World Questions

Morocco: Young Women and Change Jun 13, 2026 2942 A special edition of World Questions, putting young Moroccan women at the centre of a national debate about rights, faith, and family law reform. Jonny Dymond chairs a diverse panel of women’s advocates in Marrakesh as they debate issues such as child marriage, inheritance, tradition and respect for women. As a new generation pushes for change, reform is being debated openly in Morocco and this pr

Sweden May 9, 2026 2936 MPs from Sweden’s four main political parties take part in a debate with questions from a lively and diverse audience in Stockholm. Issues raised include the tightening of immigration and citizenship rules, the privatisation of education, the threat from Russia and a return to military conscription, and Sweden’s international reputation.The panel: Karin Enström, The Moderate Party Secretary-Gener

Nepal Apr 11, 2026 2915 Gen Z protestors were shot dead in the street, Nepal’s state buildings were razed to the ground, and the government collapsed last autumn. Now, after an historic election, the country is taking a step into the unknown with a new government. It is led by a rapper-turned-politician and it’s pledged to the aims of its youth. Jonny Dymond and a panel in Kathmandu debate audience questions covering th

Guyana Mar 14, 2026 2930 Although its population is small, it's the world’s fastest growing economy – thanks to the discovery of vast amounts of offshore oil and gas. But how will Guyana’s newly found wealth be distributed – and who will feel its benefits? Jonny Dymond and a panel of political leaders and businesspeople face tough questions from a lively audience in the country’s capital, Georgetown. The Panel: Ashni Si

New Zealand Feb 14, 2026 2925 High rents, rising food costs and a perceived lack of opportunities are driving young people out of New Zealand. Last year, more people left than ever before. What can be done to improve living conditions and stop the loss of young talent? The current government has opened the question of Māori land rights in a quest to exploit New Zealand's natural resources. An attempt to overturn a historic tr

Hungary Jan 17, 2026 2929 Jonny Dymond chairs a debate with leading Hungarian politicians and academics who take questions from the public across Hungary. With elections due in April, can the right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power for 15 years, hold off his main political challenger?The Panel: Andras Laszlo, MEP, Fidesz Party Timea Szabo, MP, PM Green Party Boris Kalnoky, journalist and an

Kenya Dec 6, 2025 2939 Gen Z have taken to the streets of Nairobi with mass protests that rocked the Kenyan government in recent years and led to multiple deaths. Kenya is a young country where 67% of its youth is unemployed, some of them feel that the new generation is not being listened to. Jonny Dymond chairs a panel fielding questions covering the deaths of women, inequality and whether abductions and killings in Ke

Greenland Nov 8, 2025 2925 President Trump is considering a variety of options – including military ones – to take control of Greenland. But what do Greenlanders think? Is Greenland up for sale? In this programme, politicians and the public debate independence, sovereignty, mining of rare earth minerals and Inuit human rights – some of the challenges facing the autonomous territory of Greenland. A former Danish colony, Gree

Peru Oct 11, 2025 2929 This South American country has escaped from poverty and paramilitary violence that once threatened the state itself; huge reserves of natural resources have helped boost the economy. But political instability and high crime threaten those hard-won gains, sparking mass protests across the country. President Dina Boluarte was reckoned to be one of the world’s most unpopular heads of state. The pro

Greece Sep 15, 2025 2924 Fixing Greece’s declining population is now the Government’s top priority, so how should it solve the crisis? Is the country at risk of being ruined by tourism? And could migrants from abroad help boost the Greek economy? Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and analysts taking questions from a large and lively audience at the Megaron Concert Hall in the country’s capital, Athe

Serbia Jul 14, 2025 2934 Is there a lack of democracy in Serbia? Can the current student-led protests topple the Government? Will this Balkan country ever join the European Union? Allan Little chairs a panel of leading Serbian politicians and analysts who face tough questions from across the nation.The panel: Marko Djuric: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serbian Progressive Party Borko Stefanovic: Deputy Leader, Freedom and

