Testimonials

CAS PGA cohorts 2017-2025


Ruth

“As a veterinarian working at the intersection of public health, food safety, and animal health, the CAS PGA at ETH Zurich gave me the opportunity to think about governance and administration in a much more structured way. The program helped me connect technical animal health priorities with broader governance frameworks and showed how systems of administration shape what is possible in practice. Learning alongside professionals from diverse sectors and countries further enriched my perspective while staying directly relevant to my work. I am grateful for the scholarship support and for the chance to apply these insights in advancing better governance for animal and public health.”

Ruth Omani

Antimicrobial Resistance Specialist

Kenya


Samuel

“Saying that the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Governance and Administration at ETH Zurich was one of the most mentally stimulating opportunities I have had in recent years would be an understatement. Being the first Venezuelan to participate in this program, I feel deeply honored and grateful to both the university and the donors forgranting me this opportunity.

Many may not know this, but due to the political situation in my country, I was originally meant to attend in the 8th quarter of 2024. Unfortunately, I was unable to do so. What truly sets ETH and the CAS program apart is the people behind it—their genuine care for you as a person. They kept in touch with me even when I could not attend, and later allowed me to reapply. Being awarded a scholarship after this process reflected a human dimension that is not always present in academic institutions, and for that I am sincerely grateful.

The experience itself enriched my knowledge across multiple areas while also opening doors to new fields I had not previously explored. What I valued most was how engaging, practical, and dynamic the classes were. The diversity of our cohort created a unique space where participants could share experiences and knowledge from different contexts, further deepening the learning.

Additionally, the program’s effort to include extracurricular activities—such as a city tour of Zurich and a visit to Bern—made the experience truly unique. It went beyond the classroom, offering cultural and personal growth as well.

For all of this, I remain profoundly grateful to be part of this program.”

Samuel Alberto Díaz Pulgar

Political Consultant 

Venezuela


Deepak

“The CAS PGA at ETH Zurich was one of the most enriching professional experiences I’ve had. Over the two weeks, I had the privilege of deepening my knowledge across a wide range of topics and engaging in thoughtful exchange with 24 participants from 16 countries—each contributingrich perspective from diverse disciplines.

The program was carefully designed, striking a balance between depth and breadth, theory and practice, and structured learning and interactive discussions. It offered rigorous insights into governance, administration, and policymaking, all within an intellectually stimulating environment.

Beyond the classroom, the experience in Zurich was profoundly inspiring and memorable. I not only expanded my understanding of public administration and governance but also built a valuable network of exceptional colleagues from around the world. My sincere thanks to the Swiss School of Public Governance, the brilliant speakers, and my fellow participants for making the time in Zurich so memorable.”

Deepak Paudel

Health Systems Advisor

Ministry of Health

Nepal


Anjas

"Twenty-four, twenty-three, and two. These numbers tell only part of the
story—24 fellows, 23 courses completed, and 2 weeks of intensive study. Yet the true value of the CAS-PGA at ETH Zurich extends far beyond these measurable metrics.  It was a privilege to share this transformative journey with an extraordinary group of passionate, accomplished, and inspiring peers from across the globe, each bringing a rich blend of academic and professional experience. Our cohort was vibrant with energy and collaboration—a space where every voice was welcomed, and ideas were exchanged and constructively challenged with respect and rigor. The instructors sparked curiosity, fostered critical dialogue, and pushed us to engage deeply with pressing issues in governance, public policy and administration, and sustainable development. The insights we gained are not just theoretical—they are practical tools we nowcarry into our professional work to drive meaningful change.

I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity and for the generous scholarship from ETH Zurich, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in Swiss culture, connect with its people, and explore the country’s stunning natural landscapes. This experience has become a defining milestone in my personal and professional journey—a lasting reminder of the power of continuous learning, global collaboration, and bold initiative to make a difference."

Anjas Prasetiyo

Anti-corruption Analyst, Directorate of Monitoring

Corruption Eradication Commission

Republic of Indonesia 


Begi

"I would like to express my deep gratitude to ETH Zurich for the experience of participating in the CAS PGA program, which was incredibly inspiring and intellectually enriching.  The course structure, which covers the general
fundamentals of public administration and related policies, allowed me to
deepen  theoretical knowledge and use practical tools. I appreciated the
opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and amazing group of specialists and to learn from high-class experts whose ideas broadened my views on global governance issues. I am very glad to be a part of this program and wish SSPG continued prosperity and great achievements!"

