Patrick Leong is in his last year of NPSIA’s International Organizations and Global Public Policy (IOGP) stream. He recognizes that one of the major advantages of selecting the IOGP stream is its interdisciplinary approaches which allows one to explore many different aspects of global public policy, including health, migration, trade, conflict, and
social policy. Patrick has also learned a lot about the theory, structure, and policies of international organizations throughout his core courses. Overall, he states that the IOGP stream provides flexibility, but also allows one to select electives that focus on specific interests.
NPSIA prides itself in hosting students that come from a variety of different academic backgrounds. In particular, before coming to NPSIA, Patrick’s major interest was history as well as politics, social justice, migration, among several others. Patrick is currently writing a Major Research Essay (MRE) at NPSIA which examines the purpose and impact of China’s regional environmental initiatives in Asia.
He is also currently working in the Federal Government as a Junior Policy Analyst in the Policy & Negotiations Division (P&N) in the Multilateral Affairs and Climate Change Directorate (MACC) of the International Affairs Branch (IAB) within Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Within his work, he has contributed to the preparation of Canada’s delegation to COP27, which took place from November 6 to 18 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. In addition, some of his responsibilities include help drafting and editing briefing documents for negotiators and senior management, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Canada’s Chief Negotiator on Climate Change, on issues related to climate change and the UNFCCC. Patrick hopes to work full-time post-graduation.
When asked for advice for anyone considering the MA at NPSIA Patrick states; “NPSIA has a talented faculty and interesting courses to offer, alongside a fantastic co-op program and great cohorts of students. If you’re interested in working in a career related to global affairs, particularly with the Government of Canada, I would highly recommend the M.A.”