Articles and News
Articles
To read a range of articles looking at issues of good governance, democracy and political developments in the Former Soviet Union, visit our Articles Page. Here you will find a number of articles providing insightful and stimulating views, written by John Smith Fellows, Trustees and supporters of the Trust.
Latest News
Trust Chairman Lord Falconer travels to Russian capital on Trust visit
The Chairman of the Trust, Lord Falconer, led a Trust team on a visit to Moscow from November 29th to December 2nd 2009. Read More
Exploring Constitutional Reform - visiting the Georgian capital Tbilisi, October 2009
JSMT Director, Brian Brivati, visited Georgia to promote the 2010 Fellowship Programme and explore the theme of constitutional reform. Read More
Advisory Board member John Newbigin launches 2010 Fellowship Programme in Kyrgyzstan
On a recent visit to Kyrgyzstan, Trust Adviser John Newbigin launched the 2010 John Smith Fellowship Programme in Bishkek and Osh. Read More
Advisory Board member Rt Hon George Reid promotes the 2010 Fellowship in Moldova
The acting President of Moldova has praised the work of the Trust for “bringing instant results” in its work to promote democracy in his country. Read More - Download PDF
Can Elections be Harmful to Democracy? Stephen Byers MP discusses in Ukraine
During a JSMT visit to Ukraine, Stephen Byers MP delivered a fascinating lecture at the ICPS on the role of elections in democratic society. Read More
JSMT Deputy Chairman Damian Green MP visits project of 2005 Fellow Shahla Ismailova
The Shadow Minister for Immigration travelled to Baku in September 2009 on behalf of the JSMT. Read More
Dennis Sammut OBE promotes the work of the Trust in Chechnya and Novosibirsk
In September 2009 Dennis Sammut travelled to the region to promote the work of the Trust. Read More
JSMT Armenia visit for leading UK political commentator Iain Dale
From 6th - 9th Sept 2009 Iain Dale travelled to the Armenian capital Yerevan on behalf of the John Smith Memorial Trust. Read More
Celebrating 12 years of the John Smith Memorial Trust
In July 2009, the JSMT held events to mark the 15th anniversary of John Smith’s death and to celebrate its Fellows. Read More
Finale of the 2009 John Smith Fellowship Programme at Downing Street
Please use the following link to read about the final day of the 2009 Fellowship Programme: Read More
2009 Fellows arrive in Edinburgh for start of 2009 JS Fellowship Programme
Please use the following link to read about the start of the 2009 Fellowship Programme: Read More
Trust Advisor Rt Hon George Reid honoured by University of Glasgow
On 17 June 2009 the Rt Hon George Reid was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws Read More
John Smith Fellow Archil Bakuradze organises peace-building conference in Georgia
This event was launched by Archil as part of the John Smith Memorial Trust’s ‘Year of Action’. Read More
John Smith Fellow Maxim Chereshnev takes part in Youth G8 Summit
The Trust is pleased to announce that Maxim Chereshnev was recently selected to take part in the Youth G8 Summit. Read More
Trust Director Brian Brivati delivers lectures in Moscow and St. Petersburg
During a visit to Russia in February 2009, Brian Brivati delivered two lectures - in the Russian capital and in St. Petersburg. Read More
'Future Visions for the South Caucasus and its Neighbours', Istanbul Conference - January 2009
In early 2009 our Trustees agreed that conflict between Georgia and Russia, continuing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and other regional disputes, required a response from the Trust and its alumni network. Read More - Download PDF
New Road Safety Project Launched across Georgia by 2006 Fellow Gela Kvashilava
The Partnership for Road Safety has recently launched its new project - “Youth Road Safety Education” - which will be conducted in 48 schools in Georgia. Read More
Trust Advisor Rt Hon George Reid re-appointed as Lord High Commissioner
The Queen has approved the appointment for a second year of the Rt Hon George Reid as Her Majesty’s Lord High Commissioner. Read More
Baroness Smith and Lord Falconer travel to Russia to promote 2009 Programme
During the end of September 2008, the Trust Chairman Lord Falconer, Baroness Smith, Brian Brivati and Natalia Westcombe travelled to Russia. Read More
Deputy Director Joanna Lamb travels with APPG Moldova to promote Fellowship Programme
From Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd October 2008, a delegation from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Moldova travelled to Moldova at the invitation of the Moldovan Parliament. Joanna Lamb travelled with the delegation on behalf of the Trust - her last visit in her capacity as Deputy Director. Read More
Trust Advisor Lord Haworth travels to Bishkek On 19th September 2008 Lord Haworth took part in a press conference in order to launch the 2009 Fellowship Programme in Kyrgyzstan. Taking part in the press conference with him, were Chinara Kasambetova (2000 Fellow) and Sheradil Baktygulov (2001 Fellow) together with Lena Milosevic (Director, British Council Kazakhstan). They answered questions about the Fellowship Programme and encouraged talented young Kyrgyz leaders to apply for next year’s programme. Lord Haworth also met with Fellows later that evening at the Santa Maria Restaurant where he spent an enjoyable evening with Gulnaz Baiturova (2006 Fellow), Farida Sulaimanova (2008 Fellow), Sheradil Baktygulov (2001 Fellow), Chinara Kasambetova (2000 Fellow), Gulfia Abdullaeva (2001 Fellow), Guldjan Aldasheva (2002 Fellow) and Lena Milosevic (British Council). The Trust is grateful to Lord Haworth, our Fellows and Lena for their support and their promotion of the Programme.
