Inaugural Year

Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) launched its much-anticipated Institute of Global Politics (IGP) in October 2023. In the months that followed, IGP brought people together across geographic and political divides, created a space for open dialogue across ideological differences, inspired new ideas, and worked to advance necessary conversations and build the foundation for policy impact work addressing some of today's most pressing challenges. 

Find a summary of our inaugural year below and stay tuned for what's to come!

14 Inaugural Carnegie Distinguished Fellows

IGP’s Inaugural Carnegie Distinguished Fellows visited Columbia SIPA throughout the 2023–2024 academic year, adding their perspectives to ongoing policy work, participating in major events, and engaging with students in Policy Roundtables, office hours, and one-on-one sessions. 

Our Fellows cohort included a diverse mix of high-profile practitioners from across a range of sectors, including a former head of state, senior policy officials, diplomats, activists, tech leaders, and other distinguished leaders. 

Conversations that Engaged and Inspired

IGP is a hub where those with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints convene to discuss, listen, and engage with one another in the name of working towards solutions to some of today's most critical challenges. In its inaugural year, IGP launched three event platforms that brought together scholars, policy experts, diplomats, journalists, and local and international leaders to offer key takeaways as events unfolded in real-time; to demonstrate the value of civil discourse between those with opposing views; and learn from those who have spent their careers working to remedy global challenges. 

Below are highlights from our Across the Aisle, Rapid Response, and Spotlight Interview series. 

IGP Student Scholars: The Next Generation of Local and Global Leaders

The IGP Student Scholars Program prepares Columbia students to understand and find solutions to today's most complex global challenges. Students selected for the program benefit from the mentorship of our Faculty Advisory Board and Distinguished Fellows, priority access to events, and other unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience and insight that will, ultimately, shape their work as policymakers, researchers, thought leaders, and change makers. 

This year, we welcomed 36 students into the inaugural cohort of Student Scholars, representing six different programs across Columbia University. 

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"IGP showed me the importance of listening and engaging with individuals from all over the world and with different views. When we do that, we can tackle age-old problems from unique perspectives and angles."  

- Natalia Kanos 
2023 - 2024 IGP Student Scholar

Meet Our Student Scholars 

Learning & Leading: Policy Roundtables

Policy Roundtables give students unparalleled access to the IGP Carnegie Distinguished Fellows and other select guests who are directly engaged in addressing a host of global issues and challenges. 

Teaching & Training: Skills Workshops

IGP prepares students for careers in the policy world before they begin through hands-on Skills Workshops, led by practitioners with unmatched expertise and deep knowledge. By focusing on mastering essential skills that supplement what's taught in the classroom, students gain the tools to inspire policy change and action. 

Thank You!

Reflecting on IGP’s first year, we recognize the invaluable contributions of all who have ensured the vitality of this undertaking, from our Fellows, donors, and audiences to our Faculty Advisory Board, Scholars, and partners. We are deeply grateful for the support of our shared mission.

Thank you for making IGP's work possible, meaningful, and far-reaching. The work of this year is just the beginning.