Maxime Gallant is a research intern at UNU-CRIS.
During his research internship at UNU-CRIS, Maxime will primarily work on the ongoing UN-wide restructuring initiative “UN80” under the supervision of Andrew Dunn and Philippe De Lombaerde within the Re-LAB Cluster.
His research will explore the regional dimensions of this reform process, examining how the proposals address issues such as overlapping mandates among UN agencies, the balance between centralisation and regional coordination, and the evolving role of regional commissions in global governance. The findings of his research will contribute to a policy paper on how the UN can enhance institutional efficiency and responsiveness in a rapidly changing geopolitical and fiscal environment.
Maxime is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Management at Ghent University. His academic background focuses on the organisation and reform of multilevel governance systems, international institutions, and administrative coordination within complex political contexts. In addition to political and administrative insights, his academic background also provides economic, financial, and legal insights. Through his coursework and research, he has developed a strong analytical foundation in policy evaluation and institutional design, which he is eager to apply to the study of UN reform dynamics.
Previously, Maxime gained experience in public sector research and policy analysis through academic projects focused on intergovernmental collaboration and administrative efficiency. He also gained international academic experience during his exchange semester in Tallinn, Estonia. There, he immersed himself in International Relations, International Law, and Digital-Era governance in the context of AI.
He is particularly interested in international cooperation and how international organisations deal with contemporary challenges, such as external and internal pressures and divisions, geopolitical tensions and unpredictability, violations of international law, funding constraints, and how regional structures can contribute to more coherent and effective global governance.