Malaysia Jun 14, 2025 2926 Should there be affirmative action to get more women to the top of the media? How about a law to make politicians keep their promises? Jonny Dymond chairs a diverse panel fielding questions from a passionate audience in Kuala Lumpur, as they critique their own laws on freedom of speech. The Panel: Senator Dr Fuziah Salleh: Secretary General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Deputy Minister fo

Canada Apr 13, 2025 2931 Sky-high tariffs, a federal election and US threats to annex their country: Canadians have a lot of issues to address. Jonny Dymond hosts a debate with leading politicians and people putting questions from across six time zones. Should Canada have an independent nuclear deterrent? Can it join the EU? What about housing, immigration and the climate impact on Canada’s extraordinary environment? It’s

India Mar 8, 2025 2925 India is the world’s most populous nation, it has a young population and dynamic growth rates – yet problems persist. This debate, from the country’s technology capital, Bengaluru, tackles pressing issues such as IT workers’ rights, the city’s struggling infrastructure, and the national situation for religious minorities. The discussion is led by questions from the audience and chaired by Jonny

Lithuania Feb 8, 2025 2926 It is the NATO frontline, but three years after the invasion of Ukraine, Lithuanians worry their country could be next. Defence spending is rising fast, NATO has committed a permanent brigade and Lithuanians are organising themselves into rifle clubs and citizen defence forces. The rights of minorities, US designs on Greenland and relations with Denmark all feature as Jonny Dymond and a high power

Australia Jan 14, 2025 2940 Soaring house prices, the rights of indigenous people, healthcare and knife crime – just some of the issues raised in this debate about the future of Australia. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and commentators who take questions from across this vast nation.The panel: Katy Gallagher: Minister for Finance, Labour Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: Green Party John Pesutto: L

South Africa Dec 14, 2024 2927 Gangsterism, immigration, economic inequality, land reform and whether the historic prison of Robben Island could be turned into a luxury resort: World Questions is in Cape Town to debate issues raised by South Africans thirty years after democracy came to their nation. Crime is rampant, six out of ten young people are without a job and housing is still a massive issue but this year, elections re

France Nov 20, 2024 2921 Democracy, the deepening polarisation of politics, race relations and President Macron’s grip on power – all are up for debate as Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading French politicians who take questions from the public. The panel: Eléonore Caroit: National Assembly Deputy, Renaissance Fabrice Leggeri: Member of the European Parliament, National Rally Danièle Obono: National Assembly De

Mexico Oct 15, 2024 2926 Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female President takes office while protests still rage over changes to the constitution. World Questions explores the challenges she faces with a sharply divided panel facing questions from around the country. Does scrapping the national police force and putting the army on the street, mean a safer Mexico? Will forcing the country’s judges to fight for election l

Question Time US Election Special Oct 10, 2024 2968 With less than a month until the election, the BBC’s flagship political debate programme Question Time broadcasts from the key swing state of Pennsylvania. The programme hears directly from American voters as they get the chance to put their questions to a panel of politicians and prominent figures, holding them to account on the topics which matter most as they prepare to go to the polls. On the

Albania Sep 14, 2024 2931 Mass migration, employment and opportunities, democracy, joining the EU and widespread corruption. Just some of the issues debated by a public audience in the Albanian capital, Tirana. Jonny Dymond chairs the discussion with a panel of leading politicians and civil society activists.The panel: Lavdrim Krashi: MP for the governing Socialist Party Lulzim Basha: Leader of the Euro Atlantic Democra

Mongolia Jul 13, 2024 2972 Mongolia’s economy has tripled in size since becoming a democracy 30 years ago and the sudden growth has brought many challenges. It's a nation of sweeping grassland pastures and an ever-growing Gobi desert, sealed between Russia to its north and China to its south. Such large autocratic neighbours bring a sense of threat to this fledgling democratic nation. All those issues and more are raised by

