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What happens when a story crosses a border? Can it also help us move beyond our own boundaries? In the first episode of season four of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Elif Shafak about belonging, memory and the power of literature in divided times. Elif recalls on how, as a solitary child moving across cultures, she found both freedom and friendship in a place called “Storyland”. As now as an adult reflecting on a polarised world,  she reflects on how stories can take us beyond ourselves, challenge divisions between “us” and “them”, and act as an “antidote to apathy”. We also hear from Deepa Bhasthi, writer and translator of Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp, winner of the 2025 International Booker Prize. Deepa explores translation as a creative act and asks what is lost when distinctive voices and ways of seeing the world are “smoothed” for English-speaking readers. Together, Elif and Deepa make the case for stories as a form of connection across languages, cultures and borders. In a world of polarisation and information overload, they ask how literature can keep us curious, compassionate and open to lives different from our own. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication and the power of collaboration in a changing world.🏆 Winner of Gold for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards. Additional Resources: Elif Shafak website https://www.elifsafak.com.tr/home Take 10 to Read campaign https://www.britishcouncil.org/take-10-global-record-attempt Our work in literature https://arts.britishcouncil.org/what-we-do/literature

Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, is back for season four. Join host Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight, as she meets experts and changemakers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. Hear big ideas and personal stories about what connects us: from stories across borders to AI and the changing nature of soft power. Follow Our World, Connected to be the first to hear the new season.

In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Professor Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London and Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Together, they explore why we need a new way of thinking about economic growth, one that places creativity, culture and the common good at the heart of prosperity. They discuss the role of governments in shaping innovation, why arts and culture should be seen as essential public infrastructure, the role of imagination, and how new measures of success could help build more sustainable, inclusive economies. We also hear from Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director and CEO of CC Hub Group and co-founder of the Creative Economy Practice at CC Hub in Nigeria. Reflecting on nearly two decades working across technology, innovation and the creative industries, Ojoma shares how Nigeria's creative economy has become a powerful source of opportunity, identity and global influence, and why creativity and digital transformation are increasingly inseparable. This episode explores how culture can drive both social and economic innovation, strengthen communities (not just the top 1% earners), and help shape economies that create lasting public value. It asks what prosperity should practically really mean in the 21st century, and why culture is crucial if we are to place Public Value at the centre of defining the future we build together. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Mariana Mazzucato, author of the “The Common Good Economy: A New Compass” https://marianamazzucato.com/  The Missing Foundation: Culture’s place within and beyond the SDGs https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/missing-foundation-report  Our work in the creative economy https://arts.britishcouncil.org/what-we-do/creative-economy

Did you know that 12 August is International Youth Day? But what happens the day after is just as important, so how can we ensure that it’s both a short-term celebration and a catalyst for lasting change? In this special episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson revisits conversations from season 3, including previously unheard audio,  with six inspiring young people. They work across a range of fields, including climate action, health, disability rights, youth policy, culture and filmmaking. A selection of our guests from the past season - Amanda da Cruz Costa, Bukky Adebowale, Saja Mohammed Alkadhimi, Juhi Adhikari, Caitlin Askin and Marko Pešikan  - reflect on how their identities and communities have shaped their work, the barriers young people continue to face, and the importance of having a genuine and authentic voice in decisions affecting their lives. Marking International Youth Day and its theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’, the episode asks what meaningful youth leadership looks like and what governments, institutions and other generations must do to continue to support and engage when the global spotlight moves on. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Next Generation research series https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation  Global Perceptions research series https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/global-perceptions  International Youth Day 2026 https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026

What can football teach us about connection, community and diplomacy in an interconnected world? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff about football’s role as a tool for soft power, exploring how major tournaments such as the FIFA Men’s World Cup shape international relationships and global perceptions. We also hear from Nomonde Mashabane, a coach and educator from the Soweto township of Johannesburg, South Africa. Her experiences with the British Council and Premier League’s Premier Skills programme demonstrate how football can build confidence, develop personal and social skills, and strengthen communities. Together, their stories reveal the links between grassroots football and the global spectacle of the World Cup, showing how the game can bring people together across cultures, communities and borders. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Premier Skills Programme  https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/schools/premier-skills Sport, cultural relations and peacebuilding https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/cultural-relations-sport-peacebuilding  Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff https://www.lindsaysarahkrasnoff.com/

