International networks to tackle development challenges

International networks to tackle development challenges

Led by Professor Paul Cooke, a project to help young people whose lives have been affected by conflict will showcase how the arts and humanities can help those in need.

Changing the Story, led by Professor Paul Cooke, Director of the Centre for World Cinemas and Digital Cultures in Leeds’ Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, is one of five major new international academic networks being set up by universities in the UK and the ‘Global South’ to conduct collaborative research into some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.

Starting next month and running for up to four years, they will look at issues such as how the heritage sector can generate jobs and growth in East Africa and strengthen democracy in politically fragile states.

The Leeds-led four-year project, Changing the Story: building inclusive civil societies with, and for, young people in five post-conflict countries, will work with researchers, organisations and communities in Cambodia, Colombia, Kosovo, Rwanda and South Africa.