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.
Turkmenistan: “Communities are partners, not just audiences”
Nazik Avlyakulova, a JST 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
JST 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, JST Fellows are looking for new opportunities for collaboration.
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.
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.