Policy-Making Initiative for Sustainability

This year, the School of Public Affairs has created a new module, “Policy-Making Initiative for Sustainability” in partnership with the European Chair for Sustainable Development and Climate Transition.  Over four months, Master’s students were guided in examining controversies related to socio-environmental transitions and designing public policy recommendations.  This programme is structured in two main phases. The first focuses on familiarizing participants with controversy mapping, based on the methodology originally developed by Bruno Latour. The second involves formulating public policy recommendations grounded in scientific evidence and contextualized through the mapping process. Throughout the semester, participants received support through guidance sessions, masterclasses, and methodological workshops including the chair’s activities.

This year, several controversy topics were explored:

• The integrity of biodiversity credits
• Gender considerations in transition strategies
• The implementation of low-emission zones
• The Great Green Wall and local conflicts

Students presented their work and policy briefs to a jury composed of various experts. Throughout the semester, students delivered remarkable work, tackling complex topics fraught with uncertainties and exploring innovative approaches to shaping public policies. The published policy briefs are found below.