Trust Deputy Chairman Damian Green MP travels to Yerevan with Trust Director Brian Brivati
On 15th September 2008, Damian Green MP travelled to the Armenian capital Yerevan with the Trust’s Director Brian Brivati. Read More
A tribute to Ken Munro, a founder Trustee of the John Smith Memorial Trust
Ken Munro, a founder Trustee of the John Smith Memorial Trust, died of cancer on 23 September 2008. Read More
2008 Fellows honoured to meet the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP
On Thursday 10th July, our 2008 John Smith Fellows were privileged to meet the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP. Read More
Trust Advisor Rt Hon George Reid honoured by University of Stirling
Trust Adviser the Rt Hon George Reid has been honoured with the award of a doctorate of the University of Stirling. Read More
2008 Fellows arrive in Edinburgh for start of Fellowship Programme
On Friday 6th June 2008, twenty three young leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine arrived in Scotland to take part in the 2008 John Smith Fellowship Programme. Read More
John Smith Memorial Trust hosts reception at the River Room
On Wednesday 7th May 2008, Trustees and Advisors of the John Smith Memorial Trust were joined by Trust sponsors and friends at the Lord Speaker’s residence in the House of Lords. Read More
Advisory Board member, Rt Hon George Reid, takes up office this week as Lord High Commissioner
As personal representative of the Queen to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, holding a position which dates back to the 16th century, he is based in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Read More
2008 John Smith Memorial Trust Networking Conference held in Tbilisi, Georgia
On 10-11th April 2008, John Smith Fellows travelled to the Georgian capital Tbilisi to take part in the 2008 John Smith Memorial Trust Networking Conference. Read More
John Smith Memorial Trust is delighted to announce new Chairman, the Rt. Hon. Lord Falconer of Thoroton PC QC
At the last meeting of Trustees, Lord Robertson intimated his retirement after four years on the Board of Trustees. Read More
Trust Chairman Rt. Hon. Lord Robertson honoured by University of Stirling
On 24th November 2007, Trust Chairman and Former Secretary General of NATO Lord Robertson received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work in public affairs. Read More
Trustees wish warm farewell to Trust Director Emma MacLennan
On the eve of her retirement from the directorship, Emma was entertained by the Trustees to a valedictory dinner. In addition to all the available Trustees, Emma’s professional colleagues, Joanna, Emily, Moira and Julie, were present. Read More
Trust Advisor Rt. Hon. George Reid honoured by Edinburgh University
On 28 November 2007, Trust Advisor Rt. Hon. George Reid was honoured by the award of a doctorate of Edinburgh University. The Trust warmly congratulates Mr. Reid on his achievement. Read More
Georgian Road Safety Review led by 2006 John Smith Fellow Gela Kvashilava
The Partnership for Road Safety, launched by 2006 Fellow Gela Kvashilava, has published a review of the road safety situation in Georgia. According to the review, not 'a single research study' on Georgian road safety has been conducted for the last decade. Read More
Trust Advisor Lord Dubs addresses Plenary of Moldovan Parliament during Trust visit
Trust Advisor Lord Dubs of Battersea, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Moldova, addressed the Moldovan Parliament on the issue of EU integration as part of a visit to promote applications for the John Smith Fellowship Programme. Read More
Trustee Lord McCluskey travels to Georgia to promote 2008 John Smith Fellowship Programme
From 15th to 17th October 2007 Lord McCluskey visited Georgia as a guest of the Scottish Football Association. Among other visits, Lord McCluskey met with representatives from the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association. Read More
Trust Advisor Michael Moore MP visits Baku to promote 2008 John Smith Fellowship Programme
On 24th September Trust Advisor and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesman Michael Moore MP and Deputy Director Joanna Lamb travelled to Baku. This visit was co-sponsored by the British Embassy and British Council in Azerbaijan. Read More
Trustee Lord McCluskey travels to Yerevan to promote 2008 Fellowship Programme
On 12th September 2007 Lord McCluskey travelled to Armenia's capital Yerevan to promote the work of the John Smith Memorial Trust and to encourage applications for the 2008 Fellowship Programme. Read More
John Smith Memorial Trust appoints new Director, Dr. Brian Brivati
The John Smith Memorial Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director, Dr. Brian Brivati, who will take up the post at the end of this year. Read More
Trust Director Emma MacLennan announces decision to retire
After eight years as Trust Director, Emma MacLennan has announced her decision to retire. Read More
2007 Fellows meet new Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP
On the final day of the 2007 John Smith Fellowship Programme our 24 John Smith Fellows were enormously honoured to meet the new Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP. The Prime Minister, who was a close friend of John Smith, has been a long-time supporter of the Trust. Read More
2007 Fellows arrive in Edinburgh
On Tuesday 5th June 2007, twenty four young leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine arrived in Edinburgh to take part in the 2007 John Smith Fellowship Programme. Read More
JSMT hosts 2007 Networking Conference in Odessa, Ukraine
On 13th and 14th April, thirty-five John Smith Fellows from the Trust’s seven Fellowship countries took part in the 2007 John Smith Memorial Trust Networking Conference in Odessa, Ukraine, sponsored by Trust supporters Scottish & Newcastle plc. Read More
2006 Fellow Gela Kvashilava launches first UN Road Safety Week in Georgia
In late April 2007, The Partnership for Road Safety launched the UN First Global Road Safety Week in Georgia. The Partnership for Road Safety was established by 2006 Fellow Gela Kvashilava to reduce road traffic accidents and make roads safer in Georgia. Read More