This event will explore developments in the way leaders in civil society are promoting transformational change in local, national and global society. The seminar will look at examples of such leadership from Scotland, elsewhere in the UK and from international experience. Particular focus will be placed on the role of civil society in promoting policy change alongside service delivery and providing opportunities for citizens to get involved in campaigning, the value of a rights based culture and freedom of information in promoting change and the opportunities for leaders to link local issues to global concerns. A special case study will be made of the British Council's InterAction Programme, a Pan-African programme promoting transformational change for actual and aspiring leaders from across Africa. Participants will be encouraged to share experiences from their own communities and to develop links and networks which they can use when they return to their countries.
The British Council works in Governance to enhance awareness of democratic values and processes and to facilitate partnerships for positive social change in over 80 countries. We recognise that the UK has much to learn as well as much to offer and we work with a wide range of partners across the public, private and community sectors, who are committed to working towards a fairer, safer and more prosperous world. Civil Society is an integral part of the dialogue and exchange undertaken in the various countries that we work in and that has been contributing to the thinking and projects to share and strengthen leadership.

Who should attend this event
Current and aspiring leaders from civil society (NGOs and private sector, also interested public sector workers and academics) from countries with an interest in how local, national and global issues affect and can reinforce each other. The seminar will be of special interest to current and future Interaction participants from Africa and those from other countries interested in transformational leadership and networking with Scotland and UK