The hybrid program, to begin on July 9th, 2024,  is the result of a collaboration between MIT Professional Education of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Luksic Foundation of Chile. A total of 40 full scholarships are available for professionals interested in learning about best sustainable practices and innovation opportunities.  

The circular economy has become increasingly important worldwide as a key strategy to address the environmental and economic challenges of the 21st century, and Chile has not been oblivious to this trend. In recent years, various public and private efforts have positioned the country as a leader in sustainability efforts in the region, generating a growing labor market and a need for professionals with expertise in this area. 

The MIT Professional Education program is designed for professionals seeking to implement circular and sustainable economic models in their organizations, as well as for those who wish to update their knowledge and explore the latest trends in this field. The objective is to foster sustainable solutions in the economy, promoting lasting economic resilience and combating climate change. 

An international professional opportunity from Chile

“At MIT, our President has made Sustainability and fighting Climate Change the top research priority for the Institute, with the mission of working with others around the world to make significant advances in meeting this global challenge. Accordingly, we are very pleased to offer a professional education program on Circular Economy in Chile in collaboration with the Luksic Foundation”, said Bhaskar Pant, Executive Director, MIT Professional Education. 

The program will begin on July 9 and will be conducted in a hybrid (online + in-person) format. Participants will attend nine weeks of virtual classes through MIT Professional Education’s online learning platform, followed by two days of face-to-face sessions in Santiago, Chile. Professor Fernandez will apply the principles of circular economy to explore the Chilean context today and into the future. 

“The vibrant Chilean economy is characterized by a significant reliance on extraction and agricultural production, alongside manufacturing and energy resources. As an economic vanguard in Latin America, Chile holds the promise of extensive circular economies throughout diverse sectors leading to greater resilience and longstanding sustainability”, said Professor John E. Fernandez, director of MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative.

“This is a model that we promote at Fundación Luksic, seeking to bring international expertise to Chilean academics and professionals without the need to travel abroad. This allows us to reach larger cohorts of people, break down the language barrier, and achieve a broader representation of the local ecosystem,” said Isabella Luksic, CEO of the Luksic Foundation. 

For those admitted to the program, the Luksic Foundation will cover all course fees. For those participants admitted who reside outside the metropolitan region, the Foundation will facilitate air travel and accommodation for the two days of face-to-face sessions in Santiago. 

To apply, it is required for applicants to be Chilean or have permanent residence in Chile, and to have at least 5 years of verifiable work experience. It is not necessary to have previous experience in circular economy.   

Applications will be open until June 30, 2024, at 23:59 hrs CLT. Apply here

The Luksic Foundation invites interested candidates to participate in a virtual information session about the international Schwarzman Scholars program. This session will feature a representative from the admissions team who will provide details about the opportunities and benefits of pursuing a Master’s in Global Affairs in Beijing, China. Applications are open until September 12, 2024.

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a well-rounded educational experience each year at Schwarzman College, located at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, one of the most renowned academic institutions in the country. The Luksic Foundation provides annual financial support for a selected Chilean candidate to participate in this program, known as the “Luksic Scholarship in Schwarzman Scholars.”

Participants pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs, and in addition to classes, workshops, and mentorships, students also get the opportunity to interact with global leaders, cultural experts, and entrepreneurs. Schwarzman Scholars also provides Mandarin classes to allow candidates to better immerse themselves in Chinese culture and have a meaningful experience during their stay.

The Luksic Foundation, in collaboration with the Schwarzman Scholars team, has organized a virtual information session to provide firsthand details about the program, including application requirements, the selection process, and the benefits, which include full funding and living expense coverage.

The virtual event is an opportunity for interested candidates to learn more about the application process and answer any doubts.

Information Session Details:

Date: Tuesday, June 4th at 5:00 pm CLT

Platform: Zoom

Language: The session will be conducted in English.

Interested participants can register here.

A recording of the session will be available on the Luksic Foundation’s YouTube channel.

Program Applications:

Applications for the Schwarzman Scholars program are open until September 12, 2024, for the 2025-2026 academic year.

To apply, Schwarzman Scholars requires certain qualifications, such as having a university degree, being between 18 and 28 years old, being proficient in English, and demonstrating leadership skills and an interest in global affairs. More information about the requirements can be found on the Schwarzman Scholars page, and interested candidates can apply here.

