Welcome to the season premiere of Voicing Youth Research from the Centre for Innovation and Sustainability (CIS)! This season, we’re bringing our youth-led research to the forefront, pairing our young researchers with leading experts to give a fresh, youth-focused look at today’s biggest policy issues.

In our first episode, we dive into India's evolving digital healthcare landscape. Our host, Teresa Kuruvila and CIS Research Fellow, Aditya Prakash Magdum, sit down with global health specialist Sireesha Perabathina to unpack the complexities of the system. They’ll clear up common misconceptions about the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), reimagine the future of Primary Health Centres, and discuss the critical policy shifts needed to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

But this isn't just a technical discussion. We also explore the future: How can young people from diverse fields like tech, design, and public policy help drive this transformation, and what does genuine youth engagement actually look like?

Episode Highlights :

• Reimagining how primary healthcare can better serve underserved regions.
• A deep dive into digital equity, supply chains, and policy shifts for Universal Health Coverage.
• A call for meaningful youth engagement across public policy, tech, and design.

How does a youth-led volunteering organization see itself, and how is it perceived by the world around it?

In this introspective episode of A Tryst with Statecraft’s Insider Conversations, host Teresa Kuruvila delves into the public perception of Project Statecraft with Riya K. Hira, our Learning Experience Designer and Chief Programs Officer, and Sudharma Dwadasi, a communications professional, former Head of Public Relations, and Advisor.

The discussion offers a unique look at Project Statecraft's evolution, highlighting its shift in thematic areas from leadership and sustainable development goals to civic engagement, climate, and gender. Riya emphasizes the organization's commitment to learning from its failures and creating inclusive spaces for young people.  

Sudharma provides valuable insights into the challenges of crafting effective messaging for education and capacity building, particularly in reaching diverse audiences. He underscores the importance of experimentation and resilience in communication.  

The conversation further explores Project Statecraft's innovative approach to education, focusing on experiential learning and empowering young people as changemakers. Riya highlights the organization's initiative to reinvent learning experiences and foster a sense of contribution among young learners.

Tune into the conversation and gain valuable insights into our journey, challenges, and vision for the future. 

Join host Teresa Kuruvila in this episode of Insider Conversations, produced by Ananya, as we sit down with Sangyukta Das, Editor-in-Chief at Project Statecraft (PSC), and Zeeshan Ali, Director of Public Policy. They share their journeys in leadership, policy research, and youth empowerment, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the organization.

Sangyukta, an environmental economics and policy expert from the London School of Economics, and Zeeshan, a policy strategist specializing in national security and foreign policy, discuss their transition into leadership roles at PSC. They reflect on their early assignments, team dynamics, and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths.

We explore how PSC adapted to the challenges of remote work during the COVID era and the evolving landscape of policy engagement in the attention economy. Zeeshan and Sangyukta candidly discuss navigating setbacks, handling leadership pressures, and keeping their teams motivated through uncertainty.

From overcoming remote collaboration challenges to their motivations for staying in a virtual-first organization, this conversation offers key insights into leadership, resilience, and the future of PSC.

Tune in for an exclusive look at what drives the leaders of PSC and where the organization is headed next!

Welcome to the season premiere of Insider Conversations. In this episode, we delve into the genesis of policy research at Project Statecraft (PSC) with founder Abhishek Sudke and Shreyas Ashok Kumar, advisor and former VP of Data Analytics.

We explore why the research was the foundational division of PSC. Shreyas details the importance of data and integrity focus on the overall research processes that have driven PSC's evidence-based approach. We tackle the contemporary debate surrounding the boon or bane of AI in data analytics and research, specifically addressing its implications for public policy.

Abhishek shares proud achievements from PSC's journey and offers practical advice to young individuals considering a career in public policy. They both provide insights into an area of public policy they wish PSC was more involved in, and they'll candidly discuss some of the initiatives that PSC had in mind but didn't come to fruition. Finally, we discuss what's next for PSC, outlining the organization's future direction.

In our final episode of this season, we dive into the transformative potential of AI for digital health and the central role young people play in its future with Pallavi Jain, Program Lead (Digital Health) and Secretariat Lead of Youth Ownership of Digital Health (YoDH) at PATH. With over a decade of expertise in the development sector, Pallavi shares her perspective on how innovative technologies are reshaping healthcare access and delivery, especially in marginalized communities.

