The first edition of the Sudan Democracy Fellowship was launched last year as a pioneering program designed to equip young leaders engaged in public life with advanced knowledge and skills in research, public policy, and analysis. The fellowship emphasized evidence-based research as a tool for shaping policies and addressing Sudan’s democratic challenges.
The program aims to build the capacity of young Sudanese to become effective leaders in democracy, peace, and development by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to support community issues and strengthen their role in both local and international dialogues.
Spanning eight months, the fellowship was implemented in two main phases:
Phase One: Online Training
This stage provided participants with a comprehensive introduction to key topics, including:
- Introduction to Democracy
- Introduction to Armed Conflict
- Introduction to International Diplomacy
- Introduction to Public Policy
It also featured hands-on workshops on:
- Academic Research & Paper Writing
- Policy Paper Development
- Social Media Data Analysis
- Writing Short Articles & OP-EDs
Phase Two: Research Development In this phase, fellows produced 23 evidence-based publications, including in-depth research and analytical studies addressing critical issues in Sudan, with the aim of supporting democratic transformation and sustainable peace.
The Sudan Democracy Fellowship has strengthened the ability of young Sudanese to play a more influential role in academic research and public policy. Carefully designed to combine theory with practice, the program enables participants to contribute practical, evidence-based solutions to the pressing challenges facing Sudan today.