To discover what life is like as a current student, read Natalia Méndez’s story. Natalia is the first Chilean woman who has been selected for this program.

More information about the program and the application process can be found on our website.

The admission, selection, and funding allocation processes are carried out exclusively by the universities, without any participation from the Luksic Foundation.

Natalia has made history in Chile after being admitted to the renowned program that welcomes 200 scholars from different countries each year to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs at one of China’s most recognized universities. These young professionals receive higher education known for its leadership focus and innovative curriculum.

The past few months have been filled with new experiences for Natalia Mendez, a graduate in Public Administration from the University of Santiago de Chile. In 2023, she became the first Chilean woman admitted to the distinguished Schwarzman Scholars program. This academic opportunity annually gathers students from various parts of the world to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Her accomplishment was remarkable, not only because she was the first Chilean woman to be accepted, but also because she was the first person to join the program after earning her undergraduate degree in Chile versus abroad. Natalia now aims to inspire other women to follow their dreams and push the boundaries.

She says, “for me, the significance of being the first woman selected is that I feel I’ll be able to motivate many people, especially women. My story is one of effort and a passion for continuous learning, a testimony that things can indeed be achieved. Also, it speaks to the talent in Chile and the importance of promoting opportunities for people to access meaningful multicultural experiences.”

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a unique platform for young professionals to develop leadership skills and build networks. In addition to classes, workshops, coaching, and mentorship, participants enhance their education through interactions with political leaders, foreign ministers, cultural experts, and entrepreneurs. They also receive Mandarin classes to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and have a significant experience during their stay in the country.

Natalia Mendez mentions one of the reasons she was drawn to this program was its innovative curriculum. “When I started looking into postgraduate options, I initially considered typical places like the United States or Europe but as I delved into China, I was amazed. I was particularly struck by their innovative approach and the up-to-date nature of their academic programs. In China, curriculum structures are constantly changing, and their focus on technology and innovation is impressive. Moreover, they are very open to collaboration with Latin America, especially Chile, which I found very positive,” she highlighted.

With a steadily growing economy and an increasingly prominent presence on the international stage, China has solidified its position as a global power in recent years. In this context, Schwarzman Scholars aims to promote the development of young leaders prepared to act as intermediaries in China’s relations with the world.

“My goal is to become a professional who understands China in Chile. As a young Latin American woman, I want to offer a comprehensive perspective on what’s happening both there and here. Nowadays, it’s not just about the United States, but also about China. It’s a very interesting perspective, and it is crucial that we have young professionals who understand how to maximize this trend to position Chile in Asia, which has a lot of potential,” stated Natalia.

Next Application Process

The program is one of the largest philanthropic efforts China has undertaken in the realm of higher education. The approximately 200 scholars admitted to Schwarzman Scholars each year receive full funding, covering tuition, fees, accommodation, travel costs, living expenses, and health insurance. This academic opportunity operates based on a network of national and international donors, among which Scholars are included.

In April, a new admission process will open for the academic year 2025-2026, extending until September 2024. Applications are made directly through the university, which is responsible for selecting and awarding scholarships to admitted candidates. To apply, candidates must have obtained a university degree in any subject area before the program’s start (August 2024), be between 18 and 28 years old, and have proficiency in the English language.

In terms of advice to all those interested in applying to this program, Natalia stated: “I invite you to believe in yourselves, to dare, and to seize this academic opportunity that will enrich your minds and souls, connect with other people, and understand a part of the world and its complexities. Cultivating leadership skills empowers us to act according to our standards and principles, and to drive the changes we believe in. And, finally, never forget that we have infinite potential for growth.”

Natalia has made history in Chile after being admitted to the renowned program that welcomes 200 scholars from different countries each year to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs at one of China’s most recognized universities. These young professionals receive higher education known for its leadership focus and innovative curriculum.

The past few months have been filled with new experiences for Natalia Mendez, a graduate in Public Administration from the University of Santiago de Chile. In 2023, she became the first Chilean woman admitted to the distinguished Schwarzman Scholars program. This academic opportunity annually gathers students from various parts of the world to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Her accomplishment was remarkable, not only because she was the first Chilean woman to be accepted, but also because she was the first person to join the program after earning her undergraduate degree in Chile versus abroad. Natalia now aims to inspire other women to follow their dreams and push the boundaries.

