Shaping the AI we want: A conversation with Gabriela Ramos
🎙️ Shaping the AI we want: A conversation with Gabriela RamosIn this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, MPP students Melissa Muñoz (Dominican Republic) and Gloria Almeida (Brazil) sit down with Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO and one of the world’s foremost voices in ethical artificial intelligenceTogether, they explore what it means to govern AI not just as a technological issue, but as a societal one—one that touches education, science, culture, communication, and human rights. Drawing from her leadership in creating UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, Gabriela shares why inclusion must be at the center of the digital transition, and how Latin America is stepping forward in shaping a more just technological future.As a candidate to lead UNESCO, Gabriela reflects on institutional leadership in a time of rapid change, and makes a powerful case for compassionate governance and global cooperation. This conversation is as much about algorithms as it is about agency, equity, and imagination.Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation on the future of AI, multilateralism, and public purpose.
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Something's Brewing with Shinnosuke and Mamiko
"Something’s Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely—just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favorite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy.In this episode, Wynsey sits down with Mamiko and Shinnosuke, two MPP students from Japan, who reflect on the trials and tribulations of their lives, as well as the lesser known formative personal experiences that shape the policymakers that they are today. They delve into deeply personal histories - from the profound impact of a cherished mentor whose memory they carry forward, to unique life experiences such as living on a remote island, working for a delivery company, and supporting a community's evacuation during a volcanic eruption. Mamiko and Shinnosuke reveal how unconventional detours and pathways were instrumental in their development as civil servants in Japan, ultimately bringing them together during a chance encounter that sparked a strong friendship. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of resilience, the unexpected lessons found in diverse experiences, and the human stories that drive a commitment to public service.
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Busyness, Burnout, and Boundaries in Public Service
This episode takes a step back from policy topics to dive into a pervasive phenomenon in public service work: constant busyness and burnout. Ronan Harrington, an international speaker, expert on burnout and resilience, and MPP alumnus, joins MPP student Nate for a conversation on why burnout is so pervasive in public service careers and what we can do about it.The conversation explores:• Why is overwhelmed and burnout a particular problem in public service?• What are the root psychological factors that lead to constant busyness and burnout?• Is overwhelm and exhaustion just necessary in high impact careers?• Can technology and AI save us?• What are practical strategies to manage overwhelm when we can’t control the demands placed on us?
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Leading Boldly: Education, Power and Purpose with Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa
Siviwe Gwarube is South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education and one of the country’s youngest-ever Cabinet members. A fierce advocate for gender equity, evidence-based policymaking, and the foundational right to education, she brings a new voice and vision to the continent’s education leadership. In this episode, Minister Gwarube reflects on her first year in office—what surprised her, what challenged her, and what guides her approach. She speaks candidly about the mental toll of public leadership, the power of authenticity, and why prioritising foundational learning is not just a pedagogical choice, but a political one. She lays out five pillars of her strategy: early childhood development, literacy, teacher training, infrastructure, and inclusion. From advocating for mother-tongue education to navigating South Africa’s political transition, this episode offers a powerful reflection on what it means to lead with purpose—and why the future of education starts with bold decisions today.
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Nudging Policy: How Behavioral Science Shapes Better Decisions
Carlos Scartascini is a global leader in behavioral economics and its real-world application to public policy. As Deputy Chief Economist and head of the Behavioral Economics Group at the Inter-American Development Bank, he’s led research and projects that use behavioral science to tackle everyday policy challenges—like boosting tax compliance, improving public health, and building trust in government.
A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.
The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty.
The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford.
To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.
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