Our World, Connected
Our World, Connected is a podcast from the British Council that explores global conversations about culture, connection, and empowerment. Host Christine Wilson, Director of British Council Research and Insight, leads discussions with world-renowned experts on pressing issues such as peacebuilding, sustainable development, climate change, and the growth of AI. The podcast highlights the transformative power of arts, culture, language, and education in addressing these challenges.
Episodes
Storyland: why books matter in divided times, with Elif Shafak
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 “Storyl
Our World, Connected: season 4 trailer
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 powe
Redefining Prosperity: placing culture and public value at the heart of growth , with Mariana Mazzucato
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
International Youth Day: amplifying voices beyond August 12th
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
The Beautiful Game: how football connects the grassroots and the global
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 Mashab
Future skills: how to thrive in a greener, more inclusive digital world
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 t
Resetting relationships: UK-Ireland connections, culture and the stories that bind us
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 ref
Culture, connections and peace: stories from Bradford, UK City of Culture 2025
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. Draw
Cultural relations in conflict: listening and learning
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
The long game: diplomacy in an age of anger
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 n
Multilateralism at a crossroads: does international cooperation still work?
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 sy
Radical inclusion: driving social change with and for young disabled people
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,
Global tertiary education: how to survive and thrive in a volatile world?
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 fo
Bridging worlds: dialogue, diplomacy and the soft power of culture
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 Patriot
Culture as climate action: creativity, community and change
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’ glob
Season 3 - Trailer
We’re back! Join us over the coming 12 episodes, where we’ll be continuing our global conversations about culture, education and language, asking how creativity, learning, and international exchange can help us meet the challenges of today’s complex and interconnected world.This season, we’ll be exploring pressing themes of our time, and meeting inspiring people who are making a difference. From h
Teaching hope: conflict, courage and community
What role can education play in times of war, displacement, and uncertainty? And how can schools and universities provide not just learning, but hope, courage, and resilience for communities in crisis?In this bonus episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson reflects on her conversation with Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President at King’s College London and founder of the African
Living stories: art, space and memory
What does it mean to tell stories through the spaces we live in? And how can architecture be a source of memory and repair?In this bonus episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson revisits a powerful conversation with Kabage Karanja, architect, researcher, and co-founder of Nairobi-based design studio Cave_bureau.A leading voice in rethinking architecture through the lens of ecology, m
Rewired: How technology is changing us all
How is technology shaping the way we live, learn, and connect? And what does that mean for young people growing up in a digital-first world?In this bonus episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson revisits a powerful conversation with Baroness Beeban Kidron, crossbench peer in the House of Lords and founder of the 5Rights Foundation. A leading advocate for children’s digital rights, Be
Connecting through dialogue: deep listening in divided times
How do we really listen — to each other, and to the world around us?In this final episode of season two, host Christine Wilson explores the practice of deep listening — a powerful communication method rooted in empathy, openness, and the desire to understand across divides.Christine is joined by journalist, media executive and author Emily Kasriel, who developed the Deep Listening methodology. Dra
Changing words, changing worlds: English in an age of transformation
What does the future hold for the English language? And how is technology transforming the way we speak, write and connect across borders?In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson explores how digital culture is reshaping the English language, from the rise of internet slang to the impact of AI, social media, and globalisation on how we communicate.Christine is joined by renow
Power in knowledge: How girls’ education helps communities thrive
When girls are educated, communities thrive – but how do we make that a global reality in the digital age?In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson explores the urgent issue of girls’ education in a rapidly changing world – where access to schooling, digital literacy, and life skills can transform futures and communities.Christine speaks with Wadi Ben-Hirki, a Nigerian activis
Exhibitions in motion: what happens when art travels
Can art be a tool for repair? And what happens when exhibitions themselves move across borders?In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson dives into the relationship between art, architecture, and place — and how both disciplines are being used to challenge colonial narratives, spark dialogue, and imagine alternative futures.Christine is joined by writer, artist and curator Ros
Classrooms in crisis: the role of education technology in conflict
What are the benefits — and the ethical challenges — of relying on EdTech in crisis environments? Can technology offer true educational equality when access is still uneven?For many children around the world, the start of the learning day is marked not by the opening of a classroom door, but of a laptop. As education increasingly moves online, technology has become both a bridge and a barrier — es
Tech, trust, and teens: who’s looking out for young people online?