Begimai Keneshbekova

Leading Specialist

Ministry of Science, Higher Education & Innovations 

Kyrgyz Republic


Noveitet

“The ETH Zurich CAS in Public Governance and Administration 2025/2026 is an outstanding opportunity to engage critically with advanced themes of world contemporary governance, including laws and policy making, evidence-informed policy, negotiation, public finance, sustainability, and data-drivendecision-making.

Following the completion of my PhD in Law at the University of Zurich in 2024, this program has provided a valuable framework to further merger legal scholarship and to integrate it with the interdisciplinary domains of governance, leadership, and public administration. My professional and academic objective is to contribute to the development of institutional structures that are effective, transparent, and equitable at both the national and international levels. The ETH CAS PGA has equipped me with essential analytical tools and comparative perspectives to pursue and advocate this objective with accuracy and impact.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship awarded by the Swiss School of Public Governance. The CAS PGA represents not only a significant professional advancement but also one of the most distinguished executive education experiences of my career.”

 Novitet Nezaj

Director of EU Law Department

Office of the Prime Minister

Republic of Kosovo


Francis

“The CAS PGA programme is an excellent professional development opportunity for those working in the areas of governance, development, and policy-adjacent sectors. The programme’s flexibility and compressed schedule allow mid-career and senior professionals to undertake rigorous theoretical and practical trainings in critical governance and policydomains without the need to resign from work or take a long leave of absence.

What I admire most about the programme is the diversity of its international participants, representing numerous countries and continents from various academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. Beyond the skills and training you gain from the programme, it is the professional – and cordial – network you build with your classmates that makes your CAS PGA experience truly memorable.

I am immensely grateful for the generous scholarship provided by the Swiss School of Public Governance. The CAS PGA is truly one of the most remarkable professional trainings I’ve had.”

Francis Perdon

Technical & Policy Reform Lead/ Country Lead

Republic of the Philippines


Elvis

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the CAS-PGA program. It was one of the most intense, yet also fun and stimulating learning adventures I have ever experienced. Our diverse cohort brought so much brilliance and joy, making every session even moreenriching.

The interdisciplinary nature of the class shed light on many governance challenges, while top-notch professors and professionals challenged us to think critically, discuss openly, and analyze policy issues across diverse domains.

Beyond the classroom, the warm reception from the program team and my colleagues made the experience unforgettable. The city tours in Zurich and Bern— and simply living in Switzerland for two weeks — were major highlights of my time in the program."

Elvis M. D. Browne

Director of Learning Solutions TRIBE

Republic of Liberia


Anna S. Gautam

“CAS PGA was a such a great course for someone who works around issues of public governance. It gave me an opportunity to update myself around new thinking and emerging issues in global governance. CAS PGA is expertly designed, where participants are engaged in meaning discussions, we got to hear from global public leaders, leading in their field be it digital innovation or regional governance. I also met fantastic, brilliant people at course from all over the world! While we came from different parts of the world our issues and challenges weren’t that different at all; gave me sense of a solidarity.”

 

Anna S. Gautam

Strategic Learning Analyst for British Embassy Kathmandu’s (BEK) Portfolio Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) project implemented by Abt Associates, UK

Nepal


Bruno Fugah

“The journey of studying in ETH has been a very beautiful one of discovery and meeting incredible great minds. The programme enables me to heighten my curiosity and learn on very profound and professional topics on Governance and Administration. It has given me the desire to dig further on issues relating to public governance and administration in this contemporary era.

The beauty of the programme lies in its ability to touch on different sectors and look at the Governance and Administration component therein. The programme was carefully designed to meet the needs of diverse students with different backgrounds. Each one having the opportunity to share and to learn. The lecturers were so awesome and very knowledgeable of their field. The depth of the discussion and interaction was so profound and educative. It is a rigorous programme, intense but very rewarding. The class size gave us the opportunity to blend well and form a team, thereby enhancing our networking possibilities. It offered me the opportunity to share my experiences and especially to learn from other colleagues from different countries and continents. I am so grateful for the opportunity given me to learn in such an excellent institution of high reputation.”