Michigan, USA Jun 8, 2024 2930 Anu Anand presents a lively debate over the lack of affordable healthcare, access to clean water, racial disparities, the war in Gaza and the upcoming Presidential election in the swing state of Michigan, USA.The panel: Sarah Anthony: Democrat State Senator John Damoose: Republican State Senator Professor Matt Grossmann: Michigan State University Kaitlyn Buss: Assistant Editorial Page Editor, Th

Spain May 13, 2024 2930 Is Spain’s unity under threat? Could a new amnesty law on Catalan independence pave the way for regions to breakaway from the kingdom? Spain is also facing complaints about corruption, a critical water shortage and a growing inequality between the old and the young. Jonny Dymond asks Spanish people how they see the future of their country.On the panel: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP for the Soc

Jordan Apr 13, 2024 2969 Gaza, The West Bank and women's rights in Jordan. As war continues in neighbouring Israel, members of the public from around the Kingdom of Jordan raise questions for political leaders and key figures to debate. Jonny Dymond presents.The panel: Senator Alia Hatoug Bouran: Former Ambassador to the United States Hadeel Abdel Aziz: Director of the Centre for Legal Aid in Jordan Senator Mohammed Al M

Philippines Mar 7, 2024 2999 Jonny Dymond presents a debate from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. A large and lively audience ask questions about Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, constitutional reform, divorce laws, poverty, transport and the record of their President, "Bong Bong" Marcos Jnr.The Panel: Justice Antonio Carpio: Former Supreme Court judge Rafaela David: President of the Akbayan Citizens Action P

Poland Feb 10, 2024 2981 After a bitter election, a new government takes power in Poland promising to de-politicise the state. But after courts are ignored, key people are sacked and opposition politicians are arrested in the Presidential Palace, is democracy being restored or undermined? Jonny Dymond chairs a panel of leading politicians as they debate the big issues put to them by the public in the Royal Castle of Wars

Norway Jan 13, 2024 2996 World Questions focusses on the future of Norway. What next for this oil rich country which is experiencing a cost of living crisis and debate over its high levels of public spending? Jonny Dymond is joined online by a panel of leading Norwegian politicians and activists taking questions from the public across the country.The panel: Hadia Tajik: Labour MP Henrik Asheim: Conservative MP Ella Marie

Zambia Dec 9, 2023 3008 It is rich in emeralds and copper, and home to Mosi oa Tunya, or Victoria Falls. It has a youthful population and one of the most stable democracies in Africa, but Zambia faces big challenges: High food prices, persistent poverty and claims that political rights are under threat. What are the country’s priorities in a fast-changing world? And what does the success of the women’s football team mean

Ecuador Nov 13, 2023 2983 Ecuador was once a relatively peaceful country, perhaps best known for its rich biodiverse landscapes, Amazonian rainforests and the world-famous Galapagos Islands. But the murder rate has quadrupled between 2018 and 2022 – an increase caused largely by the drug trade and the violence it brings. Now the country is in the grip of an unprecedented crimewave which has seen a rise in not just murders,

South Korea Oct 14, 2023 2955 The Republic of Korea is one of the twentieth century’s economic miracles. Poor at the time it split from its neighbour to the north, it now has the fastest internet on the planet and is a world-leading exporter of electronics, cars and culture. Much of what is best in the world can be found in Korea but it faces many of its hardest challenges too. Sky-high property prices, the world’s fastest-ag

Georgia Sep 17, 2023 2950 World Questions is in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Leading politicians and academics take questions from a public audience. Membership of the European Union, relations with neighbouring Russia and the environment are all up for discussion in a unique debate chaired by Anu Anand.The panel: Mariam Lashkhi: MP for the governing party, Georgian Dream Party and Deputy chair of the Foreign Affairs s

Rwanda Jul 8, 2023 3014 The genocide of 1994 left 800,000 Rwandans dead. Since then the country has been remarkably stable, millions have been brought out of poverty and it is currently one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. But there are claims by some that freedom is the price that has been paid, and a recent UN report has detailed Rwandan involvement in fighting in neighbouring DRC. Open elections, freedom of s

