News, insights & analysis
The challenges facing our societies are complex, fast-moving and deeply interconnected. We convene our Fellows’ community online and in person, creating spaces for constructive dialogue, exchange and learning. Here, you can find individual and collective perspectives, analysis and stories from JST Fellows and partners – leaders working at the frontlines of social change across Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
From policy analysis to personal reflections and practitioner insights, this is where the JST network thinks out loud – curious, constructive and grounded in experience.
Building stronger ties between Scotland and Ukraine
JST 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…
Ukraine: setting the scene for an inclusive recovery
Ukraine is planning for recovery and reconstruction as it continues to fight for its freedom. JST Fellow Victor Liakh, president of East Europe Foundation (EEF), shares his perspective on the…
Little Sun challenges disability stereotypes in Armenia
Children with disabilities and their families often face stigma, exclusion and poverty in Armenia. JST Fellow Tigranuhi Akopyan is changing attitudes and creating a workplace where disabled young people can…
JST launches Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship Programme
Apply now for our 2024/25 programme and help create a fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive future. We’re inviting exceptional young professionals and change-makers from 10 countries to apply for our…
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…
JST 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. Our bespoke Fellowship programme is for Belarusian leaders and…
Georgian Fellows stand with protestors
JST 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. Following weeks of protests,…
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. Our Women…
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. Elizabeth Smith, chair of…
“The real price is paid in lives and blood”
Kateryna Musiienko, a JST 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 JST Fellows are putting this concept…
Breaking the cycle of youth offending
JST 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. The…