November 17, 2021- The recently concluded COP26 summit at Glasgow sheds light on the importance of consolidated efforts on addressing the impacts of climate change and how to connect different areas of public policy for a comprehensive global approach. Emphasized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there is an urgent need to reduce and limit carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases to keep temperature rises within 1.5 degrees Celsius, which scientists recommend to avoid disastrous human and environmental consequences. The severe and irreversible effects caused by climate change has become magnified over the years, and there is a growing call for the public and private sectors to ramp up efforts and initiatives to mitigate the effects.

To contribute to addressing this pressing issue, Whiteshield Partners, a global strategy and public policy advisory firm, has launched a global public policy competition to encourage students from prestigious universities such as Harvard Kennedy School, London School of Economics, HEC Paris, Stanford, Cambridge University, Bocconi, and ESADE to come up with policies and solutions focused on mitigating the effects of climate change. Students wishing to participate in the competition are invited to submit their application on or before the deadline, November 23, 2021.

In the past years, Whiteshield Partners has hosted interactive global public policy case seminars in prestigious universities allowing students to gain insights, practical knowledge and experience in public policymaking. The initiative has transformed into a global competition to prepare the next generation further to formulate strategies and public policies, particularly on critical and crucial issues such as climate change.

On November 25, the firm will release the case related to climate change that participating teams will need to address. A maximum of two teams composed of three to four students per university will secure a place in the competition. Students will present findings virtually on December 15 and 16, 2021, to a panel of experts, including Fadi Farra, Founder and Partner of Whiteshield Partners, along with the Senior Leadership team. Winners will be announced on December 20.

In addition to cash prizes, first, second, and third place winners will automatically be fast-tracked through the recruitment process for a chance to secure a permanent employment position at the firm. All other participating students will be invited to explore career opportunities at Whiteshield Partners.

Commenting on the competition, Fadi Farra said: “Through initiatives such as this competition, we empower the next generation as we face critical and pressing issues that will affect their future”. Farra also added, “Strategic public policymaking is crucial to address climate change and global warming; this is why we strive to equip the younger generations with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience needed to formulate strategies and policies for global issues.”

On his part, Anthony O’Sullivan Director and Partner of Whiteshield Partners said: “As emphasized during the COP26 summit, we need effective multidisciplinary policymaking involving all relevant stakeholders, including the energy, commitment and innovative ideas from the younger generations, to achieve our sustainability goals. That is why our company reaffirms its commitment to providing students with opportunities to participate in strategy and policymaking, especially on significant issues such as climate change that affect us all.”

Whiteshield Partners has a decade of comprehensive experience as a public policy advisory firm with a global network of consultants working with government leaders, experts, and policymakers from various sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, information, and communications technology (ICT), among others.

For submission and participation, please get in touch with hr@whiteshieldpartners.com, and for more information about the 2021 Global Public Policy Competition, kindly visit our LinkedIn page.