Student leadership initiatives

Student Leadership Initiatives

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.  

Email | Website | LinkedIn Facebook

Environmental Working Group

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a student-led initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy that promotes dialogue and engagement on environmental, sustainability, and climate policy. Through research, policy discussions, speaker events, and networking opportunities, the EWG connects students with peers, alumni, and professionals. It also helps members build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to engage with today’s environmental challenges and contribute to meaningful climate action.

Website | LinkedIn  Email

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. 

Email EDPP | Instagram | Linkedin 

 

Ford + Munk Conference

Ford+Munk is is an annual policy case competition hosted jointly by the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy. Over the course of three days, students tackle a pressing policy challenge facing Canada and the United States through interactive workshops, collaborative case development, and final presentations to a panel of judges, with the winning team receiving a monetary prize. For both staff and competitors, Ford+Munk provides a distinctive opportunity to apply leadership and policy knowledge in a collaborative and professional setting, extending learning beyond the classroom and providing practical exposure to the policy-making process.

Email | Website | Instagram 

 

Global Security Policy Group

The Global Security Policy Group (GSPG) is a newly founded student-led initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy dedicated to exploring contemporary and emerging security challenges and developing innovative policy responses. Members conduct independent or collaborative research on a security issue of their choice including climate security, cybersecurity, democratic resilience, peacebuilding and regional geopolitics and produce policy briefs with concrete recommendations published on our website. Through speaker events with security experts, professional development workshops and an end of year research presentation, GSPG connects students with Munk faculty and builds competencies increasingly sought by employers across the public, private and multilateral sectors. If you want to deepen your understanding of global security policy, develop your research and analytical skills and connect with a community of graduate students passionate about today’s evolving security challenges, we encourage you to apply for membership at GSPG.

Email | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Indigenous Policy Initiative

The Indigenous Policy Initiative is a student leadership initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy focused on engaging with students to foster the literacy and skills needed to engage with Indigenous policy issues in informed and respectful ways, recognizing the legacy of colonialism, ongoing injustices, and the priorities of Indigenous Peoples. Through accessible educational activities, events, and regular informal discussions, IPI will create opportunities for students to explore topics including reconciliation, governance, and self-determination. This year, IPI will place an emphasis on community-building and creating an inclusive space for meaningful conversations and peer learning. IPI will also partner with organizations at the University of Toronto to create opportunities for student learning and engagement. 

Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn Instagram

 

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:  

  1. Foster inclusion of Black and racialized students within the Munk School - building safe spaces. 
  2. Provide opportunities for, mentorship, academic and professional development. 
  3. Ensure allyship is fostered across all student-led Initiatives, the student body and wider Munk School community. 
  4. Advocate for more inclusion and diversity within the Munk School including in the student body, staff, and faculty. 

Email | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website  

 

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. In alignment with the Munk School’s objectives, MSPS fosters dialogue on global issues, giving students the opportunity to study and engage with politicians and the political experiences of different regions. With MSPS, our directorship team receives exposure to political and policy experts and benefits from leadership, networking, and public speaking opportunities. 

Email | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram |

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. Throughout the year, analysts at Pii will not only research, analyze, and propose solutions to challenging policy issues, but are given the opportunity to present their strategies and solutions in a case competition to an expert panel at Pii’s final symposium.

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Public Good Initiative (PGI)

The Public Good Initiative (PGI) is a student-led pro bono consulting organization whose goal is to build capacity in the non-profit sector across Ontario, Canada, and abroad. 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 diverse careers in public policy and global affairs.

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.

Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

 

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

 

The Risk Association at the Munk School (RAMS) 

The Risk Association at the Munk School (RAMS) is a new Student Leadership Initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy dedicated to exploring emerging risks at the intersection of public policy, global affairs, and industry. Through case competitions, panel discussions, networking events, and professional development opportunities, RAMS connects students with alumni and industry leaders to strengthen their understanding of risk management and develop practical skills. In partnership with organizations such as RBC and the Rotman Risk Management Association (RRMA), RAMS provides experiential learning opportunities that bridge global affairs, finance, and strategic decision-making while fostering meaningful professional connections.

Email | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Spectrum

Spectrum is a student-led initiative at the Munk School dedicated to 2SLGBTQ+ policy analysis and professional development. The issues that affect 2SLGBTQ+ people are at the heart of the realities of policy implementation in areas as diverse as healthcare, education, and basic civil liberties. Our goal at Spectrum is to provide students with a platform for engagement with 2SLGBTQ+ policy on any level, from lived experience to rigorous policy analysis, and create a space beyond the limitations of diversity programming. Munk students who are a part of Spectrum can expect to be involved in several exciting initiatives, from community-building events to rigorous panel discussions to opportunities for building your professional development network with 2SLGBTQ+ organizations around Toronto.

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