Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy

Ethics and Public Policy
The program focuses on normative values ​​and ethical dilemmas in public policy, with the aim of providing participants with a critical perspective on policymaking.
NU Graduate School of Public Policy
About the Programme
This course delves into the normative values and ethical dilemmas that play a crucial role in the development and implementation of public policy. Its primary aim is to equip participants with a critical perspective on how policies are shaped and the moral considerations that underpin them.

Through the lens of ethical theories and frameworks, the course explores how politicians and policymakers employ moral reasoning and ethical arguments to advocate for and justify their policy preferences. Core principles such as justice, fairness, freedom, duty, efficiency, and equity are examined in depth to understand their influence on decision-making.

In addition to theoretical foundations, the course takes a hands-on approach by utilizing real-world case studies, enabling participants to dissect the ethical dimensions of contemporary domestic and international policy issues. These case studies provide a practical application of ethical reasoning in public policy, addressing challenges such as resource allocation, social welfare, human rights, environmental justice, and global governance.

By the end of the course, participants will gain a solid understanding of the complexities surrounding ethical policymaking and how to navigate these challenges in both governmental and non-governmental settings.
  • Date and Duration
    2025, for 2 days
  • Format and Language
    offline, training is conducted in Russian
  • Programme Fee
    fees are currently being finalized;
    sign up to be notified as soon as it's available!
What you can gain?

By the end of the program, you will gain

  • understanding of normative values and how they shape public policy decisions;
  • insight into the use of moral reasoning and ethical arguments by politicians to justify policy preferences;
  • knowledge of key ethical principles such as justice, fairness, freedom, duty, and efficiency and their application to policy;
  • practical experience in evaluating real-world case studies of contemporary domestic and international policy issues;
  • enhanced critical thinking skills to assess the ethical dimensions of public policies.
Who can join?

  • Government officials and policymakers involved in decision-making processes and policy development;
  • Public administration professionals (civil servants) responsible for implementing policies with ethical considerations;
  • NGO leaders and advocates focusing on social justice, human rights, and governance issues;
  • Academics and researchers studying public policy and ethics
  • Dr. Dina Sharipova
    Associate Professor and Vice Dean for Research, NU Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP)
    Dr. Dina Sharipova received her Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 2013. Prior to joining NU GSPP she worked as a Research Director of the College of Social Sciences, (KIMEP University, 2016-2018) and served on the board on the Board of the European Society for Central Asian (2016-2019). Currently, Dr. Sharipova is a member of an Editorial Board for Central Asian Survey. Dr. Sharipova has taught courses on Research Design and Methodology, Advanced Qualitative Methods, Ethics in Public Policy, and other. Her research interests include nation and state-building, formal and informal institutions, identity politics, and social capital and well-being in Central Asia.
If you have any questions, contact

Zhanar Ismailova, Senior Manager, Executive Education
Graduate School of Public Policy Nazarbayev University

Tel.: + 7 (7172) 70 64 62
Email: execed.gspp@nu.edu.kz