News and Insights
Justice for torture survivors in Belarus
What does justice look like for torture survivors when the perpetrators remain in power? Viktoryia Fiodarava is working on a plan to amplify the opinions of survivors of torture in Belarus. Thousands of people have suffered torture and other human rights violations during brutal repressions in Belarus ordered by President Lukashenka in the years since […]
Welcome to Lord Boateng
The Rt Hon. the Lord Boateng has recently joined the John Smith Trust as a special advisor. As Labour MP for Brent South from 1987 to 2005, Lord Boateng served under John Smith as shadow economic secretary. Like John, his career took him from law into politics. He went on to serve as Britain’s High […]
Building stronger ties between Scotland and Ukraine
The John Smith Trust has become a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Ukraine. Our role on the CPG is to strengthen collaborative connections between Scotland and Ukraine. Programme Manager Anna Makhlay, who is also a John Smith Fellow from Ukraine, is our representative on the group. Anna said: “Both Ukraine and […]
Ukraine: setting the scene for an inclusive recovery
Ukraine is planning for recovery and reconstruction as it continues to fight for its freedom. John Smith Fellow Victor Liakh, president of East Europe Foundation (EEF), shares his perspective on the role civil society can play in rebuilding his country. Why is it important to plan for recovery and reconstruction now, while the war is […]
Little Sun challenges disability stereotypes in Armenia
Disabled children and their families often face stigma, exclusion and poverty in Armenia. John Smith Fellow Tigranuhi Akopyan is changing attitudes and creating a workplace where disabled young people can shine. Tigranuhi is director of the Emili Aregak Center, a daycare centre for children with disabilities in the town of Gyumri and Aregak Bakery and […]
John Smith Trust launches Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship Programme
We’re inviting exceptional young professionals and change-makers from 10 countries to apply for our Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship Programme. We welcome applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
New law marks watershed for women in Kazakhstan
On 15 April, Kazakhstan passed a new law that criminalises domestic violence and strengthens measures to protect women and children. Civil servant Naila Mukhtarova explains why this is an important moment for Kazakh society.John Smith Trust launches new 2024 Fellowship programme for Belarusians in exile
Apply now for our ‘Leaders in Exile: Future of Belarus’ Fellowship’ to support your work towards a free and peaceful society.
Georgian Fellows stand with protestors
John Smith Fellows Salome Ugalava and Tamar Oniani are at the forefront of efforts to oppose the “foreign agent” law, which has ignited mass protests across Georgia.
John Smith legacy: championing women in public life
On International Women’s Day (8 March), we held a special event with the John Smith Centre to celebrate women’s achievements and mark 30 years of John Smith’s legacy.
Launch of new leadership programme for Ukrainian women in UK
On International Women’s Day we are excited to announce our new leadership programme for Ukrainian women displaced by the current conflict and living in the UK.
“The real price is paid in lives and blood”
Kateryna Musiienko, a John Smith Fellow and city council member from Kremenchuk, Ukraine, talks about the impact of the war and calls on Ukraine’s partners to stand firm in their support.
The power of networks
Distributed networks provide a powerful means of bringing people together around a common purpose. Ray Svitla, from our Belarus Diaspora Fellowship Programme, explains how John Smith Fellows are putting this concept into action.
Breaking the cycle of youth offending
John Smith Fellow Zurab Sanikidze led the process to establish a joined-up child referral system in Georgia that reduces reoffending and helps children find a path to a better future.
Emerging leaders from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) get ready for UK residential programme
We’re delighted to welcome 11 emerging leaders from the EECCA region to the John Smith Fellows’ community. These inspiring young professionals are taking part in our first Fellowship Programme since 2019 and are now preparing to come to the UK.
“Digitalisation can unlock Tajikistan’s untapped potential”
Jovid Ikromi, a John Smith Fellow (2017) from Tajikistan is advocating for policies that will speed up digitalisation in his country and create a better quality of life for all.
“We must not conflate Belarus with Russia”
John Smith Fellow Anton Radniankou (Belarus, 2018) explains why and how UK and European policy makers should engage with Belarus’s pro-democracy movement.
Views from Central Asia on UK foreign policy
As the UK Parliament reviews its engagement and diplomacy in Central Asia, John Smith Fellows from the region provide their unique insights and perspectives.
New programme launches for Belarusians in exile
John Smith Trust’s Belarus Diaspora Fellowship Programme, which launches today, will support six Belarusian professionals living in exile.