Where our students call home

View the interactive Global Student Community map.

Global student community, what is your why?

Our students come to Harvard Kennedy School from around the world to become public leaders and policymakers addressing global and local issues that are urgent and complex.

We asked them: What is your Why? What impact do they want to have in the world? Which public problem do they want to tackle—and what or who inspired them to address that problem?

Here’s what they shared.

—

Waheed Ahmad MC/MPA Mason 2025

Afghanistan

“The loss of Afghanistan’s democracy filled me with rage and despair. I’m at HKS to reflect on this major policy failure and learn how we can collectively improve human security and well-being in fragile and conflict-affected states and regions.”

Nalini Agarwal MPP 2025

Australia

“I'm passionate about bridging the divides caused by inequality, empowering underserved communities, and building a more equitable society. By leveraging data-driven insights, I hope to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy to effectively deliver change.”

Henrique Leite MPA/ID 2026

Brazil

“I want to invest in climate action to curb climate change, the biggest problem of our generation.”

Marcelle Momha MC/MPA Mason 2025

Cameroon

“As a woman, engineer and policymaker, my mission is to contribute to a world where emerging technologies, especially AI, empower communities and contribute to peace and development in Africa.”

Pablo Eguiguren MPA/ID 2025

Chile

“I want to work hard so that Chile can once again be a model of economic growth and development, where progress truly improves the lives of all Chileans.”

Sunny Jiang MPP 2026

China

“I want to empower underserved communities through innovative and collaborative policies.”

Zuka Alavidze MC/MPA Mason 2025

Georgia

“Witnessing politically driven injustices all my life, my motivation for change grew. I’m here at HKS to find ways for Georgian people, who deserve a fairer, more prosperous future.”

Felix Lindenberg MPP 2025

Germany

“I have been frustrated by the political polarization of the climate change debate. To engage more people to support climate policies, I want to bridge gaps and make the topic more accessible.”

Kofi Bempong MPA 2026

Ghana

“My career mission is to bridge private sector leadership with policy influence and social impact to drive equitable economic development in countries like Ghana. At HKS, I am gaining the tools and building the network to advance this mission effectively.”

Nitin Ranjan MPP 2026

India

“I want to address the persistent caste and social justice issues in India, to untangle systemic inequalities and promote equity.”

Nathania Silalahi MPP 2025

Indonesia

“I am committed to building equity, particularly in my home country of Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region. I want to contribute to the design and delivery of policies in education, labor, and social protection to make sure that opportunities and resources reach underserved communities.”

Tzur Goldin MPP 2026

Israel

“My goal is to establish an international policy research center that focuses on business, international trade, strategic international affairs, and national security to shift Israel from a 'start-up nation' to a 'policy nation.'”

Dalia Aita MPP 2026

Gaza, Occupied Palestinian Territory

“Growing up in Rafah refugee camp, I experienced firsthand how displacement fundamentally shapes lives and opportunities. My goal is to reshape refugee development policy by combining economic expertise with private sector innovation, and public sector reach, transforming how we approach solutions for displaced populations.”

Naara Cancino Díaz MPA/ID-MBA 2027

Peru

“I want to contribute to financing climate change projects in developing countries and my region by responsibly and strategically allocating resources. By fostering collaboration between government and private sector actors, I seek to bridge the climate finance gap in the areas that need it most.”

Nho Minh Dinh MPP 2026

Viet Nam

“I believe in the power of diplomacy, exchange of cultures, education, and disciplines in bridging differences and achieving prosperity together.”