Trinidad and Tobago Jun 16, 2023 2962 It is the most prosperous country in the Caribbean with a rich culture, a tropical island environment, a stable democracy, and an economy based on rich resources of oil and gas. But Trinidad and Tobago is facing a surge in violent crime. The near collapse of its big neighbour Venezuela, a porous border, tens of thousands of refugees, sex trafficking and piracy have contributed to it reaching sixth

Bangladesh May 13, 2023 2974 Bangladesh is now something of a global development poster child. Born out of war more than 50 years ago, it has hauled itself out of poverty to become one of the fastest growing economies in the Asia Pacific region. But the nation still faces many challenges - climate change threatens to overwhelm its low lying lands, corruption is endemic and many critics complain that democracy and freedom of

Chile Apr 8, 2023 3049 World Questions is in Chile with a public audience and a panel of politicians and thinkers to debate the future of the country. They address the big issues such as the rewriting of the nation’s constitution, immigration, crime and policing, economic growth, social justice – and the legacy of the Pinochet era. The panel includes Lorena Fries, member of the governing coalition; Ignacio Briones, form

Iraq Mar 13, 2023 2988 Saddam Hussein was toppled as Iraq’s head of state in 2003 after US-led forces invaded the country. World Questions is in Iraq with a public audience and a panel of politicians and thinkers to mark the 20th anniversary. They address today’s issues and there is passion and excitement as Iraqis debate openly whether life is better now than it was under Saddam. Foreign influence, corruption, the righ

Iceland Feb 11, 2023 2986 Iceland is known for its rugged wilderness, booming tourist industry and a high standard of living. But this small nation in the North Atlantic is not immune from the challenges facing the rest of the world. Rising inflation is making it harder for young people to afford a home of their own. And as the globe warms, glaciers are melting and the landscape that draws so many visitors is changing.Jonn

Indonesia Jan 17, 2023 2976 The rights of indigenous peoples, the practicalities of imposing a ban on sex outside marriage, public education and how Indonesia can boost its economy to reach its full potential are some of the issues brought up for discussion by the Indonesian public.Indonesia, which is made up of over 17,000 islands stretching from Asia to Australia, faces many challenges including demands for independence in

Rome Dec 10, 2022 2948 Georgia Meloni has been sworn in as Italy’s first female Prime Minister and leader of a new right-wing government. She has committed to reducing immigration, helping families in difficulty with high energy prices and supporting Ukraine with arms and aid. Jonny Dymond, with a public audience and panel of leading politicians debate big issues facing this European democracy, including trust in polit

Malawi Nov 16, 2022 2975 Fuel shortages, electricity cuts, food security, climate change and corruption: Jonny Dymond presents a public debate in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, on these issues of national importance.Malawi is one of the poorest nations on earth with over half the population living on less than a dollar a day. How to move the country forward?A panel which includes some of Malawi’s senior politicians and

Buenos Aires Oct 8, 2022 2985 An assassination attempt on the Vice President, the impact of legalising abortion, sky-high inflation and the Falkland/Malvinas question: the big issues in Argentina are debated by an enthusiastic audience firing challenging questions at a panel of experts and political insiders in the capital. Jonny Dymond presents on location in this vibrant and vocal Latin American democracy. The Panel: De

Young Pakistan Oct 8, 2022 2966 Devastating floods, political instability, economic turmoil… as Pakistan grapples with enormous challenges, Jonny Dymond hears from a young panel of activists, academics and politicians debating questions raised by under 30s across the country. They discuss the government’s reaction to the floods, climate change, the role of women, relations with India, the role of the army in politics and what th

Commonwealth Jul 9, 2022 2993 A local audience from the city of Birmingham in the UK - soon to host the Commonwealth Games - and an audience joining via video link from across the Commonwealth put their questions to an expert panel. Anita Anand presents the debate which ranges from issues around reparations for slavery and the role of the monarchy to human rights, the environment and economic development.The panel: Anne Galla