What skills will young people need to thrive in a greener, more inclusive digital future? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with William Mutero, Director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Rwanda, about how digital transformation and climate action are reshaping societies and opportunities around the world. Together, they explore the growing connection between digital and green skills, the importance of inclusive innovation, and why Africa is central to conversations about the future of technology and sustainability. We also hear from Amanda Costa, Youth Advisor for the British Council’s Climate Skills programme and founder of Instituto Perifa Sustentável in Brazil. Amanda reflects on how her experiences in education, climate activism, and community leadership have shaped her understanding of sustainability, technology, and social justice, and why local knowledge and youth voices matter in building more resilient futures. This episode explores how education, collaboration and representation can help ensure digital futures are more sustainable, inclusive and human-centred. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Youth Connect Live: building an inclusive climate future https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/non-formal-education/youth-connect/live/youth-connect-live-building-inclusive-climate  Afretec Network  https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/directory/bios/mutero-william.html Climate Connection Hive report Skills for an Inclusive Transition: Youth realities and green opportunity pathways https://www.britishcouncil.org/climate-connection/get-involved/hive-campaign

What does it really mean to reset a relationship between nations? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson is joined by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, Erasmus Smith’s Professor of Modern History at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss the complex and deeply intertwined relationship between the UK and Ireland. Drawing on her own life and work across Ireland, the UK and beyond, Jane reflects on how history, imperial legacy and mobility continue to shape identities and relationships across these islands. Exploring difficult conversations about the past and the challenges brought about by Brexit, as well as celebrating educational and cultural links and looking to a more hopeful future, she explores how these connections can be nurtured. We also hear a personal perspective from Bukky Adebowale, Policy Education Officer at the Irish Network Against Racism. Bukky shares how her educational and cultural experiences in Ireland and later in the UK shaped her understanding of her Irish and Yoruba identity, sense of belonging and connections. Her story highlights how education, culture and relationships can help people bridge histories, communities and borders. This episode questions whether national relationships can ever be reset through diplomacy alone, and how culture, education and people-to-people connections can help imagine a more open, empathetic future. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Erasmus+  https://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus  Higher Education Mobility UK and Ireland https://www.britishcouncil.ie/higher-education-mobility-research Professor Jane Ohlmeyer https://www.janeohlmeyer.ie/

What does it really mean for a city to be a “city of culture”? And what role can culture play in shaping more peaceful and connected societies? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, about how cultural programmes can transform the way cities see themselves and connect with the wider world. Drawing on Bradford’s story, Shanaz reflects on the power of culture to bring communities together, create space for dialogue about identity and history, and build lasting international partnerships rooted in creativity and exchange. We also hear personal perspectives from Caitlin Askin, an administrator and museum guide at the Museum of Free Derry, and Marko Pešikan, a filmmaker and teacher from Sarajevo, who both took part in the Here We Stand project. Marko created this film with his co-creator, Hanan Alić.  “For us, this project was a really meaningful experience because it reminded us that peace is not something distant or theoretical. It’s something very human. Through the film, we tried to show that even when the world feels chaotic, there are still places inside of us where calm exists. Being part of telling that story made the whole process feel very real and it showed us how a simple idea can grow into something that people can actually connect with,” said Marko.  Through their experiences, they explore how storytelling, film and artistic collaboration can help young people make sense of conflict, express their identities, and connect with others across borders. Their stories highlight the role of culture not only in reflecting lived experience, but in fostering empathy, resilience and a sense of shared humanity. This episode asks how cities can use culture not just to celebrate who they are, but to engage with difficult histories, strengthen connections across divides, and contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive future. Links:  https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/role-artistic-expressions-positive-peace https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/cities-everyday-endotic-cultural-relations https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/eurovision2023 https://www.britishcouncil.rs/en/programmes/education/different-memories-shared-futures-towards-inclusive-memorialisation

What can cultural relations organisations be doing now, and in the future, to support people in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East? In this special mini-episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Zahid Mahmood, the British Council’s Director in Libya, about the role of cultural relations in times of conflict. Drawing on his experience working across the Middle East and North Africa, Zahid reflects on building trust in conflict-affected regions, the long-term impact of youth and cultural programmes, and why soft power and diplomacy remain vital even in moments of escalating geopolitical tension. Further resources l021_young_arab_voice_from_voice_to_encounter_final_v2_web.pdf https://www.britishcouncil.ly/en https://www.britishcouncil.org/partner/international-development/approach/regions/middle-east-north-africa