How do we protect young people in a digital-first world? And who’s responsible for protecting kids online?From social media to AI, technology is evolving faster than policy, and young people are at the center of this digital revolution. While the internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, it also exposes children to risks that we are still learning to naviga
Beyond borders: how research and innovation connect the world
How do international education and research shape global relationships? And why do countries invest in knowledge diplomacy?From pioneering scientific collaborations to cross-border academic partnerships, the exchange of knowledge has long been a bridge between nations. But beyond the benefits for students and universities, how does knowledge diplomacy serve national interests, foster trust, and en
Lights, camera, connection: how film shapes our world
How does film shape global narratives and foster understanding? And how can filmmakers navigate the challenges of representation?Whether it’s an iconic sci-fi opening that transports us to a galaxy far, far away or a documentary that reshapes the way we see the world, storytelling through film has an unparalleled power to connect diverse people across borders and cultures.In this episode of Our Wo
Future generations: acting today for a better tomorrow
This week, we examine what it means to think long-term and act as ‘good ancestors’ for future generations. How do the choices we make today shape the world of tomorrow? And how can governments, businesses, and individuals take responsibility for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future?Host Christine Wilson is joined by Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, to discuss the gro
Shaping perceptions: the global impact of soft power
In this episode of Our World, Connected, we explore the concept of soft power—what it is, how it differs from hard power, and why it’s crucial in today’s interconnected yet fractured world. From the staggering reach of K-pop to the global legacy of the Olympics, soft power shapes perceptions, builds trust, and strengthens both high level international relationships, as well as everyday community i
National identity and culture: played out on a stage
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” The words of Oscar Wilde set the stage for this episode, where we are examining the power of the theatre to inspire and connect across borders.
In this episode, we’re specifically looking at the concept of identity, in particula
Voices of change: communication in times of conflict
Welcome to the new series of Our World, Connected. We’re starting our second season by looking at the idea of ‘connection’. And we hope that the fact you are listening to this podcast is because you are interested in connecting with the wider world. And what’s the most fundamental form of connection? Communication.
In this episode, we’re looking specifically at communication during conflict. We’re
Season 2 - Trailer
Season 2 of Our World, Connected is here! Over 12 episodes, we’ll be building on the discussions we had in season 1, with a new collection of conversations and stories exploring our complex and interconnected world. Topics will include considering the role of local and independent media in supporting societies dealing with conflict, the potential of theatre, film and art to build bridges across bo
Bonus episode: on empowerment
What is needed to enable individuals and communities to have control over their lives and futures? In this mini episode of Our World, Connected, Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight at the British Council, explores the theme of empowerment by reflecting on insights shared by a wide range of speakers from Season 1.
The episode investigates three critical pathways to empowerment: acce
Bonus episode: on connection
What role does language play in uniting us across borders and cultures? In this mini episode of Our World, Connected, Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight at the British Council, explores connection through language, examining how it serves as a vital tool for building bonds, fostering empathy, and bridging cultural divides.
Drawing on insights from language education experts Harry
Bonus episode: on culture
What does culture mean to you? Is it the art we create, the traditions we carry, or the values we hold dear? In this mini episode of Our World, Connected, Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight at the British Council, delves deeper into the multifaceted nature of culture and its incredible power to connect, inspire, and heal.
Christine revisits some of the most impactful conversation
The British Council in an evolving world: reflections on 90 years of building connections
For 90 years, the British Council has been creating connections between the UK and the rest of the world. Although much has changed over the decades, its central aim of bringing people together to support peace and prosperity remains crucial.
In the final episode of our first season, host Christine Wilson is joined by Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, to explore the main the
Transnational education: A policymaking perspective
In this episode, Christine examines the rapid growth of transnational education (TNE), where students can access international learning without leaving their home countries. TNE comes in many forms, including joint degree programs, online courses, universities opening campuses abroad, and partnerships between universities across different nations.
