Twenty-three future leaders from independent republics of the former Soviet Union will embark on the 2008 John Smith Fellowship programme this month.

The John Smith Fellowship programme seeks to show how a mature democracy supports and develops good governance, the rule of law and the vindication of human and legal rights.

It also shows how the UK's form of democracy fosters and supports voluntary and other non-governmental organisations that seek to secure the relief of poverty, to empower disadvantaged groups and to give a voice to those who currently lack political influence.

Programme participants (Fellows) are invited to consider how these might be adapted for use in their own communities where the traditions and problems are different. At the end of their stay, they will present a project showing how the lessons they have learned can be applied in their own countries.

The Fellows will spend a week in Edinburgh taking part in a series of discussions and meetings with public figures, academics and practitioners on democracy, good governance and human rights. They will visit the law courts, HM Prison Edinburgh and spend a day at the Scottish Parliament to find out how Holyrood works.

The rest of the programme involves a weekend retreat on leadership and democracy; a two-week individual attachment with MPs, central government or non-governmental organisations; and a further week’s seminar in London, concluding with a reception at Downing Street hosted by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Managed by the John Smith Memorial Trust, the programme is delivered in partnership with the British Council and the Ministry of Justice.

For more information, visit the John Smith Memorial web site. You can also contact Alison Jeffrey on +44 (0) 131 524 5738 or e-mail alison.jeffrey@britishcouncil.org