What does diplomacy look like in an era defined by conflict, mistrust and geopolitical rivalry?  In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan, Russia and Azerbaijan, about the evolving role of diplomacy in a more volatile and transactional world. Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of British foreign and national security policy, Laurie reflects on the end of the Cold War, the invasion of Iraq, the fall of Kabul in 2021, and what these moments reveal about power, perception and policy. From ‘cognitive warfare’ and disinformation, to the limits of military intervention, he examines how misunderstanding, resentment and short-term thinking can shape global events, exploring how diplomacy must adapt in response. We also hear a personal perspective from Noor Al-Naser, Iraqi peacebuilding specialist and Scottish Peace Platform Manager at Beyond Borders. Noor shares how a bombing in Baghdad during her teenage years led her into diplomacy and UN work in mine action, counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism. Her experience bridges frontline humanitarian efforts and grassroots peacebuilding, highlighting the importance of trust, cultural understanding and sustained local engagement in building more stable societies. This episode asks what responsible international engagement means today, and whether diplomacy still has the patience and imagination to shape a more peaceful future. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. 🏆 Winner of Gold for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards. Additional Resources:  UK cultural diplomacy in Europe 1989-2025 https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/UK-cultural-diplomacy-Europe  Afghanistan: the inside story of the withdrawal https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/afghanistan-inside-story-of-the-withdrawal  Global Perceptions 2025https://www.britishcouncil.org/global-perceptions-2025

Does multilateralism still matter - and what would change if global cooperation were built for today’s world, not yesterday’s? Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly, this episode of Our World, Connected explores whether multilateralism can still deliver in a world shaped by geopolitical rivalry, global crises and declining trust in institutions. As the international system faces growing pressure, the episode asks what does global cooperation look like now - and who is it serving? Host Christine Wilson is joined on this episode by Jane Kinninmont, Chief Executive of the United Nations Association-UK. Drawing on her experience across diplomacy, policy and civil society, Jane reflects on the UN’s founding purpose, the realities of power and compromise in international decision-making, and why multilateralism often works quietly, perhaps imperfectly, and out of the spotlight. Together, they discuss the tensions between principle and pragmatism, the challenges of legitimacy and reform, and what it would take for global institutions to remain relevant in a multipolar world. We also hear a personal perspective from Juhi Adhikari, a Kathmandu-based youth leader and Youth Consultant at UNESCO. Juhi shares her experiences navigating international institutions as a young person, and reflects on why multilateralism can feel distant or opaque to many - particularly those most affected by global decisions. Her story highlights the gap between global policymaking and lived experience, and why youth participation must go beyond symbolism to shape real outcomes. From global governance and power dynamics to youth voice and institutional reform, this episode asks whether multilateralism can evolve to meet today’s challenges - and what must change if international cooperation is to remain credible, inclusive and effective. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. 🏆 Winner of Gold for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards. Additional Resources:  Global Perceptions 2025 https://www.britishcouncil.org/global-perceptions-2025 Reflecting on 80 years of impact with the United Nations https://www.britishcouncil.org/partner/international-development/news/reflecting-on-80-years-impact-with-united-nations Listen to Jane Kinninmont’s own podcast ‘Disorder’ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disorder/id1706818264 UNA UK https://una.org.uk/

What does radical inclusion really look like – and what would change if dignity, access and belonging were built into our systems from the start? Marking the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this episode of Our World, Connected explores how societies can move beyond charity and good intentions towards a rights-based approach to disability inclusion – one that centres listening, participation, and meaningful action. Host Christine Wilson is joined on this episode by Nada Ehab, a youth development specialist and advisor to the British Council’s Inclusive Youth Empowerment Programme in Egypt. Nada reflects on her journey from empathy-driven inclusion to a collective rights-based, participatory model, and shares insights from her work supporting young people with disabilities to engage in advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and community-led change. Together, they discuss the barriers that still exist in education, public spaces and digital environments, and why inclusion must be embedded across systems, not treated as a quota. We also hear a personal story from Saja Mohammed Alkadhimi, a 19-year-old student from Baghdad, UN Youth Advisory Council member, and disability rights advocate. Saja shares her experiences navigating education as a wheelchair user, the importance of accessible infrastructure, and why inclusive schools matter not just for learning, but for belonging. Her story brings the conversation to life, reminding us that inclusion is about unlocking potential, not lowering expectations. From education and policy to technology and leadership, this episode asks how we turn conversations about inclusion into concrete change - and why the responsibility for removing barriers must sit with society as a whole. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. 🏆 Winner of Gold for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards. Additional Resources:  Beyond inclusion: what Next Generation research reveals about disability and youth leadership https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/beyond-inclusion-next-generation-disability-youth-leadership  The British Council’s Disability Inclusion Community Steering Group https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/alumni-uk/alumni-community-and-impact/disability-inclusion-community/steering-group  Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education, Arts, and Youth Empowerment in Jordan https://www.britishcouncil.org.eg/en/programmes/inspire-partnerships/shaping-the-conversation/breaking-barriers-inclusion-through-english-and-arts-jordan Disability Arts | British Council Arts Beyond the British Council: https://www.unicef.org/iraq/press-releases/iraq-launches-national-disability-inclusion-strategy-children-and-young-people

