About PPGAR

The Public Policy and Global Affairs Review (PPGAR), a Munk School Student Leadership Initiative, is a journal that brings together the best of the former Public Policy and Governance Review (PPGR) and Global Conversations (GC). Rooted in a shared commitment to thoughtful analysis, accessible writing, and diverse perspectives, PPGAR is a platform for Munk School students to explore, debate, and reflect on pressing policy issues in Canada and around the world.

For over 15 years, the Public Policy and Governance Review published student-led commentary, data-driven research, and accessible explainers on topics ranging from housing affordability and climate change to democratic resilience. Global Conversations, launched more recently by MGA students, carved out a space for international affairs discourse, tackling subjects like diplomacy, global security, and multilateral governance. Together, these publications have drawn thousands of readers, contributors, and alumni into a growing community committed to policy dialogue and critical inquiry.

Now united under one banner, PPGAR publishes monthly digital issues and a special year-end edition, offering a richer and more interdisciplinary space for student writing. Beyond publishing, PPGAR is a hub for engagement – hosting events, panels, and mentorship opportunities that connect current students with alumni and contributors from both MPP and MGA programs.

Whether you’re writing, reading, or joining the conversation, PPGAR is your forum for exploring the intersections of public policy and global affairs.

To read previous PPGR articles (2022 – 2025), please visit this Google Drive.

To read previous GC articles (2016 – 2025), please visit this link.

Meet the Team

Sofia Mellicovsky | Editor-in-Chief

Sofia Mellicovsky is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. She currently works at Ontario Energy Board, on the Adjudicative Projects team. Previously, Sofia worked for Statistics Canada on the Canadian Wastewater Survey, and Western Libraries, where she enjoyed connecting patrons with the research materials they needed. Having served as a Editor at the Public Policy and Global Affairs Review over the past year, she is eager to bring her passion for meticulous research and evidence-based policy to the Public Policy and Global Affairs Review, this time as an Editor-in-Chief.

Marlo Scharf | Editor-in-Chief

Marlo Scharf is a second-year Master of Global Affairs student at the Munk School with a background in environmental sustainability, women’s health, and human rights. She has experience in policy analysis and research, having most recently served as an extern with the International Maritime Organization in London, a UN agency dedicated to safety and security in the shipping industry. Previously, Marlo was an editor and collaborator of PPGAR, where she aimed to highlight the most serious sustainability issues across the world today. She hopes to continue to promote diverse, student-led publications as she helps to carry PPGAR into the 2026-2027 school year.

Pirinda Perazhakan | Editor-in-Chief

Pirinda Perazhakan is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at the Munk School with a background in public policy, governance, and social impact. She currently works as an Analyst Intern at Davis Pier Consulting, where she supports public sector clients through policy research, program design, strategy, and cross-sector analysis. Previously, she served as a Regional Advisor with the federal government. As a former PPGAR Editor, Pirinda worked closely with student authors while co-authoring the review’s first documentary review and first interview. As Editor-in-Chief, she is excited to build on PPGAR’s strong foundation by supporting student writers and showcasing fresh perspectives on today’s most pressing policy issues.

Sam Sands | Editor-in-Chief

Sam is a second-year Master of Global Affairs (MGA) student at the Munk School with a focus on global security. Before working for three years in the investment management space in Washington, DC, Sam earned a BA in History and a BS in Business Administration as a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He most recently interned as an analyst on the Geopolitics and National Security Learning Program team at the Canada School of Public Service, where he helped develop learning products for public servants. In this academic year, Sam is excited to work with the Editor-in-Chief team to support the academic interests and professional development of fellow students at the Munk School.