She says, “for me, the significance of being the first woman selected is that I feel I’ll be able to motivate many people, especially women. My story is one of effort and a passion for continuous learning, a testimony that things can indeed be achieved. Also, it speaks to the talent in Chile and the importance of promoting opportunities for people to access meaningful multicultural experiences.”

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a unique platform for young professionals to develop leadership skills and build networks. In addition to classes, workshops, coaching, and mentorship, participants enhance their education through interactions with political leaders, foreign ministers, cultural experts, and entrepreneurs. They also receive Mandarin classes to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and have a significant experience during their stay in the country.

Natalia Mendez mentions one of the reasons she was drawn to this program was its innovative curriculum. “When I started looking into postgraduate options, I initially considered typical places like the United States or Europe but as I delved into China, I was amazed. I was particularly struck by their innovative approach and the up-to-date nature of their academic programs. In China, curriculum structures are constantly changing, and their focus on technology and innovation is impressive. Moreover, they are very open to collaboration with Latin America, especially Chile, which I found very positive,” she highlighted.

With a steadily growing economy and an increasingly prominent presence on the international stage, China has solidified its position as a global power in recent years. In this context, Schwarzman Scholars aims to promote the development of young leaders prepared to act as intermediaries in China’s relations with the world.

“My goal is to become a professional who understands China in Chile. As a young Latin American woman, I want to offer a comprehensive perspective on what’s happening both there and here. Nowadays, it’s not just about the United States, but also about China. It’s a very interesting perspective, and it is crucial that we have young professionals who understand how to maximize this trend to position Chile in Asia, which has a lot of potential,” stated Natalia.

Next Application Process

The program is one of the largest philanthropic efforts China has undertaken in the realm of higher education. The approximately 200 scholars admitted to Schwarzman Scholars each year receive full funding, covering tuition, fees, accommodation, travel costs, living expenses, and health insurance. This academic opportunity operates based on a network of national and international donors, among which Scholars are included.

In April, a new admission process will open for the academic year 2025-2026, extending until September 2024. Applications are made directly through the university, which is responsible for selecting and awarding scholarships to admitted candidates. To apply, candidates must have obtained a university degree in any subject area before the program’s start (August 2024), be between 18 and 28 years old, and have proficiency in the English language.

In terms of advice to all those interested in applying to this program, Natalia stated: “I invite you to believe in yourselves, to dare, and to seize this academic opportunity that will enrich your minds and souls, connect with other people, and understand a part of the world and its complexities. Cultivating leadership skills empowers us to act according to our standards and principles, and to drive the changes we believe in. And, finally, never forget that we have infinite potential for growth.”

Three Luksic Scholarships are now available for two Master’s programs offered at the Edinburgh Futures Institute of the University of Edinburgh: a Master’s of Science in Circular Economy and a Master’s of Science in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics. Find out here how to register for the online session below to learn more about this opportunity.

The new Luksic Scholarship at the Edinburgh Futures Institute of the University of Edinburgh is an academic opportunity that provides three full scholarships each year to Chilean candidates who wish to study at one of the most recognized universities in the United Kingdom.

Those who interested in learning more about this academic opportunity are invited to join an information session in which representatives from the Edinburgh Futures Institute alongside the Luksic Scholars team will provide further details and answer any questions. Applications for the program and Scholarship close on April 4, 2024.

The information session will take place on Tuesday, March 19, at 12:00 pm CLST.

Sign up here.

The event will be carried out in English, and a recording will be made available on the Luksic Foundation’s YouTube channel.

During the webinar, the following topics will be discussed:

• Information about the University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Futures Institute: Its mission, academic focus, campus life, and what makes this institution stand out.
• Information about the two Master’s programs: Circular Economy and Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics. Details of each available master’s program and the mode in which they are taught.
• Admissions and financial aid: Information about the process to access funding, as well as the specific requirements to apply for the Luksic Scholarship.

About Luksic Scholars

Luksic Scholars facilitates access to international academic opportunities in collaboration with renowned universities around the world, offering scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs, research, and specific programs.

Participants in any Luksic Scholars program become part of the Luksic Scholars Community, a broad network of more than 1,800 Scholars, which offers unique benefits and opportunities.

About the Edinburgh Futures Institute of the University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is an academic institution with a long history in the United Kingdom, opening its doors in 1583. Over the years, it has been recognized for its academic and research quality. It is also one of the most popular universities in the United Kingdom with 45,000 students spread across six campuses throughout the city.

