EDI Summer Workshop Helps Students Apply Economic and Financial Policy on a Global Scale

The Economic Democracy Initiative recently held its second annual Summer Workshop in Public Finance and Economic Policy at Bard College Annandale, bringing nearly fifty undergraduates from twenty countries together for a week of intensive instruction from leading international experts. Students participated in a wide array of lectures, including introductions to basic economics and finance concepts, to country-specific policy analyses, and real-world applications of such knowledge.

In addition to the curricular programming on campus, students spent an afternoon at the nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum, where James K. Galbraith, renowned economist and professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, delivered a keynote lecture on "The Economics and Politics of the Fed's Fight Against Inflation," followed by a lively discussion.

The students, who came from eight different OSUN institutions, also participated in lab sessions where they applied what they learned to budget analyses in their home countries.

The week concluded with a two-day session focused on “Communicating Public Policy,” led by staff from the OSUN Civic Engagement Initiative. In the session, students examined key concepts they learned about during the week and used them to inform policy pitches aimed at solving persistent problems, such as poverty, unemployment, and the climate crisis. Students presented these proposals to an audience comprised of their peers and local policymakers, who provided expert feedback on the presentations. 

Several participants said they found the workshop enlightening for several reasons.

Alicia DeMarco, the Deputy Comptroller of Ulster County and an attendee of the workshop, said, “I was so moved and impressed by the students and their presentations. I have to say that as a juror I really learned a lot, and felt extremely privileged to be in that room. While we as a society face many complex issues that don’t have easy solutions, it was refreshing and encouraging to see a large group of capable, passionate and intelligent young adults who are looking for creative solutions. It gives me hope for the future and has truly inspired me.” 

Nice Cailie Ineza, a student at Ashesi University in Ghana, said “I'm a computer science student with interests in many other areas, including the economy. On the third day of the workshop, I had come to the conclusion that my major shouldn't be limited to IT… Every conversation was engaging for me. I suppose I'd consider the possibility of specializing in one of these subjects in addition to my major.”

Ineza said she particularly benefited from learning about money sovereignty and the Chinese economy. “These helped me to see how money may be utilized for a variety of purposes and who holds the economic power in some African countries.” 
 
Henry Edun, a student at Buffalo State University in New York, said “My favorite part of the workshop was towards the end when we got into groups and collaborated to present our policies to policymakers. This experience changed me a lot and opened my eyes in ways I didn’t think of at the start of the week.”  

Edun and other students emphasized that an important aspect of the convening was how it allowed them to meet peers from different corners of the globe and learn about varied life experiences through the lens of economics.

Dayana Milieva, a student at Bard College Berlin, said “This was a remarkable academic experience that I will always cherish, not only because I got to learn from professors with unique areas of interest and career paths, but also because it introduced me to outstanding students from all around the world. I am grateful to have met like-minded young people, whom I can with certainty call future leaders whose intellect, effort, and dedication will undoubtedly change the world.”

Post Date: July 5, 2023