The Role of Narrative in Driving Policy:Skoll World Forum 2026

We joined global leaders, social innovators, funders, and practitioners at the Skoll World Forum 2026 in Oxford, United Kingdom, contributing to critical conversations on how storytelling can advance systems change.

As part of the Forum, our Head of Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships, Shaylor Mwanje, co-led a Sidebar Session titled "Story, Power, and Change: Using Narrative to Move People and Policy." with Jenni Cardamone-Devex, Preethi Herman-Nguvu Collective, Mariana Diaz-CHASE Africa, Ravinol Chambers - Be Inspired Films and Lewis Smith-Just Diggit. The discussion brought together communications, media, fundraising, and social impact leaders to examine how storytelling can move beyond raising awareness to shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and inspiring collective action.

In a media landscape where information is abundant but attention is scarce, the session explored why evidence alone is often insufficient to drive change. Participants reflected on the importance of translating research into compelling, human-centred narratives that connect with people's lived experiences and inspire action.

Drawing on JMERC's work, Shaylor highlighted the Centre's approach to bridging the gap between evidence and policy through strategic communications. He shared how JMERC's partnership with NTV Uganda has created opportunities to bring education issues into the public domain through platforms such as People's Parliament and grassroots storytelling. These platforms amplify the voices of learners, teachers, parents, and communities, ensuring that education challenges are not only understood through data but experienced through authentic stories.

"Evidence becomes influential when it is translated into stories that resonate with people's realities," Shaylor noted during the discussion. "Narrative shapes what people care about, what leaders prioritize, and ultimately what policies move forward."

The session also emphasized that storytelling is not simply a communications tool but a form of power. Discussions examined the importance of ensuring that narratives are ethical, inclusive, and grounded in community voices, allowing those most affected by education challenges to shape the conversations that influence decision-making.

For JMERC, participation in the Skoll World Forum reflects its continued commitment to strengthening education systems through research, advocacy, partnerships, and strategic communications. By combining robust evidence with powerful storytelling, the Centre seeks to foster greater public engagement, influence policy dialogue, and contribute to sustainable improvements in education and child well-being across Uganda and the region.

As education systems continue to navigate complex challenges, JMERC remains committed to ensuring that the voices of communities are heard and that evidence is translated into narratives capable of moving people, influencing policy, and driving lasting systems change.