The Edinburgh Futures Institute was created to contribute to the evolution of higher education in the 21st century, under the conviction that global challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected. The Institute’s focus is on innovation, creativity, diverse perspectives, and collaborative knowledge building, to address problems from a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach.

The Luksic Scholarship at the Edinburgh Futures Institute of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland offers a unique opportunity for Chilean students interested in deepening their knowledge in Circular Economy or in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics. Applications are open until April 4th.

Apply here for: MSc in Circular Economy
Apply here for: MSc in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Training professionals and leaders prepared to address current challenges in two key areas for society is one of the main objectives of “The Luksic Scholarship at the Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh,” a new academic opportunity that has been developed in collaboration between Luksic Scholars and the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh.

This full funding opportunity is aimed at Chilean professionals who are interested in deepening their knowledge and leading change in critical areas such as the Circular Economy or Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics, specializing through a Master of Science (MSc) at a leading university such as the University of Edinburgh, located in Scotland, United Kingdom.

Each year, a total of three scholarships will be available for candidates who are admitted to the MSc in Circular Economy or the MSc in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics programs.

“We are very excited to be launching these opportunities together with an exceptional partner like the University of Edinburgh, through the Edinburgh Futures Institute. We know that participants will greatly benefit from the innovative vision and interdisciplinary approach that characterize this Institute’s academic programs, which are aimed at seeking solutions for current and future challenges through collaboration and creativity,” highlighted Trinidad García from the Luksic Scholars team.

Those interested in applying must follow the regular admission processes and requirements established by the University of Edinburgh. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year for international students is April 4, 2024.

The Luksic Scholarship covers the entirety of tuition fees and provides a stipend aimed at covering living expenses associated during the duration of the program. Additionally, it offers a one-time payment to cover initial arrival costs in Edinburgh, such as airfare and accommodation.

For more information about admission requirements and the application process, you can contact the admissions team of the Edinburgh Futures Institute at [email protected].

It is important to note that all admission, selection, and funding allocation processes are carried out exclusively by the Edinburgh Futures Institute of the University of Edinburgh.

In early January, over 100 participants completed the “Case Method for Public Policy Workshop” taught by the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and “Negotiating Across Differences: Concepts, Strategies, and Tools” carried out by the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University. Amongst the participants, a total of 56 organizations were represented, such as universities, non-profit organizations, as well as institutions in both the public and private sectors. All participants will now be part of the Luksic Scholars Community, a network that unites over 1,900 professionals, academics, and researchers.

​​Enhancing public service education and training, acquiring new skills, and creating professional networks were the main goals of two academic programs held in January in Chile, through a collaboration between Luksic Scholars, an initiative of the Luksic Foundation, the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, and the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University.

A total of 103 individuals, including academics, professionals, leaders, and researchers, took part in the courses held over two days in Santiago. Participants represented 56 organizations from different regions of the country, primarily universities, non-profit organizations, and various public and private sector institutions.

The “Case Method for Public Policy Workshop” taught by the Blavatnik School of Government was for undergraduate and postgraduate university teachers seeking to strengthen their practical skills in case method teaching to enrich public policy education.

The “Negotiating Across Differences: Concepts, Strategies, and Tools” carried out by the Harvard Kennedy School explored negotiation methods to equip organizational leaders with the strategic, analytical, and communication skills necessary for effective communication and communication strategy.

“At Luksic Scholars, our approach is to bring international expertise to Chilean academics and professionals without the need for them to travel abroad. This allows us to reach larger groups of people, break down language barriers, and achieve a greater representation of the local ecosystem,” commented Isabella Luksic, CEO of the Luksic Foundation.

The academic programs were part of “Global Paths: Seeking Points of Encounter,” a conference organized by Luksic Scholars of which 400 people attended to discuss consensus-building in today’s polarized world and the role of academia in finding collaborative solutions.

Reflections:

Alejandra Sepúlveda, CEO of Comunidad Mujer and participant in the “Negotiating Across Differences” program, said that “the program was not only good for the way in which it taught its methodology and teachings but also because it comes at a time when our country faces many challenges on how we can reach agreements. 

