Post by Rebeca Gouget

✨ Last Friday, October 10, I officially completed the Emerging Policymakers Programme (EPP) — an intense and transformative journey that began in March and concluded in mid-July, crowned by the virtual graduation ceremony. It was months of deep learning: one month of in-person classes in China, two months of online sessions, and another two months dedicated to writing the final report. We had the privilege of learning from professors from Tsinghua University, the London School of Economics (LSE), and Stanford University, and of sharing experiences with colleagues from more than 20 countries, all remarkable professionals in their fields. It was a truly unique experience — academically, culturally, and personally — and an incredible opportunity to live in China for a month and gain firsthand insights into its development dynamics. I am deeply grateful to my boss, Ivan Oliveira, for his encouragement and trust; to my colleagues Raquel Porto Ribeiro Mendes and Livia Braga for their support and teamwork throughout this journey; and above all, to my beloved husband, Luiz Sérgio Carvalho, who made this experience possible by ensuring everything at home was under control during my absence and supporting me every step of the way. May the knowledge, friendships, and reflections from the EPP open new paths and opportunities ahead. 🌏 Congratulations to all of us — the EPP 2025 policymakers — the first of many cohorts to come! 🎓