 

Bruno K. Fugah

Deputy Director Programme, International Rescue Committee (Central African Republic)

Ghana


Zhyldyz Anarkulova

“My time spent in the CAS PGA program was wonderful and enriching. The course covered a number of important topics that are relevant to today’s world, such as good governance, digitalization, migration, and gender issues. The lectures were interactive, incorporating theory, discussion, and practice. I also found great value in the group assignments, which served both to reinforce previously learned topics and to share experiences with colleagues from other countries.”

 

Zhyldyz Anarkulova

Leading specialist of the department for work with standing committees, Bishkek City Council

Kyrgyzstan


Saidbek Djurabekov

“The CAS in Public Governance and Administration program has been a truly enriching experience for me. The well-structured modules, ranging from governance systems and policy analysis to financial management and leadership, provided not only theoretical insights but also practical tools that I can directly apply in my work. Each block was built upon the previous one, giving me a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of public governance complexities. One of the highlights was the field trip to Bern, where seeing Swiss governance in action made the lessons come to life in a real-world context. I am especially grateful for the scholarship that made it possible for me to participate in this incredible program. The support and dedication of the program team, along with the strong bonds formed with fellow participants, have left me inspired and ready to apply these new skills and perspectives in my future endeavors.”

 

Saidbek Djurabekov

Social Policy Officer (Public Finance Management), UNICEF Office in Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

Uzbekistan


Peace Oduk

“It was a great honor to participate in the CAS PGA program. The lectures were well-structured, insightful, and engaging. I appreciated the mix of academic experts and especially the industry professionals who brought real-life experiences to the table in addressing real-world challenges. The presentations on Switzerland’s systems were eye-opening, allowing me to draw comparisons with my home country and identify potential improvements. The balance between formal learning and site visits made the experience even more enjoyable. I left enriched with valuable knowledge and lifelong connections with new friends from all around the world. I am truly grateful for this experience.”

 

Peace Mercelyne Akoth Oduk

Project Manager, Public Private Partnerships Directorate (The National Treasury and
Economic Planning)

Kenya


Naa Dedei Tagoe

“Participating in the CAS PGA programme offered by the Swiss School of Public Governance at ETH Zurich was an incredible opportunity for me. The programme has opened up new perspectives for me and enriched my understanding of global governance issues across diverse sectors. Its interdisciplinary approach, knowledgeable lecturers, and interactive class sessions created an environment that allowed for meaningful discussions and extensive learning experiences. Meeting nineteen energetic and like-minded participants from fifteen countries was a great privilege and an opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives.”

 

Naa Dedei Tagoe

Environmental Sustainability Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Ghana


Jean Claude

"I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in the CAS PGA for the following reasons:
It is being studied at one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world. It is a participatory program, during which, experiences are exchanged between participants who are experienced and knowledgeable and from various countries on the continents of the world, forming one family. The lecturers are well-known for their knowledge and experience, and the materials are varied, allowing the participant to expand and deepen his knowledge. The program is excellently organized and developed by specialized people to benefit from every minute in an easy and stress-free way. In short, the program is wonderful and useful, whether on the scientific, experiential, or humanitarian level, and it is held in one of the quietest and most beautiful countries in the world. For all of the above, I advise participating in this program because it will certainly leave a wonderful imprint on the participant’s practical, scientific, and humanitarian life
."

 

Jean Claude El Khazen


Labor inspector engineer-Lebanese ministry of labor


Lebanon


Julio Kunda

"I completed the CAS PGA program at ETH, and I cannot express how immensely valuable the experience has been for me. The program was nothing short of transformative. One of the highlights of the program was the interactive nature of the sessions. The small class size allowed for meaningful discussions and personalized attention from the instructors. The instructors were experts in their field, and their passion for the subject matter was contagious. What sets this program apart is its focus on practical skills and immediate applicability. I found myself equipped with valuable tools and knowledge that I could directly implement in my professional life. Overall, I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to gain high level skills and a competitive advantage."

Julio Kunda

Acting head of Division, Ministry of Foreign Trade

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

 


Cho Wai

"I am so happy that I got a chance to participate in the CAS PGA program which opens my eyes and sees the world in a better perspective. Classmates from different parts of the world are so interesting and I have learned a lot from them during the group work. Although this is a short course, the lectures and the assignments provided to us are very well structured and interesting. Incredible moment of my life."

