When political leaders have grand visions for their nations but struggle to make them reality, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change steps in as the bridge between ambition and achievement. Founded in 2016 by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, this not-for-profit organisation supports political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in a globalised world.
With a team of 900+ changemakers working across 40+ countries, the Institute operates on a simple principle: the biggest challenge facing leaders today isn't knowing what needs to change, but having the capability to get things done. Working shoulder to shoulder with political leaders and governments, they provide support at every step of the transformation journey to drive real and lasting change.
Their approach is refreshingly practical. They help identify the key challenges and opportunities countries face so leaders can set their priorities for change, develop radical-yet-practical policy solutions, and then bring practical expertise and network of partners to get things done. Technology sits at the heart of their methodology, not as an end in itself but as a tool to unlock better strategy, policy implementation, and delivery mechanisms.
Meet the team
Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, on LinkedIn
The people behind the org.
Insights from their work
The Institute's work spans continents and contexts. They have projects in 14 African countries, whose combined population exceeds 460 million, with advisers working directly within governments to help implement their own visions for development. In Rwanda, they've supported the government in establishing transformative delivery systems including the Strategy and Policy Unit in the Office of the President and enhanced education delivery through satellite internet access with Starlink.
Their expertise covers governance in fragile and emerging states, combating extremism, Middle East peace processes, and what they call the fight against false populism. The Institute believes these challenges are interconnected - that countries cannot develop where extremism flourishes, and without addressing underlying governance failures, conflicts spill over borders and fuel the grievances that populists exploit.
As a non-partisan organisation, they can bring the best of their expertise to leaders who want to translate their ambition into meaningful action for their people. This positioning allows them to work with governments across the political spectrum, focusing on effectiveness rather than ideology.
The Institute represents a new model for international development cooperation - one that embeds expertise directly within government systems rather than operating parallel structures. They broker partnerships between governments and innovators to deliver practical benefits, such as the Tomorrow Partnership that has brought Starlink connectivity to Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia to end the digital divide.
For professionals who believe that better governance can transform lives at scale, the Institute offers the rare opportunity to work directly with heads of state and senior ministers on the policies that shape nations.
