The School for Government at King’s College London is delighted to host "Staying Focused on International Development," a vital one-day symposium tailored for early career researchers and PhD students. This hybrid event, taking place in London on 14 May 2026, encourages in-person attendance to maximise networking and dynamic discussion.

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, understanding and contributing to sustainable global development has never been more critical. From the profound impacts of digital transformation on public service delivery and governance around the globe, to the urgent need for ethical innovation and climate change adaptation in vulnerable contexts, the challenges and opportunities are immense. This symposium will explore these crucial areas, discussing what researchers and policymakers can do to foster equitable and transformative change worldwide.

The symposium will feature insightful keynote speeches from established academics, alongside a dedicated platform for early career researchers (within six years of completing their PhD) to present their cutting-edge work. Proposed themes include, but are not limited to:

• Non-Western public administration models
• Integrity and anti-corruption for development
• Transformative power of digitalisation for international development
• Public sector innovation and leadership across the globe
• Transformation in the public sector: global case studies
• Development challenges and opportunities worldwide

To apply to attend the symposium, please register via the red button on this page.

Local organisers

• Roxana Bratu, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy
• Olga Siemers, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy