The former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, will lecture students at the University of Edinburgh in a new programme to help students engage with views which do not align with their own.
He is to draw on his own experiences as an MSP, Cabinet member and First Minister to deliver lectures in the Common Ground Leadership programme which has just launched.
He will deliver two masterclasses exploring ways for students to disagree constructively and seek common ground without compromise on their own principles.
Mr Yousaf was first minister for just over a year between 2023 and 2024, and had to navigate societal and political divisions. He will reflect on the risks of retreating into an echo chamber of like-minded voices.
The university would like to promote healthy disagreement rather than entrenched polarisation which the World Economic Forum said was one of the top five risks in its 2026 Global Risks Report.
The Rt Hon Humza Yousaf, Former First Minister, said: “I am delighted to support Edinburgh University’s Common Ground Leadership programme. Having spent 15 years on the front line of Scottish politics, I know how deeply polarised, and often toxic, our public discourse has become, which threatens the very social fabric of our country. Common Ground will not only talk about how to co-exist amongst difference, but equip students with practical skills to robustly debate their beliefs, while understanding other people’s viewpoints. I have learnt from my own personal experience – the successes and mistakes I have made – that finding common ground, while holding on to your own principles, is necessary for a healthy, thriving democracy.”
Fiona McClement, University of Edinburgh Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, said: “Universities should be places where we can challenge ideas and debate difficult issues, no matter how strongly views are held. Supporting students to think carefully about how they navigate deep differences and have constructive conversations with people who see the world differently will help them develop vitally important skills for the future. We are delighted to launch this programme at such a critical time.”
Syjil Ramjuthan, Vice President Welfare, Edinburgh University Students’ Association, said: “The challenges facing society, from climate change and health inequality to education and community connections, cannot be solved by people who all think alike. They require people who can listen, act, understand different perspectives, engage across difference and, ultimately, make an impact.”
Programme organisers hope that, by developing the skills needed to engage across difference and build common ground, students will go on to play a meaningful role in addressing polarisation in their future workplaces, communities and beyond.