This conversation explores:

● Potential of AI and digital transformation to make healthcare accessible and affordable to millions of people in India.

● Challenges in implementing digital tools in underserved areas—and solutions to overcome them.

● The importance of disseminating policies that regulate AI, telemedicine, and wearables among the users, especially young people, to ensure equity and accountability.

● The role of youth in shaping inclusive, scalable digital health solutions through participation and representation across levels and sectors.

● Efforts to engage young people on platforms such as YoDH and the future dividends it would pay in the form of improved solutions.

From bridging the digital divide to fostering accessible and personalized healthcare technologies, this episode provides actionable insights for anyone invested in the future of healthcare.

How can we make digital health technologies accessible, scalable, and equitable for all?

Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform to explore these critical issues.

Tune into the latest episode of A Tryst with Statecraft to get a window into the webinar that explores the intersection of gender and climate change with host Abhishek Sudke and expert panelists Rajeshwari Sahay and Mitali Nikore.

This insightful discussion sheds light on how climate change disproportionately impacts women and marginalized communities, intensifying risks such as safety concerns, livelihood loss, and unpaid care work in both urban and rural settings.

Our panel delves into critical topics, including:

•⁠ ⁠The importance of gender-sensitive, climate-resilient infrastructure and policies.

•⁠ ⁠Grassroots-level behavior change and communication to drive inclusive solutions.

•⁠ ⁠Strategies for bridging the gender-climate gap for a just and sustainable future.

How can we design solutions that empower vulnerable communities while fostering resilience?

About the panelists:

Rajeshwari Sahay – Strategic Communications Expert, G20 India Secretariat

With vast experience in communications for major global issues, including climate change and digital infrastructure, Rajeshwari has been pivotal in shaping India's G20 media narrative.

Mitali Nikore – Founder, Nikore Associates

A pioneering economist and advisor to multilateral organizations like the World Bank and GIZ, Mitali specializes in gender mainstreaming and sustainable development. Her work is featured in major publications and news platforms globally.

Listen now on your preferred streaming platform, or access it using the link in the comments!

India stands at the forefront of a digital transformation, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge divides, empower communities, and fuel economic growth. In our conversation with Aakash Guglani, we delve into AI's critical role in reshaping India’s digital economy, exploring how the nation’s digital initiatives foster inclusivity and innovation.

Aakash Guglani is a Manager at the Digital India Foundation, focusing on policy research and advocacy, with an emphasis on leveraging technology to improve governance, national security, and the adoption of emerging technologies. DIF works with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, to analyze complex issues surrounding data governance, technology policy, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Aakash completed his postgraduate studies in Liberal Studies at Ashoka University and received his Bachelor's degree in Management Studies from Delhi University. Passionate about fostering research-driven policy-making, he is committed to contributing to India's social and economic development through evidence-based policy solutions.

In the episode, we discuss India’s push for accessible technology, including integrating open Large Language Models (LLMs) in local languages and making digital resources accessible to marginalized communities in a diverse society. With a foundational digital infrastructure established through initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s digital strategy is expanding market access and broadening financial inclusion. By fostering open data access and building a digital infrastructure that empowers the private sector and startups, India is laying the groundwork for a vibrant digital economy that benefits all.

We examine how AI technologies bring both promise and risk. While AI can improve public service delivery and enhance accessibility, it also poses challenges, including the spread of misinformation and deepfake technology. How can India’s regulatory frameworks encourage responsible AI use and ensure its benefits are shared across diverse communities? With insights into India's National AI Strategy and discussions around regulatory and ethical concerns, we explore what it will take to create a responsible, inclusive, and innovative AI-powered future for India.

Furthermore, we tackle pressing economic questions, such as how India can balance the drive toward AI-driven automation while enabling job creation in a country with a young, rapidly growing workforce.

Join us on this journey as we uncover the opportunities and challenges of AI in India’s dynamic digital landscape.

In the inaugural episode of our latest season, we are joined by Siddharth Sinha to discuss the transformative role of AI in addressing climate change. Siddharth Sinha is a renowned climate policy expert with vast experience in tech-driven climate solutions, sustainability, and policy advocacy. He is a Yale Climate Fellow and works as Geo and Sustainability Policy Lead at Google, where he has been instrumental in implementing innovative technologies to solve pressing environmental challenges, particularly in the Global South. Siddharth has worked with the Government of India at NITI Aayog and the G20 Secretariat, contributing to cutting-edge research and strategic policy development.

