IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs joins the Raisina Dialogue 2025 and drives the second edition of the Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge to tackle global governance challenges
This year’s Challenge brought together students from over 60 top institutions worldwide, contributing to critical global conversations and promoting cross-regional collaboration.
IE University contributed to key conversations at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, India’s flagship platform on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held annually in New Delhi. For the second year in a row, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), convened the Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge, a unique initiative that brings together outstanding students from top Schools of Government and Global Affairs around the world to explore the future of global governance.
Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University, who himself participated in a panel titled "Trends@Raisina: Timeline 2026", a discussion focused on the future of multilateralism, AI, connectivity, and transatlantic relations. "The Raisina Dialogue continues to be a key platform for tackling the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, global power shifts, the digital revolution, the future of multilateralism, and the changing dynamics of the Global South," he said. "It is inspiring to see how our students, through the Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge, are actively contributing to these conversations," he added.
This year’s challenge, titled "Building Bridges: Mitigating the North-South Divide" ran from February 10 to March 20 and brought together 12 teams of students from over 60 institutions across regions from all around the world. Over four weeks of virtual work and one week at the Raisina Dialogue in India, they analyzed global issues and proposed innovative solutions to international challenges.
"The Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge is a testament to the power of young minds coming together to tackle global challenges with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions," explained Angeles Figueroa-Alcorta, Executive Director for Partnerships at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, who has led this project together with Julia López García. "Taking place alongside the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, this initiative provides students with a unique platform to engage with global policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts. Our partnership with the ORF underscores our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering the next generation of global leaders."
Each of the 12 teams, guided by an academic advisor, was expected to design a comprehensive proposal, including concrete policy recommendations, implementation plans, and innovative solutions.
"The initiative gives future leaders from around the world the opportunity to collaborate and build lasting bonds of trust and friendship. Effective international cooperation depends not only on better policies but also on nurturing personal relationships among the leaders of tomorrow," noted Associate Vice Dean at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs Pablo Marco, who provided participants with the knowledge and mentorship needed to navigate complex global challenges and design impactful policy proposals.
This year’s edition featured two case studies focusing on the future of multilateralism and the digital divide. In the Digital Divide category, participants contributed to shaping a global digital governance framework that not only reduces disparities but also promotes inclusive and sustainable digital development for all. The winning team was led by Amit Mukherjee from the Central University of Gujarat. Two teams were recognized as finalists: one led by Amaia Sánchez from IE University and another by Silvina Miceli from Austral University (Argentina).
"Being part of the Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge has been a unique experience. I had students from across four continents in my team with very different backgrounds and worldviews, keen to take on the challenge! Participating in India's leading international policy forum made it all the more fascinating," said IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs professor Amaia Sánchez.
In the Multilateralism category, students had to shape proposals aimed at building a multilateral system that fosters genuine collaboration and delivers impactful results for all. The winning team was led by Robert Owen from the University of Toronto (Canada). The finalist team in this category was led by professor Germán Ríos, from IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs.
"Our team earned second place, with the proposal recognized for its originality and impact. I couldn’t be prouder of this extraordinary group, they truly inspire hope for the future of global cooperation," Germán Ríos highlighted.
"I had the honour of representing IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs at the 2025 Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge", expressed IE University student Gabriel Jofes. "Participating in such a global event placed me at the centre of strategic discussions on current geopolitical shifts. My team and I were proud to finish as runners-up with our initiative, the Global Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework for Policymakers (GAILF-P). This demonstrates the excellence of IE University’s teaching and its powerful network which continue to shape my professional journey."
About IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs
Established in 2008, the School is dedicated to training the next generation of global leaders across governments, international organizations, corporations, and civil society. IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs offers interdisciplinary programs blending policy, economics, and international relations. It emphasizes practical learning, global perspectives, and leadership development. With faculty from top institutions and strong industry ties, IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs fosters innovation and analytical thinking to address global challenges.
About The Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
ORF was established in 1990 amid India's transition to a new international economic order, serving as an independent forum to critically examine the country's challenges and contribute to coherent policy responses. Initially centered on India's economic reforms, ORF has transformed over its 30-year existence, actively participating in and narrating India's global journey. Shifting from a domestic focus to forging global partnerships.