(Image: Neil Hanna)
Former first minister Humza Yousaf is to deliver two masterclasses at the University of Edinburgh as part of a new programme aimed at helping students navigate political and societal divisions.
Mr Yousaf is the first political leader to take part in the university’s Common Ground Leadership programme, launched this semester to help students engage with opposing viewpoints, debate constructively and identify areas of agreement.
The masterclasses will explore how students can disagree without hostility and find common ground without compromising their own principles.
Mr Yousaf, who served as first minister from March 2023 to May 2024, will draw on his experience of navigating political and societal divisions, including the dangers of retreating into an “echo chamber” of like-minded voices.
The pilot programme also brings together academics, expert practitioners, university staff and student representatives to deliver sessions and practical skills-building activities.
The programme comes amid growing concern about polarisation, which was identified as one of the top five global risks in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Risks Report.
It aims to equip students with skills to bridge divides in workplaces, communities and wider society.
The university plans to bring in other prominent figures who have operated in highly contested public arenas as the programme develops.
Humza Yousaf, former first minister of Scotland, 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."
Read more
Fiona McClement, the University of Edinburgh’s 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 at 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."