International leaders visit University

The 13 participants from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Burma are visiting as part of the prestigious Chevening Fellowship Programme, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The Fellows are all experienced professionals in either civil society organisations or with human rights commissions, and are in positions of leadership and influence in their country.

The University’s Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) is hosting the Government Relations and Civil Society course at the Telford Campus. The participants will attend interactive sessions delivered by University tutors and guest speakers from government bodies, research institutes and other local and national organisations.

They will also spend time visiting organisations across the region and meeting with the FCO in London, before taking a two week study visit to Northern Ireland to examine the role of non-government bodies in conflict resolution. The Fellows will also spend two weeks on individual work placements across the UK.

The aim of the course is to examine the relationship between government and civil society and other organisations from international and UK perspectives. This will help to support the capacities of present and future leaders to understand and be able to address issues that can have an impact on radicalisation and counterterrorism.

Course Director, Rachel Roland, said: “Our participants are key to preventing the spread of violent radicalism in their own communities and are a very articulate and stimulating group to host.

“They are interested in the rich cultural diversity and social environment in the Black Country and West Midlands and the lessons it can offer them for analysis and comparison with their own situations. We are honoured to be working so closely with them.”

Most Fellows are nominated directly by the FCO British Missions, comprising of embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. This year, CIDT welcomes Fellows from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, The Philippines, Singapore, Burma, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka and Iraq.

Further information

Established in 1983, the Chevening Fellowship Programme comprises of 14 different courses hosted by organisations and institutions around the UK, focusing on particular subjects aligned to the FCO's strategic framework. The Fellowships are aimed at mid-career professionals with several years' experience in the Fellowship subject. This year’s hosts include departments within Bradford, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Nottingham and York universities, as well as CIDT at the University of Wolverhampton.

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736