Cho Wai Aung

Assistant Director, Ministry of Health

Myanmar


Turkan Vusat

"The CAS-PGA program was the best chance for me to become more familiar with the governance concepts overall. Analyzing good governance in terms of principles gave me perspective to understand how to implement policies accordingly to get maximum value out of actions and evaluate the outcome accordingly. As a leading person of PPP (Public-Private Partnership) projects in Azerbaijan, I learnt a totally new approach in decision-making methods. Lecturers of this Program were carefully selected to cover all aspects of Public governance, which the practice based knowledge was very insightful. In addition, formats of lectures enriched with interactive group works that helped us to learn from other participants who brought their knowledge and experience from different fields and cultures. I am extremely happy and proud to be part of this program and having the opportunity to study in the university where Albert Einstein studied and gave lectures. Organizing team was always supportive and kind which made this program amazing and unforgettable. Huge thanks to the brilliant people I met in this Program for nice memories and knowledge sharing."

Turkan Vusat Gizi 

Head of Public Private Partbership Division, Ministry of Economy, Baku

Azerbaijan


Erick

"My attendance to CAS PGA program has not only been timely in my career but also insightful in its design. The lecture sessions on governance presented an enlightening opportunity on interconnectedness of Public Governance and Administration issues, notwithstanding the expertise of lecturers. The interactions I had, the connections made and knowledge gained are invaluable. I greatly appreciate the SSPG team for the support given during the program."

Erick Kipkorir

Senior Administrative Officer, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Nairobi

Kenya
 


Dorothy Wacker

"Two, nearly three weeks of being my probably steepest learning curve sofar. Utmost interesting exchanges within the group, top lecturers and perfect organisation. I gained valuable insights at the intersection of disciplines as well as a braoder and more global perspective of today's issues of public governance."

Dorothy Holt Wacker

Deputy Head of Real Estate Management and Head of Program- and Projectdevelopment, Federal Swiss office for buildings and logistics

Switzerland


Chifundo

"The CAS PGA programme offered me an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary studies. It brings together different fields to provide a comprehensive perspective that is essential for understanding of good governance. It was an extraordinary learning adventure where experiences were shared among students from all the continents which were not only academically enriching but also rewarding on a personal level. The coordinating team from the Swiss Schoolof Public Governance were amazing, providing necessary support 24/7."

Chifundo Sohaya


Conflict, Peace and Security Analyst, Malawi Government

Malawi


Citra

"The CAS-PGA program has surpassed my expectations in every conceivable way. It offered me a nuanced perspective on global issues, shedding light on the dynamics of both developing and developed nations. This broad viewpoint has been instrumental in deepening my understanding and appreciation for the intricate landscape of global governance and administration. Thanks to the generous scholarship from SSPG at ETH, I was able to delve into areas both within and beyond my field of expertise, gaining invaluable insights and skills along the way."

Citra Handayani Nasruddin


Public Policy Lead, DANA Indonesia / Expert Staff to the Deputy Coordinating Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs Republic of Indonesia


Indonesia


Marco A. Carrasco-Villanueva

"The CAS PGA program was a wonderful experience that allowed me to expand my knowledge of governance and administration at one of the world's most prestigious institutions. I also made valuable connections with other highly competitive professionals in the field from different countries. The immersive and engaging in-person classes at ETH Zurich and the field visits in Switzerland were unique experiences that I will never forget. For all these reasons, I highly recommend the CAS PGA to anyone interested."

 Marco A. Carrasco-Villanueva

Consultant, International Labour Organization

Peru


Daniyal Mansoor
 

"This extensive yet exciting block course gave me the opportunity to study the best practices in Public Management, Governance, Public Finance, Policy Analysis, Leadership and Strategy and myriad other important subject in a friendly and multicultural learning environment. The warm hospitality of SSPG, ETH Zurich went a long way in fostering positive connections and imparting quality education to mid-career professionals."

Daniyal Mansoor

Technical Advisor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ

Pakistan



Behnaz Shaabani
 

"The interdisciplinary lectures by academic and professional experts, alongside inspirational exchanges of ideas and practical exercises made the CAS PGA an ideal programme to learn more about Good Governance. As an aspiring public sector leader, the knowledge and experience imparted through this programme will aid me in contributing to the development and progress of my country."

Behnaz Shaabani

Urban Planner at Iran Railways

Iran


Sonam Tobgay
 

"The CAS PGA programme at ETH Zurich is one of the most intense, inter-active and memorable experiences I have had till date. The lectures and discussions delivered on various aspects of governance and public administration gave me a lot of exposure to reflect and broaden my perspectives on various issues, which will definitely shape my future career in the public service."

