Every year, Harvard Kennedy School students plan a series of student-led conferences to bring together world leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss pressing issues. This year’s conferences convened speakers from all over the world to address a wide range of topics.
Explore the 2024-2025 student conferences
Coming together in a time of uncertainty
The theme of the 16th annual German American Conference (GAC) was “hard conversations”—and for good reason. The three-day event brought together more than 100 speakers and 800 attendees from around the world for debates and discussions on issues that demand having those hard conversations.
Discussing the potential of Latin American cities at the 2025 Latin America Conference
After a five-year hiatus, the Latin America Conference returned to HKS this spring. The conference offered opportunities for attendees to explore the topic of harnessing the potential of Latin America’s cities.
Sarah Davis MPA 2025 founded the Asia Pacific Conference to fill a critical gap in regional discourse
Following the success of the inaugural Asia Pacific Symposium in 2024, Sarah Davis MPA 2025 co-chaired the more permanent student-led Asia Pacific Conference, the first of its kind at HKS.
Striving to work together—even in disagreement—at the 2025 Mexico Conference
The Mexico Conference returned to HKS last month for its eighth consecutive year to address critical issues affecting Mexico, the United States, and the world.
Leader or dreamer? Europe’s role in a fragmented world order
More than 550 students, academics, and leaders in government, multilateral organizations, and the private and nonprofit sectors debated a formidable range of issues shaping Europe’s future at the student-led European Conference.
Raising awareness of urgent issues at the Climate Leadership Conference
The Climate Leadership Conference drew together speakers, panelists, and audience members from around the world to engage in conversations focused on driving climate solutions and inspiring a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Discussing how policy topics are all connected at the 2025 Black Policy Conference
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the student-led Black Policy Conference. Conversations centered on the theme “Reclaim. Empower. Strategize. Transform. (REST): The Path to Sustainable Freedom” flowed throughout the weekend as speakers and panelists focused their discussions on various policy areas, including sustainability, media, and democracy.
Shaping the African narrative at Harvard Kennedy School
The Africa Development Conference brought together students, policymakers, and researchers to address the most pressing development challenges facing the continent. The theme of the conference, “Africa by 2040: The Future of Africa’s Youth,” sparked conversations about the promise of Africa’s young people—and the structural, social, and political issues that will shape their future.
Encouraging authentic engagement at the 2025 China Conference
The 2025 China Conference examined pressing issues in China, bringing together speakers from all over the world to discuss the progress that can be made when business and policy work in tandem.
Trying to fill the gender equity gap at the Women in Power Conference
This year’s Women in Power Conference theme, “Reimagining Power: Building a New Legacy,” urged women to think more freely about what they are capable of—especially in leadership in public service.
