Hanh Nguyen, Viet Nam,
MPA, Class of 2017
Researcher, G20 Research Group, Canada
I was selected as the winner of the Simulation Competition organized by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) to spend three months doing research in affiliation with the G20 Research Group in Canada. I am doing quantitative research at the G20 Research Group and am analyzing commitment data and building best-fit regression models to evaluate the impact of 23 potential catalysts on the variance of average compliance of G20 countries. Additionally, I have contributed to the climate change compliance report that is assessing the compliance of G20 members with climate change and energy solutions.
As the G20 Summit approaches, I am working more closely with the G20 Climate Initiative Team (GCIT), a small working team formed by Professor John Kirton, who directs the Group, to collect ideas and design a set of recommendations for G20 leaders to combat climate change. I have drafted two policy initiatives: mainstreaming gender in climate governance and involving indigenous peoples in efforts to control climate change. The Research Group published my first blog "Integrating a Gender-Responsive Approach in Climate Change Decision Making" at the end of July.
I also attended the Couchiching Conference with Professor Kirton, an annual event for civic discussion in Canada, where I was able to participate in many dynamic discussions around the theme of "Identity, Citizenship, and Nationhood in a Changing World." During these meetings, we identified areas of concern, including immigration and refugee crisis, national belonging, and the right of minority groups. It was a great opportunity for me to network and make new friends, and also to talk about SPP and CEU as well as the NASPAA competition that enabled me to spend the summer in Canada.
The thing I like most about working with the G20 Research Group is their respectfulness and flexibility. My colleagues and supervisor at the Research Group are always willing to listen to and respect my opinions, which encourages me to enhance my skills and knowledge. When they are not busy, my colleagues take me around Toronto. We have had great barbecues, been sailing, and enjoyed spending time together.
I have started networking with a number of professionals, bureaucrats, and scholars in Toronto who work in the field of climate change and governance. Through conversations with them, I have gained many interesting insights and perspectives that are framing – or reframing – how I think, and will orient my future research.
This has been a good learning experience. I am grateful to SPP and NASPAA for this opportunity.
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