the frameworks of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, IPI promotes the integration of Indigenous perspectives into public policy. We foster cross-cultural dialogue, collaborate with Indigenous organizations, and support student learning through diverse projects and research opportunities. Our work aims to create a meaningful impact for Indigenous communities while enriching the Munk School community's understanding and capacity for reconciliation.
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Munk School Academic, Policy and Projects Symposium (MSAPPS)
The Munk School Academic, Policy, and Projects Symposium (MSAPPS) provides students with the opportunity to prepare for and lead conference-style presentations on topics of their choice, relating to thematic areas of the MGA and/or MPP programs. Students who are passionate about specific global issues or academic topics are strongly encouraged to participate, but all students who are open to greater engagement in academic research and methods are welcome. MSAPPS will also host workshops and seminars, led by Munk faculty and fellows, in support of students' training and experience-building.
Munk School Black Students' Association
The Munk School Black Student Association (MSBSA) is a student-led initiative that seeks to empower Black and racialized students through advocacy, anti-racism initiatives, promoting allyship and breaking down academic and/or professional barriers. We provide guidance, support, and direction for Black Students in their academic, social, and professional endeavours. This initiative offers inclusive opportunities for leadership, community engagement and networking for racialized students and their allies at the Munk School, while committing to tackle anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination. As a promoter of allyship in the Munk School community, the MSBSA welcomes all people willing to support the success of our mission.
The MSBSA has four main objectives:
- Foster inclusion of Black and racialized students within the Munk School - building safe spaces.
- Provide opportunities for, mentorship, academic and professional development.
- Ensure allyship is fostered across all student-led Initiatives, the student body and wider Munk School community.
- Advocate for more inclusion and diversity within the Munk School including in the student body, staff, and faculty.
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Munk School Politics Society
The Munk School Politics Society (MSPS) provides students in the Master of Global Affairs and Master of Public Policy programs with an opportunity to engage with and develop a deeper understanding of the interplay between politics and public policy. MSPS hosts several events for students to interact and learn from political figures, civil servants, diplomats, business leaders, and faculty members on various domestic and foreign policy and political topics. With MSPS, our directorship team receives exposure to political and policy experts and benefits from leadership, networking, and public speaking opportunities.
Policy Innovation Initiative
The Policy Innovation Initiative (Pii) is a student-led think tank dedicated to generating innovative strategies and solutions for Canadian policy issues. Our aim is to encourage analysts to approach problems in creative, unconventional ways, while developing a broader understanding of the factors that shape policy decisions. Pii provides analysts opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings, preparing them for careers in both the private and public sectors. At Pii, analysts not only research, analyze, and propose solutions to challenging policy issues, but are given the opportunity to present their solution to an expert panel.
Public Good Initiative (PGI)
The Public Good Initiative (PGI) is a student-led pro bono consulting organization whose goal is to build capacity in Ontario’s non-profit sector through partnerships & policy consulting services. Our graduate student consultants are matched with non-profit organizations and play a vital role in supporting projects from beginning to end. Consultants gain real-world experience working with clients while learning valuable skills to help prepare them for a career in public policy.
PGI's mission is to make a positive contribution to the policy capacity of the not-for-profit sector. Consultants provide a variety of services including project design, management, and implementation of policy, internal governance and regulations, and research to support not-for-profits as they navigate complex issues.
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Public Policy and Global Affairs Review (PPGAR)
The Public Policy and Global Affairs Review (PPGAR) is a brand-new, student-led publication that brings together voices from the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Global Affairs (MGA) programs. Formed through the merger of two long-standing Munk School SLIs (the Public Policy & Governance Review and Global Conversations), PPGAR will publish student work on pressing policy issues in Canada and around the world. From explainers and commentaries to special features and a year-end print journal, our platform offers students opportunities to build their writing, editing, and publishing skills while contributing to public dialogue. Editors and contributors gain hands-on experience in policy communication, digital publishing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With monthly publications, workshops, networking events, and a growing alumni community, PPGAR is both a professional development opportunity and a creative outlet. Whether you're looking to write, edit, or engage with ideas, PPGAR is your space to explore the intersections of public policy and global affairs.
Website: ppgareview.ca | LinkedIn | Instagram
Email: ppgareview@outlook.com