News and Insights
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
Ukraine: efforts to tackle the war’s devastating environmental impact
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, environmental lawyer Olya Melen-Zabramna has been documenting the catastrophic environmental impacts of the war and planning for her country’s future rehabilitation
Armenia: in search of a lasting peace
Human rights lawyer and politician Edmon Marukyan is contributing to negotiations for a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in his new role as ambassador-at-large
Ukraine: what our Fellows are doing and how you can help
One of the most important things that we can all do to support efforts to halt Russia’s unlawful attack on Ukraine, is to keep informed and to share facts about the war with others. This point was made very clear during an online event at Chatham House in May
Sweet opportunities for Moldovan honey
Political reforms in Moldova following last year’s elections are creating fertile ground for social enterprises and small businesses, such as beekeeping, to flourish
In Kyrgyzstan: “Justice is our goal, arbitration is our means”
When a justice system is hampered by corruption, settling civil and commercial disputes through private arbitration offers an alternative to the courts, but change rarely comes easy
How data is essential for sustainable development in Turkmenistan
Our Fellow Sofiya Yuvshanova is helping strengthen Turkmenistan’s national capacity to generate evidence for better monitoring of the UN sustainable development goals
No world leader has successfully fought alone against a united world
Nurturing connections, support and understanding across borders should always be a priority for civilized societies, but in the face of the horror unleashed by Putin, it is also an act of resistance. And will be key to his defeat
Humanitarian mission in Ukraine: “Together we will win”
Mykhaylo Nakhod, co-founder of civic movement Svidomi, based in Western Ukraine, turned his organisation into a volunteer humanitarian mission the moment war broke out
Towards a justice system fit for children
Globally, UNICEF estimates that 261,000 children are being detained in the justice system, evidence in itself that our societies and systems are failing our children – and we need reform
Support the Ukrainian Global University
Artem Shaipov, one of our Fellows in Ukraine, has helped launch the Ukrainian Global University (UGU) to support Ukrainian students and create a pool of educated people able to help rebuild the country after the war
Challenges and opportunities to stand up for gender equality
Women and girls in Central Asia still face deeply entrenched inequalities, according to a group of Fellows from the John Smith Trust network who met in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 5-6 March
Fellows in Ukraine fight hard for freedom and democracy
Bearing witness to war is painful. None know that better than our Ukrainian Fellows right now, though our Fellows from elsewhere in the region are feeling the pain too, including those in Russia
The shelter project: helping internally displaced Ukrainians
Since the war began Victor Liakh, one of our Ukrainian Fellows, has set up a shelter project for Ukrainians who’ve lost or fled their homes. They need funds now
Statement on Ukraine from the John Smith Trust
The John Smith Trust is deeply concerned and saddened by the war in Ukraine, and these feelings are shared by John Smith Fellows across our network. We strongly condemn this violent aggression by Russia and support every effort to halt the unlawful attacks on Ukraine. Our immediate concern is the welfare of the Ukrainian people, […]
How digital technologies are transforming life in Ukraine
COVID-19 highlighted the importance of digital technologies in connecting people with each other and with essential public services. In Ukraine, Victor Liakh was well-placed to respond. As the COVID-19 pandemic restricted physical contact, people around the world turned to digital technologies to sustain many aspects of their daily lives. People went online to work, learn, […]
How can mentoring change gender biases in the Kyrgyz workplace?
Women are underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in many countries around the world. Kyrgyzstan is no exception, but Nazira Sheraly wants to change that. According to UNESCO, gender inequality persists in STEM professions on a global level. Only 30 percent of female students select STEM-related subjects at university and 28 […]
Protecting Georgia’s forests through sustainable rural development
Forests play a vital role in regulating the world’s climate and preventing biodiversity loss. In Georgia, Nana Janashia is working with both the government and local communities to protect them. At the UN Climate Conference (COP26) in November, 141 countries signed a commitment to “halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030”. This […]