Sonam Tobgay

Chief Forestry Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan


Shafaq Mokwar
 

"The ETH CAS in Public Governance and Administration has been a milestone in my career. The knowledge I acquired in this enriched program on public administration and good governance at national, regional, and international levels significantly contributed to a smooth transition from the government sector to the United Nations System."

Shafaq Mokwar

Technical Officer, World Health Organization

Sudan


Zuliera Aziz
 

"The CAS PGA at ETH was definitely one of the most remarkable experiences for me. I particularly enjoyed the rich interactions, diversity in experience and stimulating discussions with all the participants, lecturers and top-class speakers."

Zuliera Zariz Azman Aziz

Chargé d'Affaires, a. i., Embassy of Malaysia in Berne

Malaysia


Manhombo Tanyaradzwa
 

"My experience in the two-week CAS PGA at ETH was an empowering experience canvassing negotiation theory, good governance, environment, sustainable development, trade among other disciplines which greatly enhanced my capacity to professionally discharge my duties as a diplomat and negotiator representing Zimbabwe in various multilateral and bilateral negotiations."

Tanyaradzwa Manhombo

Counsellor-Legal at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the United Nations in Geneva and Other International Organisations.

Zimbabwe


Bhuwan Paudel
 

"The CAS PGA of ETH Zurich was intellectually stimulating as it blended academic lectures with networking, allowing for rich discussions on relevant governance issues with experts and fellow participants from around the globe. The programme exceeded my expectations and has positively impacted both, my work and personal life. I am very much grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this outstanding programme."

Bhuwan Paudel

Desk Officer at the North-East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nepal


Aeschlimann Belinda
 

"During these intensive and exciting two weeks I have gained immense knowledge about the interplay between politics and public administration. In the thesis on a topic of my choice I could directly apply the study content in my own work context, which helped to anchor the knowledge in longer term. Overall, the course has decisively promoted my professional development."

Dr. Belinda Aeschlimann

Senior Researcher, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training

Switzerland


Arya Gutam

«The CAS PGA at ETH has helped me tremendously in my work with local and provincial governments in Nepal. It enabled me to build upon and strengthen my capacities to plan and implement development activities in an inclusive and sustainable manner. The learning experience was greatly enhanced by the different nationalities and cultures of the course participants.»

Arya Gautam

Specialist for "Planning, Monitoring & Social Safeguard", Small Irrigation Programme-II, Gemeinschaftsprojekt der GE-OCE-TMS-Aviyaan and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

Nepal


sharifi

“Those 2 weeks that I spent at ETH studying were by far my best 2 weeks. This session opened my eyes and brought to my attention a much bigger picture on how efficiently and effective the public governance problems and challenges can be addressed and solved. I am going to use every piece of information I got at ETH in my work at the Ministry of Economic development and trade." 

Dilshod Sharifi

Head of the International Economic Department, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

Republic of Tajikistan


Sitati

“My work revolves around leading private sector engagement and innovation work via a public sector agency to address development challenges in Kenya. I found all the course lectures and readings to be important in developing my awareness, skills and competence to become a better global development professional.”

Moses Sitati

Project Management Specialist, Private Sector Development & Innovation

USAID, Kenya


Hue Le
 

“Jobs in state agencies always have high demands on management thinking and the diversity of knowledge. So, for me, this course really has a great value in helping me broaden my knowledge, and at the same time, looking at management-related contents from a scientific standpoint to understand the nature and how to solve the problems."

Hue Le, Official

General issue and International cooperation Division, Ministry of Planning and Investment

Vietnam


Biaggion
 

“A great experience with a motivated group of professionals from all over the world. I could really develop my experience in public governance and administration. Absolute highlights were the negotiations blocks and the trip to the Alps"

Guido Biaggio

Head of Infrastructure Division East & Vice Director, Federal Roads Office

Switzerland


Bunic

“The CAS was a unique multicultural opportunity to exchange best experiences, practices, ideas, appreciated shared moments and to benefit from it overwhelmingly. […] It was very international, interactive, intensive, inspiring, intercultural, stimulating, motivating in all respects.

Indira Bunic

Head of Division, Federal Office of Police

Switzerland


Emmenegger
 

“This was probably the best learning experience I ever had. Top lectureres and great colleagues. We came as strangers, we left as friends."

 

 

Marcel Emmenegger

Governmental Social Worker

Switzerland

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