Policy Conflux
2025
International Public Policy Conference
Policy Conflux is an annual international public policy conference organized by the MA Public Policy (MAPP) program at CHRIST (Deemed to be University). It serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and students to explore innovative ideas and address some of the most pressing policy challenges of our time.
The conference creates a space for interdisciplinary engagement where theory meets practice, bridging academic rigor with real-world governance insights.
Current Edition Theme
Deconstructing the Policy for Socio-Economic Transformation
The policy analysis process is an interdisciplinary approach to critically assess the current policy mix for deconstructing policies. We intend to create a space for discourse where policymakers and scholars can engage in critical discussions drawing from social science theories and employing techniques and substantive discoveries to address real-world issues.
Sub-Themes
Addressing Global Policy Challenges
Explore cross-border issues including climate governance, migration, trade, health systems, and multilateral cooperation.
Innovation and Adaptation in the Public Sector
Digital transformation, public sector entrepreneurship, adaptive regulation, and data-driven decision-making.
Architectures of Action: Governance Institutions & Delivery Systems
Institutional design, federalism, decentralization, and last-mile delivery for effective public service outcomes.
Policy Encounters, Citizenship, and Social Practice
Lived experiences of policy, citizenship, participation, and the everyday politics of welfare and rights.
Date & Venue: 15–16 December 2025, Central Campus, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore
Previous Editions
Highlights from Policy Conflux 2023 and 2024
Policy Conflux 2023
Cities and Citizens
The inaugural edition of Policy Conflux, held on 17–18 April 2023, centered on the theme Cities and Citizens and examined the rapidly changing dynamics of urban governance in India and beyond. The conference brought together scholars, practitioners, and students to discuss issues of municipal administration, women's safety and equity in cities, the state of municipal finances, urban poverty and inequality, sustainable practices for tackling climate change, and the public health challenges highlighted by COVID-19. Citizen participation and the systemic barriers to inclusive governance were also key areas of focus.
Keynote speakers included Dr. Patrick Heller (Brown University), Dr. Debolina Kundu (National Institute of Urban Affairs), Dr. Anupam Nanda (University of Manchester), and Dr. Kala Sridhar (ISEC), each offering unique perspectives on democracy, inclusion, and sustainable city growth. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. D. Rajasekhar, Director of ISEC, who stressed the urgency of urban reforms for India's development trajectory.
Policy Conflux 2024
Gender and Climate Change: Issues, Policy Implications, and the Way Forward
The second edition, held on 6–7 March 2024, focused on the intersection of gender and climate change, emphasizing how climate crises disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities. Discussions explored the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security, migration and gendered vulnerabilities, gaps in access to health, education, and employment, and the role of women in adaptation, innovation, and sustainability.
Keynote speakers included Prof. Madhura Swaminathan (Indian Statistical Institute), Ms. Ulka Kelkar (World Resources Institute India), and Dr. Indu K. Murthy (CSTEP), who offered insights into structural inequalities, actionable frameworks, and community-based resilience. Panel sessions with academics, activists, and practitioners added multidimensional perspectives on linking sustainable development with gender equity.
Contact
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