Mr Yousaf will draw on his own experiences in the public eye for the Common Ground Leadership programme that has launched this semester at the University.
Two masterclasses, delivered by Mr Yousaf, will explore how students can engage with opposing perspectives, disagree constructively and seek common ground without compromising their own principles.
Navigating disagreement
He will share his perspectives as a high-profile public figure who has expressed strongly held views on issues that have generated intense public debate.
As First Minister of Scotland, from March 2023 to May 2024, he will reflect on the ways he has navigated political and societal divisions, as well as the risks of retreating into an ‘echo chamber’ of like-minded voices.
Academics, expert practitioners and staff and student representatives are all contributing sessions and skills-building activities to the pilot programme.
Organisers say the programme will help students build transferable skills they can use when dealing with challenges that are seeing increasingly divided and polarised views across society.
Increased polarisation
As environments that foster critical thinking and intellectual growth, universities have long been arenas for passionate and contested debate.
However, increasing polarisation can turn healthy disagreement into entrenched division, reducing opportunities for dialogue, understanding and constructive challenge.
Fuelled by deep ideological, cultural and political divides, polarisation is an increasingly pervasive challenge for communities around the world
In 2026, the World Economic Forum listed societal polarisation among the top five risks identified in its Global Risks Report.
It can influence who people choose to work and socialise with, how decisions are made, and how societies respond to some of the biggest challenges of our time.
Student engagement
As the programme evolves, Mr Yousaf will be joined by other prominent figures who have operated in highly contested public arenas.
Students will have the opportunity to hear how people from a range of backgrounds and perspectives have approached disagreement, engaged with those holding profoundly different views, and sought common ground.
The sessions will explore how people can engage meaningfully with those whose views they may profoundly disagree with, without feeling that they must compromise their own values or principles.
Students will also consider how strongly held convictions can coexist with a willingness to listen, understand different perspectives and seek common ground.
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.