Atlantic Fellows to tackle global inequalities

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Atlantic Philanthropies and UCT are to cooperate on an ambitious 20-year fellowship initiative to tackle inequalities around the world.

Announced on 2 June 2016, the Atlantic Fellows programme expects to develop well over 600 Atlantic Fellows across geographic and disciplinary boundaries.

By getting involved in the training of the next generation of leaders, the initiative hopes to influence and facilitate changes in global policy and practice to enable greater equality, opportunity and outcomes for all.

Professor Alan Hirsch, director of UCT's Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice (GSDPP), says, “The Atlantic Fellows programme is the most exciting initiative in leadership development in decades, and we are thrilled to be participating in it.

“Despite the rise of more accountable forms of democracy in Africa, inequality is a growing challenge, especially in the many African countries that depend on natural resource exports.”

The GSDPP was established to develop strategic abilities across Africa to enable government, non-profit organisations and the private sector to combat inequality. It is part of UCT's Poverty and Inequality Initiative (PII).

Professor Murray Leibbrandt, UCT's pro-vice chancellor for the PII, adds: “We seek to orient and infuse our classrooms and our research with the realities and challenges of our society and to work with our students to empower them for a lifelong contribution to overcoming these challenges.

“With its forward-looking vision anchored in long-term support for and learning from each cohort of Atlantic Fellows, the Atlantic Philanthropies and LSE share, complement and extend that vision.”

Photo Johnny Miller.