Alejandra Sepúlveda, CEO of Comunidad Mujer and participant in Harvard’s “Negotiating Across Differences” program, appreciated the program not just for its methods and teachings but also for its relevance in Chile’s current context of seeking consensus. She noted that “the model we saw is based on the idea that not thinking alike does not prevent one from bridging positions and working together. The winner is not the one who takes the whole ball; it is the opposite. When one ensures that all parties feel represented and heard, exponential value is generated.”

Emilio Moya, director of the Public Policy Center at the Catholic University of Temuco, participated in the “Case Method for Public Policy Workshop” program. He highlighted its significant value, particularly for those working in regional contexts. “Bringing methodological tools and pedagogical innovations to regional universities is crucial,” he said, referring to the unique challenges in regions like La Araucanía. Moya believes this program will enhance students’ understanding of how to develop studies for the effective implementation of public policies and social programs.

Much like others who have previously completed any of the academic programs supported by Luksic Scholars, the 103 participants will now be part of the Luksic Scholars Community, a network of over 1,900 individuals that aims to support them in their professional journeys by offering various growth and development opportunities.

The benefits of studying a master’s program in the United States and financial support options are some of the topics that will be covered in the webinar. Sign up below.

We invite students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. in areas related to sustainability to join our upcoming information session, organized in collaboration with EducationUSA and Columbia University. The following topics will be covered: 

• The Master of Science in Sustainability Management at Columbia University and the Luksic Scholarship.
• The requirements and benefits of studying in the United States.
• The financial support options for completing a master’s degree in the United States.

>> Sign up here. The session will take place on Tuesday, January 30th at 3:00 pm EST / 5:00 PM CLST.

The webinar will be held in English and a recording of the event will be made available afterward.

The Luksic Scholarship at Columbia University

The Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability at the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University was created to support the development of trained leaders in sustainability, aiming to equip professionals with the necessary resources to generate change within their communities and professional environments. A total of 2 full scholarships are available each year for students admitted to this program for the Fall semester.

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are open until March 15, 2024. Interested candidates can apply here.
It is important to note that the admission, selection, and fund allocation processes are exclusively carried out by Columbia University.

About Luksic Scholars

Luksic Scholars facilitates access to international academic opportunities in collaboration with renowned universities around the world, offering scholarships for master’s and doctorate programs, research, and bespoke programs.

Participants in any Luksic Scholars program become part of the Luksic Scholars Community, a global network of over 1,000 Scholars that offers unique benefits and opportunities.

About the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University

Since 1995, the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University has administered and developed programs to meet a wide variety of student needs and is committed to offering diverse and innovative programs that help students succeed in their educational and professional development.

About EducationUSA

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network with over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world.

The EducationUSA Santiago office is the main EducationUSA office in Chile and provides academic advising at the undergraduate, graduate, and intensive English levels at all accredited universities in the United States.

More than 400 people, including leaders, academics, and representatives from the public and private sectors, gathered at CorpArtes to attend the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, which featured a keynote speech by the Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The polarization of society, the stability of democracies today, and the role of academia in promoting dialogue and the search for joint solutions were some of the topics addressed during the panel, which was formed by Paula Daza, Verónica Figueroa Huencho, Oscar Landerretche, and Sebastián Soto.

The “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, organized by the Luksic Foundation through Luksic Scholars, offered a space to delve into the significance of reaching consensus in an increasingly divided world and the role of academia in facilitating joint solution-seeking. The event, which offered both in-person and via streaming, gathered over 400 people, including leaders, academics, and professionals from across the country and abroad.

Is consensus necessary? Can agreements be reached without parties giving up their convictions? And, how do we avoid stagnation in a polarized democracy? These were some of the questions addressed during the conference. 

“We want to understand what is happening in the world and provide tools to contribute to the exchange of ideas and the development of people,” said Isabella Luksic at the beginning of the conference. The CEO of the Luksic Foundation also explained that the purpose of the organization is focused on contributing to the development of Chile through educational initiatives, and that this particular event arises from the conviction that academia plays a significant role in promoting the development of countries and that international experiences can create valuable knowledge exchange.

The keynote address was delivered by Ngaire Woods, the founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. “Polarization is taking place around the world, societies are fracturing and not sharing, and that should concern us,” said the expert in her talk. Regarding the role of universities and education in this challenge, the Dean pointed out that “it is essential that we teach our students how to converse and engage in discussions. That at the end of the day, we can agree to disagree.” 