Christine is joined by Attorney Lily Freida Mill
Are young people disengaged? The real story behind youth participation.
Almost half of the world’s population will be voting in elections in 2024. Young people, however, are less likely to join this large group of voters than older generations. Many believe this is because young people are less interested or engaged in politics and society.
In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson challenges these assumptions about youth participation and reveal
What role does English play in our multilingual world?
Around the world, 2.3 billion people speak English, and for most of them it is an extra, rather than their first, language.
In many countries, English is also used to teach most academic subjects at schools and universities – even where most of the population do not speak it as a first language.
So, what does it mean to speak English in a world with over 7,000 languages? How does its popularity
Culture and Education: Seeds of Hope in Times of Conflict
When violent conflict erupts, you might think that staging a Shakespearean play would not be a priority. You might think that developing your business skills is a luxury reserved for peaceful times. In this episode of Our World, Connected, Christine Wilson talks to two guests whose work challenges these notions.
Dr Hala Nur joins us to discuss her experience of working for the British Council dur
Youth skills in a rapidly changing world
Meet Dr John Mugo and Beria Wawira – two colleagues on a mission to empower millions of young people and parents through the Zizi Afrique Foundation in Kenya. In conversation with host Christine Wilson, they ask: are we preparing young people for success in today’s fast-paced world?
John and Beria champion innovative approaches to education that go beyond simply providing young people with academi
The power of language in difficult times
Discover how language learning can enhance well-being, unite communities, and support people displaced by conflict.
Marie Delaney, educational psychotherapist and teacher, joins host Christine Wilson to share inspiring stories of resilience from her work with refugees and displaced peoples worldwide. Together, they explore how language learning can serve as a catalyst for rebuilding lives.
We also
Climate Change and Cultural Heritage: Protecting our Past and Future
Cultural heritage is our link to the past - the stories, traditions, and places we have inherited from previous generations that shape who we are today.
In this episode, host Christine Wilson and Dr Scott Orr, a data scientist at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage, examine how climate change threatens much of this heritage around the world. We also visit Uganda where Barbra Babweteera Mu
What does AI mean for equality and inclusion?
‘AI’: two letters that conjure a whirlwind of questions, speculation, and, for many, concern. But what exactly is artificial intelligence, or ‘AI’, and how does this connect to human behaviour and society?
Join us as we peel back the layers of AI and go beyond the hype to uncover the human role behind the development and use of AI tools around the world.
In the studio, our host Christine Wilson sp
United by music: Lessons from Eurovision 2023
In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on the extraordinary moment of collaboration between Liverpool and Ukraine when they hosted Eurovision in 2023. What does this experience teach us about the power of being united through arts and culture? And what is the value – to communities, cities, and countries - in hosting cultural mega-events like Eurovision?
Join our host Christine Wilson and guest Dav
How to ensure gender equality for the next generation?
Though progress has been made, there is still a long road ahead to gender equality.
Join us as we explore existing and emerging barriers and opportunities for women’s empowerment, from deeply rooted social norms to new frontiers in technology.
In the studio, our host Christine Wilson explores the multifaceted dimensions of gender equality with Naila Kabeer, Professor of Gender and Development at t
Is culture the missing key to global progress?
Culture is fundamental to who we are as human beings. Yet it is missing from global efforts to resolve the most pressing human issues of our time.
Discover why recognising the importance of culture can open the door to a more equitable, sustainable, and connected world – and hear about priorities for action.
Our host, Christine Wilson, is joined in the studio by Professor Alexandra Xanthaki, th
Our World, Connected - Trailer
Our World, Connected is a brand-new podcast from the British Council, placing you at the heart of the biggest global conversations about culture, connection, and empowerment.
Join host Christine Wilson, Director of British Council Research and Insight, and a diverse lineup of world-renowned experts and thinkers as they examine the most pressing issues of our time - and uncover the human stories b
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