News and Insights
Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellows begin their journey with the John Smith Trust
The John Smith Trust is pleased to welcome a new cohort of Fellows to the Wider Europe and Central Asia fellowship, bringing together emerging leaders working across the public, non-profit and private sectors with a shared focus on climate action and environmental sustainability.
Uzbekistan: “The most rewarding thing is seeing people flourish”
Motivated by a curiosity for international affairs and desire to see communities thrive, John Smith Fellow Farrukh Irnazarov from Uzbekistan, is working to support sustainable economic development in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan: “Communities are partners, not just audiences”
Nazik Avlyakulova, a John Smith Fellow from Turkmenistan, is partnering with communities to tell stories of change and transformation around issues such as media literacy, disability and parenting.
Kazakhstan: Technovation inspires girls to lead change
In 2016, Diana Tsoy launched Technovation Girls Kazakhstan, a programme that empowers girls to pursue tech careers. Ten years on, she’s been speaking to some of the young women who have taken part in the programme about its life-changing impact.
Geopolitical shifts: crisis or opportunity for democracy?
We are living through the biggest shift in geopolitical power since the Second World War, accelerated by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, China’s economic ascendency, and the US retreat from guaranteeing Europe’s security.
Building Bridges: Why Solidarity Between Young Leaders Matters More Than Ever
John Smith Trust partner Dan Lawes of My Life My Say reflects on the power of relationships in bringing people together across borders to strengthen civil society and rebuild trust.
How Ukrainian women in Scotland are building a future for Ukraine
Since the full-scale war started in Ukraine in 2022, thousands of displaced Ukrainian women have been based in Scotland, where they continue to work for Ukraine’s future and recovery.
Apply for our 2025-26 Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship
Are you a changemaker working to build a fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive future? If so, our new Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship could support your work. Our 2025-26 Wider Europe and Central Asia fellowship programme is for exceptional professionals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. This year, […]
Shifting the power to communities: an “inner” Marshall Plan for Ukraine?
How can communities reduce their dependence on aid while building social and economic resilience and a democratic mindset? Vadim Georgienko’s citizen token system provides an elegant solution. Foreign aid has been essential to Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia’s ongoing aggression since 2022 and remains so. But with aid comes a risk of dependency. What’s needed, […]
Can sharing stories help Armenia heal from trauma?
The descendants of survivors of the Armenian genocide (1915-1923) still live with inherited trauma, while historical wounds have been reopened for Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. On 24 April, Armenians around the world commemorated the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The genocide began in 1915 in what was then the Ottoman Empire, with the murder of […]
Apply for our 2025-26 Future of Belarus Fellowship
Are you a Belarusian living in exile and working towards a free and peaceful future for your country? Our Leaders in Exile: Future of Belarus Fellowship could support your work. Our Future of Belarus fellowship programme is for exceptional Belarusian professionals who work with young people and who are passionate about achieving their vision for […]
The Kyrgyz Republic’s civil society looks for opportunities in adversity
As funding cuts and legal restrictions hinder the work of civil society in the Kyrgyz Republic, John Smith Fellows are looking for new opportunities for collaboration. Civil society in the Kyrgyz Republic is in crisis. The legal and political space in which it can operate is shrinking, while cuts in USAID funding threaten the existence […]
Kazakhstan: the economy needs people with relevant skills
Economist Adil Kusmanov believes human capital development is central to diversifying and transforming the economy. He brings this perspective to the Bolashak Centre, Kazakhstan’s prestigious international scholarship programme. Adil is the new chairman of the Centre for International Programs “Bolashak,” which he describes as “one of the biggest social lifts in Kazakhstan.” The programme, which […]
Turkmenistan: engaging young people in climate action
Gulshat Ayydova, an educator and activist from Turkmenistan, is working to empower young people in her country to speak up about climate change and other environmental issues. “We are doing our best to engage more young people around climate change issues and policies and ensure their voices are heard,” says Gulshat, a John Smith Fellow […]
Georgia: empowering youth to be active citizens
Youth leader Giga Phartenadze is working to engage young people in politics in Georgia and help them understand their rights against a backdrop of increasing state-led repression. Thousands of people in Georgia continue to protest violations of the electoral process during the October 2024 election and the government’s suspension of the EU accession process. The […]
Moldova: advocating for displaced people’s rights
People who flee Transnistria – a separatist region in Moldova – have no right to protection under Moldovan law. Human rights lawyer Vadim Vieru is advocating for legislation to change this. Transnistria is part of Moldova but has been under Russian control since 1992. The de facto government, supported by Russia, does not tolerate any […]
Azerbaijan: positive role models for women in finance
Gular Pashayeva is the first woman board member at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. She is on a mission to improve corporate governance and women’s representation in the financial sector in her country. “I always wanted to be at the table,” says Gular, a deputy governor at the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan […]
The identity of a nation is woven from fragile things
Three years after the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, the creative community of Ukraine continues to operate within the logic of developmental values rather than mere survival.
Three years on: What peace should be
Three years on from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, John Smith Fellow Ostap Kryvdyk reflects on what peace should be.