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Center for Global Studies’ inaugural Global Policy Forum
April 14-15, 2026
Levis Hall 210, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Center for Global Studies (CGS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is pleased to invite student presentations for the Global Policy Forum. This inaugural event will bring together the University community to discuss pressing issues of global governance and policy. At this pivotal moment, the CGS will convene voices from across campus to analyze global challenges, practice policy engagement, and generate applied outputs that contribute to scholarly and public debates. The forum will offer a space for undergraduate and graduate students to gather, share ideas, and meet colleagues in a warm, low-stakes, and supportive setting.
The Global Policy Forum aims to inspire robust dialogue around at least the following themes:
- Climate Resilience and Migration
- AI, Data, Intelligence, and Global Security
- Human Rights, Democracy, and Global Justice
- Global Health and Equity
- Sustainable Development, Fashion, and Enterprise
If you are interested in getting more involved in organizing and contributing to this symposium, we urge you to sign up for:
GLBL 499 - Policy Communication Practicum (CRN 55131/64185)
In GLBL 499 you will:
- Master policy research and evaluation.
- Write policy briefs for issues you care about.
- Gain hands-on leadership experience.
- Organize the inaugural Global Policy Forum.
The Policy Communication Practicum will empower students to benefit society through policy research, writing, and organizing. In this experiential learning practicum, students will learn to formulate policy issues, assess policy-relevant research, evaluate existing policies and programs, and communicate actionable recommendations. All students will gain hands-on leadership experience by organizing the Center for Global Studies’ inaugural Global Policy Forum, a student-led symposium that will bring together voices from across campus to analyze global challenges, practice policy engagement, and generate applied outputs for scholarly and public debates. Additionally, students enrolled for 3- or 4-credits will craft a compelling policy brief to be included in a CGS-hosted student journal, the CGS’s policy brief series, or another professional outlet for impactful scholarship.
Mondays 3-4pm (1-credit) or 3-6pm (3- and 4-credits)
Interdisciplinary and open to all.
Email adrianw3@illinois.edu for more details.