How can higher education remain resilient in an age of uncertainty? Universities everywhere are under pressure, from political interference and funding cuts, to rapid technological change and shifting public expectations. In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Michael Ignatieff, an award-winning author and historian, former leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, and former President and Rector of Central European University (CEU). A keynote speaker at the British Council’s Going Global 2025 conference, Michael reflects on the “storm clouds” gathering over higher education, drawing on his experience leading CEU through significant challenges, including political pressure that forced the institution to relocate. Together, they examine what resilience means for higher education today, the role of international partnerships and values-led leadership, the defence of academic freedom, and the human side of teaching and learning. We also hear live reflections from three delegates at last month’s Going Global conference. Urvashi Prasad, a public policy and health specialist explores the role of empathy and evidence in shaping education, whilst Rawan Taha, a UN World Food Programme officer and UK Alumni SDG Ambassador shares her experience of adapting, upskilling and building resilience through international study. Finally, Caryn Nery, Director of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships at Victoria University, reflects on how TNE models proved robust during Covid and why diversified, student-centred partnerships matter now more than ever.  Listen to Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more conversations on culture, connection, and the power of education. 🏆 Winner of Gold for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards. Additional Resources:  Going Global https://www.britishcouncil.org/going-global  Understanding the impact of transnational education: insights from UK TNE alumni https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/understanding-impact-transnational-education-insights-uk-tne-alumni  Alumni Voices 2025: UK Graduates, Global Influence https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/alumni-voices-2025-uk-graduates-global-influence  Alumni Voices 2025: UK Graduates, Global Influence

How can culture and creativity be powerful tools for connection, diplomacy, and intercultural dialogue? In this episode of Our World, Connected, we explore how art and cultural exchange can drive global cooperation, inspire climate action, embrace youth aspirations, and open new pathways for understanding in an increasingly divided world. Host Christine Wilson is joined by Ambassador Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s Ambassador to the UK, and one of the country’s most experienced diplomats, for a wide-ranging conversation about the power of cultural exchange in shaping international relations. We discuss Brazil’s renewed environmental leadership, the UK's creative ties with Brazil, and the significance of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025–26, a year-long celebration of artistic collaboration and cultural diplomacy. Also featured in the episode is British-Iranian artist Javaad Alipoor, and his work for the UK/Australia British Council season (2021-22). He reflects on the politics of art, the power of international collaboration, and the nuanced role of soft power in global cultural work. From the UK, to Australia, and onto Brazil, this episode highlights how cultural connections can foster understanding, amplify youth voices, and inspire action across borders. Listen to the award-winning podcast Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more thought-provoking conversations on culture, communication, and the power of collaboration. 🏆 Gold Winner for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards. Additional Resources:  Next Gen Brazil 2025 https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/next-generation-brazil UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025-26 https://www.britishcouncil.org.br/en/programmes/arts/ukbrseason The Javaad Alipoor Company https://www.javaadalipoor.co.uk/

What does cultural heritage have to do with climate change, and how can creativity help communities respond to a crisis that threatens both land and legacy? In the opening episode of Season 3, host Christine Wilson explores cultural heritage and creativity in the context of climate action. From a local neighbourhood in Cairo, to the cultural policy conference Mondiacult, to the United Nations’ global gathering on climate change (the Conference of the Parties - COP), we’re asking how culture and creativity can build more resilient communities and more sustainable futures. Christine is joined by Dr. Sally Flint, a writer, researcher, and creative lead of the We Are the Possible programme at the University of Exeter - an international initiative using poetry and storytelling to communicate the climate crisis. Through Sally’s work, we explore the power of the arts to foster emotional connection, shift perspectives, and imagine new possibilities for the planet. We also hear from May al-Ibrashy, a conservation architect and founder of Megawra, an Egyptian initiative preserving historic Cairo through community-led heritage projects. As the climate crisis reshapes urban life, May shares how heritage conservation can restore not only buildings, but also agency, pride and collective memory. Together, Sally and May offer a powerful reminder that culture is not just what we stand to lose, it’s also how we find the strength to act. Listen to Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more thought-provoking conversations on culture, communication, and the power of education. Additional Resources & Links: Season 1 Episode 5: Climate change and cultural heritage with Dr Scott Orr and Barbra Babweteera Mutambi https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/our-world-connected-podcast/climate-change-cultural-heritage-protecting-past-future Climate change impacts on cultural heritage https://www.britishcouncil.org/climate-change-impacts-cultural-heritage-0 The British Council Strategic Literature Review: Climate Change Impacts on Cultural Heritage https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/british-council-strategic-literature-review-climate-change-impacts-cultural Follow British Council Research and Insight: Newsletter – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribe Twitter – https://twitter.com/InsightBritish Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight