Dr Hasnain Bokhari hosts a panel on AI at the 7th International Public Policy Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The 7th International Public Policy Conference (ICPP7) recently took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from July 2 to 4, 2025, in collaboration with the Chiang Mai University School of Public Policy. This edition marked a return to Asia following the previous conference in Singapore, with a pre-conference event held on July 1, 2025. Dr Hasnain Bokhari, Head of Digital Policy and AI at the Brandt School, hosted a panel focused on "AI and Public Policy." The panel aimed to critically assess the policy frameworks that govern the integration of AI into public sectors, examining its influence on governance structures, public trust, transparency, and accountability. The objective was to foster a comprehensive dialogue on AI's role in public policy and to identify pathways for balanced and inclusive AI governance. The panel garnered significant interest from policy researchers worldwide, with 15 papers shortlisted for presentation over the three days of the conference. These papers addressed critical issues in AI policy, including power dynamics, AI adoption, civil society engagement, and economic and regulatory frameworks. ICPP7 attracted 1,050 registered participants from 70 countries. Organized by the International Public Policy Association every two years, ICPP serves as a flagship event for policy researchers, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues in public policy and governance. Participants had the opportunity to engage in sessions that explored innovative approaches to policy-making, share research findings, and network with peers in the field.