Following Dean Woods’ speech, a panel discussion took place between Oscar Landerretche, economist and academic at the Universidad de Chile, Paula Daza, former Undersecretary of Public Health, Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy and Health Innovation at UDD (CIPS-UDD), Verónica Figueroa, academic at the Institute of Public Affairs at the Universidad de Chile, and Sebastián Soto, Associate Professor at the Department of Public Law, Pontificia Universidad de Católica, and Vice-President of the Expert Commission.

Both Verónica Figueroa and Sebastián Soto belong to the Luksic Scholars Community, which is made up of of more than 1,800 people who have participated in an academic program promoted by the Foundation in collaboration with universities worldwide.

Ways to Reach Agreements

One of the topics discussed was the possibility of reaching consensus in a polarized society and the crisis of democratic institutions. In this regard, economist Oscar Landerretche noted: “I think that for the problems we are facing in our society, setting the requirement of achieving consensus is too high of a bar. I prefer the word ‘agreements or contracts’.”

During the conference, recent events that have happened in Chile were addressed, such as the social outbreak in October of 2019 and the recent plebiscite process for a new constitution. Paula Daza, former Undersecretary of Public Health, commented: “We have common objectives, we are concerned about contributing to our country and providing solutions to Chile. This allows us to reach consensus. The pandemic taught us a lot in this aspect. I believe that consensus is possible.”

Verónica Figueroa emphasized that as a country “we are coming out of processes that allowed us to discuss, reflect, and dream about the country we want. It is important that university spaces be spaces for reflection. I think that today we have significant challenges that we can focus on the dreams of the institutions we want for the country.”

As for Sebastián Soto, he commented that “in the future, democracies have as a great challenge on governability. Consensus is fundamental since one builds transactions and contracts on consensus. But we have to have a common ground. It will not be unanimity, but rather fundamental values that must be shared over time.”

Alongside the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, two programs aimed at academics, researchers, and professionals in the field of public service will be held. The programs are “Case Method for Public Policy Workshop,” developed by the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, and “Negotiating Across Differences: Concepts, Strategies, and Tools,” implemented by Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University.

The founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford is set to be the keynote speaker at the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, organized by the Luksic Scholars initiative of the Luksic Foundation. This event is focused on creating dialogue about the role of public service in fostering Chile’s development and on identifying the most effective methods for building consensus.

Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, will be addressing topics such as how academia can equip future political leaders for a divided world and the impact of forming unconventional coalitions on effective governance during her visit to Chile.

As a keynote speaker for the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, organized by Luksic Scholars, an initiative of the Luksic Foundation, Dean Woods is currently in-country for the event scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th.

In an interview with El Mercurio, Dean Ngaire, who is also an academic of global economic governance, highlighted several challenges that democracies are facing around the world today. These include the difficulty of increasing polarization in society, the questioning of government institutions, and the use of referendums and plebiscites as an “alternative” to representative democracy.

She emphasized that “when politicians are elected to assume responsibilities, but instead turn around and say they want to hear our voices individually, what they are saying is that they are looking for shortcuts to representative democracy. This is the case in Chile, regarding the Constitution, in Australia regarding the Aboriginals, and in Brexit.” She pointed out that plebiscites “exacerbate polarization and divide societies more and more.”

Specifically addressing the three constitutional plebiscites held in Chile, Dean Woods remarked, “constitutions are not magical solutions. Many governments attempt to modify electoral systems through constitutional changes, hoping to address underlying issues. While constitutions can sometimes offer solutions, if they do not turn out well, they can crystallize the status quo.”

International Conference: “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground”

Dean Ngaire will be the main speaker at the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conferece which will take place on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:30 pm Chile time. She will provide a keynote speech on how to improve the governance of organizations, the challenges of globalization, development, and the role of international institutions and global economic governance.

Her speech will be followed by a panel discussion held amongst experts with vast experience in the public and private sectors, including the former Undersecretary of Public Health of Chile, Paula Daza; economist and former Chairman of the Board of CODELCO, Oscar Landerretche; professor of the Faculty of Government of the University of Chile and former Undersecretary of Higher Education, Verónica Figueroa; and Chilean lawyer and academic, Sebastián Soto.
The event will be live-streamed via the website www.caminosglobales.cl.
For more information, please contact [email protected].