The episode delves into how AI is revolutionizing our ability to predict climate scenarios, adapt to the unique climate challenges in the Global South, and create resilient urban environments in the face of emergencies. We also explore the crucial role of youth involvement in pushing for AI-driven climate policies, highlighting their dedication to fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.

From addressing the specific needs of vulnerable regions to enhancing rapid response efforts in cities, AI's adaptability is proving to be a game-changer in the fight against climate change. This conversation examines the ways AI is already making an impact and what the future holds for integrating technology into environmental policy at a global scale.

The episode concludes with Siddharth emphasizing the importance of leveraging AI as a tool not only for climate resilience but also for empowering communities and fostering collaboration across sectors. The intersection of AI, climate policy, and youth activism marks a critical shift in how we tackle the climate crisis in an increasingly complex world.

In this episode, we are joined by Ms. Jyotsna Mehra to discuss India's evolving role in a multipolar world. Ms. Mehra is a highly accomplished Foreign Policy professional and founder of Closed Door Policy Consulting. With her extensive experience in research, analysis, advocacy, and strategic communication, she has contributed significantly to shaping foreign policy through her consulting work with India's Ministry of External Affairs and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She holds a degree in Modern South Asian Studies from the University of Oxford, focusing on international relations, and a bachelor's degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Manchester. Her contributions extend globally through her association with leading think tanks across the UK, US, and India, and as the 2021 South Asian Voices Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, DC.

The episode explores India's evolving role in a multipolar world, shedding light on how the country has refined its foreign policy to adapt to changing global dynamics. Jyotsna delves into multi-alignment and strategic autonomy, often conflated in discussions, and examines how India has navigated these principles throughout its history.

From its early years as a newly independent nation, economically fragile and situated in a world divided by two dominant superpowers, India adopted a stance of ideological distancing. Over the last decade, India has leveraged partnerships and collaborations with the national interest at its core, advancing the ideas of multi-alignment and strategic autonomy. The country has also worked on diversifying its dependencies and reducing them by fostering Indigenous development in key areas such as energy and defense.

India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies have not only enhanced its standing in the domestic politics of neighboring countries but also strengthened its influence in the broader global order. These policies have helped India cultivate goodwill and reinforce its position as a key player in regional and international politics.

The episode concludes with Jyotsna emphasizing the crucial role of hard power in shaping India’s future in global politics. She argues that while military and economic strength will be the primary drivers of India’s influence on the world stage, soft power—through cultural diplomacy, international goodwill, and strategic partnerships—can effectively complement this. However, she strongly believes that hard power will be the decisive factor in securing India's place in a competitive and increasingly multipolar world.

Don't miss out on this episode which offers a nuanced perspective on India’s foreign policy evolution, providing an in-depth look at the nation's strategy for navigating global complexities while reinforcing its position as a major player in international relations.

Episode 2: Rise of the Global South: Geopolitics, Trade, Sustainability, and Youth

In this insightful episode of A Tryst with Statecraft, host Teresa Kuruvila engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tanya Vatsa, a leading Geopolitical Risk Intelligence Specialist, to explore the transformative rise of the Global South and its implications for the global order.

The episode delves into how the economic growth of countries in the Global South challenges the long-standing dominance of Western economies, reshaping global trade patterns and forging new economic alliances. Tanya provides an in-depth analysis of the sustainability challenges these emerging powers face, highlighting their potential impact on global economic stability.

With a focus on the shifting geopolitical landscape, the discussion turns to how the growing prominence of the Global South is driving the restructuring of global institutions. India's leadership in the G20 is examined, particularly its role in bringing the concerns of the Global South to the forefront of global governance, advocating for climate finance, technology transfer, and the historic inclusion of the African Union into the G20.

The conversation also touches upon the dynamic role of youth in the Global South, exploring how this generational shift is redefining the region’s role on the global stage and influencing the broader dynamics of global power and governance.

Tune in for a compelling episode that blends historical context with current geopolitical developments, offering a nuanced perspective on the rise of the Global South and its future trajectory. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the changing world order, sustainability, and the evolving role of emerging economies in global governance.