News and Insights
The unfolding conversations on colonial legacies and how to counter them
Speaking up about repression during the Soviet Union’s colonial rule is empowering communities to come to terms with historical trauma.
“We encourage citizens to speak up”
To tackle corruption effectively, Moldova needs both transparent governance and engaged citizens who know their rights and can hold the authorities to account
Moldova: on the frontline of Russia’s misinformation war
Moldova is facing a barrage of Russian propaganda, misinformation and fake news. Alexei Tulbure, a media commentator and director of Moldova’s Oral History Institute, is working to counter this threat
The value of leadership networks in times of crises
Fellows from across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia are rethinking governance and leadership in the context of ongoing global crises
Ukrainian deputy defence minister: dignity comes from knowledge
Andriy Shevchenko, a John Smith Fellow, has been appointed deputy defence minister of Ukraine, a role through which he will contribute to the defence of his nation against the Russian invasion.
Central Asian Fellows in Tashkent: strengthening regional cooperation
The geopolitical impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine have opened up new opportunities for regional development in Central Asia, creating a renewed drive for cooperation between countries in the region
Can technology unlock future jobs in Tajikistan?
Jahongir Aminjanov, a John Smith Trust Fellow (2019), wants to encourage technology to address a lot of social and economic issues in the country, like youth unemployment. He sees the future – especially after Covid – where technology really can have an impact in the development of Tajik society. Whether it’s education, healthcare, finance or anything else.
Public-private partnerships create social impact in Kyrgyzstan
Albina Rakhmidinova, a lawyer and John Smith Trust Fellow (2019), was among the first people to see the potential for public-private partnerships (PPPs) – collaborations between government agencies and private-sector companies in Kyrgyzstan.
Statement on Ukraine from the John Smith Trust
We express our ongoing support for the people of Ukraine who are defending their freedom and we continue to support all efforts to end Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
Moldova: opportunities in the midst of crisis?
As the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine arrives, neighbouring Moldova is at a pivotal moment and faces a struggle to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Central Asia: reimagining business for social good
John Smith Fellows Kumush Atayeva and Malika Sharipova joined environmental campaigner and entrepreneur Emma Shaw on 9 February to explore ways to implement and improve CSR.
Who’s responsible for challenging gender norms?
Those working to promote gender equality must engage both men and women in the conversation, according to Fellows attending a workshop hosted by the John Smith Trust
Insights and pioneering in corporate social responsibility
Ten years ago, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was a term largely unheard-of in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, but that is changing thanks to two John Smith Trust Fellows
Climate campaigning with Johnny Chatterton: “When small fish turn the tables”
Campaigning expert Johnny Chatterton and John Smith Fellows give key insights on how to hold the powerful to account with limited resources
Women fight for occupational gender equality in Kazakhstan
How do you change a law that’s almost a century old and based on gender inequality?
Fellows seek justice for civilian victims of Russia’s war
While still faced with the ongoing horrors of the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr Vodyannikov has turned his attention to compensation for civilian victims, and bringing in international support
Perspectives on the war in Ukraine with Fiona Hill
Since the start of the war, the John Smith Trust has been bringing together its network of change-makers and leaders in the former Soviet Union, to discuss how best to support Ukraine
How to encourage a global generation of change makers and problem solvers
As a student Saida Ibrahimava found there weren’t enough places for young people to exchange ideas, learn from and collaborate with each other. Her mission is to change this for the next generation of young leaders
As the challenge of climate change intensifies our Fellows seek solutions
Climate change is a defining problem of our age and it will take an unprecedented collective effort to change the trajectory we are currently on, an effort which preoccupies many of our Fellows