About

Mission & Vision

It is our mission to inspire, train, and prepare future generations of leaders in foreign policy, national security, intelligence, diplomacy, and defense.

What We Do

Policy – Foreign Government, US Government, Private Sector and NGOs

Every semester, the Policy branches establish around 10 research teams (each comprised of 8-10 Harvard students) to develop policy reports under the mentorship of professionals from a commissioning organization. The Foreign Government Policy branch has developed reports for foreign governments and international bodies ranging from NATO to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and a New Zealand Member of Parliament. The US Government Policy branch has developed reports for US government agencies ranging from the White House Office of Space and Technology Policy to the Department of Defense’s US Cyber Command and the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research. The Private Sector Policy branch has developed reports for companies and nonprofits ranging from American Express to Citigroup’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Team.

At the conclusion of the semester, each research team presents their findings to the commissioning organization, often traveling to present in person. Past teams have traveled to Luxembourg, Costa Rica, and Germany as well as Washington D.C. and New York City. We are deeply appreciative of the support that our partners provide in doing their part to offer real-world training to the next generation. We do not take any formal policy positions as an organization to ensure the impartial research and learning of our members.

Foreign Summits

The Rotating Foreign Summit is a collaboration between the Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative and future policy leaders at a foreign university. This collaboration takes place in the form of a multi-day conference centered around urgent policy issues concerning our two countries. For instance, we have partnered with SciencePo, a Parisian University. The conference involves the exchange of policy ideas, dialogues, and debates on the most pressing foreign policy issues in the world, and the reception of political figures and ambassadors to speak.

High School Conferences

The High School Conferences branch of HUFPI develops a large-scale, global conferences program that brings in a multitude of speakers from various disciplines in government and international relations. These efforts culminate in the Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program, an undergraduate-run conference for high school students looking to pursue a career in foreign policy. Featuring a range of professionals and academics, this equal-opportunity conference aims to reach students all across the world, of different nationalities, socioeconomic classes, and lived experiences. This program seeks to expose high schoolers to examining current foreign policy questions with prominent leaders in the field. Students will have the opportunity to learn real-world policy writing skills, cross-cultural leadership, and how to address global challenges from all sectors of international relations.

Internal Affairs

We also have a number of internal departments which help ensure HUFPI is as sucessful as possible. The Professional Development branch is tasked with developing skills and professionalism for the HUFPI membership. We are focused on driving trainings, skill building opportunities, and tools for success in the government field.

The Relations department is responsible for managing external and internal relationships at HUFPI. We help other departments through support with marketing materials and communications, maintain and promote the HUFPI’s brand through our social media channels as well as strengthen and foster community through our social events and outreach initiatives.

The Finances branch handles all accounting, auditing, and credit services within HUFPI, enabling international travel and facilitating compliance workflows. Corporate Sponsorships paired with financial services enables conference planning and research branches to fulfill their goals to expand accessibility and professional development for careers in foreign policy.

Past Events