Taiwan Jun 11, 2022 2984 Jonny Dymond debates the future of Taiwan with a panel of leading politicians and questioners from across the region discussing relations with China, migrant workers, the legalisation of cannabis and the low birth rate. He us joined by Jason Hsu, senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and former Kuomintang Party (KMT) legislator; Wen Lii, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) County Director, Matsu

Germany May 17, 2022 2975 The war in Ukraine has proved a turning point for German policy makers who have pledged to increase defence spending and wean themselves off their dependence on Russian gas and oil. But at what cost to the German public? How deep is the new consensus in Berlin? How will Germany face these new challenges in foreign policy – and energy and inflation problems at home? German politicians and opinion f

Morocco Apr 11, 2022 2994 Freedom of speech, youth and politics, child marriage and how to tackle drought - Jonny Dymond presents a public debate of national issues in Morocco’s capital Rabat. Morocco is a strategically important country. It's part of both the Arab World and the African, with strong links to both Europe and the Middle East. A panel of senior politicians and civil society leaders answer questions on differ

Estonia Mar 10, 2022 2978 Estonia is a parliamentary democracy, a member of the European Union and a post-Soviet success story right on the Nato frontline. As the war following Russia’s invasion continues in Ukraine, Estonians ask - How defensible is their country? Can it rely on Nato? And how loyal is the Russian speaking minority within its own borders? Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of Estonian politicians and opinio

Young Syria Feb 12, 2022 2981 World Questions offers a rare chance to hear a new Syrian generation debate its future. The programme is presented by the BBC’s chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, and features a panel and questioners of young Syrians from within the country – and those living abroad. Up for debate: economic sanctions, education, civil war, foreign intervention, the plight of refugees and how best to

Covid-19 and Europe Jan 17, 2022 2933 Europe faces a tidal wave of Covid infections and many countries have brought in new social measures to try to cope. There are passes that give different rights to those who are vaccinated from those who are not, some countries have curfews or lockdowns and from 1st February, Austria will make vaccines compulsory for everyone. There have been protests throughout the continent. World Questions deba

Space Politics Dec 13, 2021 2931 As a new space race develops between different nations and as private companies start to explore the possibilities of space tourism, how do we regulate and govern what happens in space? Is there a danger that the environment on earth and in space could damaged by these activities ? And what are the challenges and opportunities of space exploration? Jonny Dymond brings together an expert panel to

COP26 Nov 16, 2021 2969 Climate catastrophe threatens our planet with devastating consequences. It is in that knowledge that delegates from 197 countries came to Glasgow for the UN’s Climate Conference, COP26. Has their agreement left the world on a safer path, or is it an opportunity missed? From coal emissions to deforestation, money for developing economies and clean cars, the BBC’s Science Editor David Shukman chairs

Climate Change in the Southern Hemisphere Oct 18, 2021 2921 The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil looks ahead to the COP climate change conference in the UK with a panel of guests to discuss the world’s most pressing issues from the perspective of the southern hemisphere. She is joined by Malcolm Turnbull, former Australian Prime Minister; Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA); Mbong Akiy, spokesperson for Greenpeace Afri

Young Afghanistan Sep 17, 2021 2969 Presenter Sana Safi in London brings together a panel of young Afghan academics and campaigners to debate the country’s current crisis – and its future. The panel answers questions from young Afghans which cover the big issues of the day including how the Taliban will rule, the fate of women and political opponents and the type of international relationships Afghanistan will have with the rest of

Disability Sep 17, 2021 2964 More than a billion people are disabled - that’s 15 percent of the world’s population. With a panel of leading disabled academics, campaigners and politicians, World Questions examines the challenges and opportunities facing disabled people across the globe right now.Presenter: Scout Bassett, US Paralympic athletePanel: Ambassador Catalina Devandas: Costa Rican ambassador to the United Nations (Ge

G7 Summit Jun 13, 2021 2965 As G7 wealthiest democracies gather in the UK to discuss the world’s big issues, World Questions convenes its parallel ‘summit’ tackling questions from the public all around the world. A powerful panel representing each of the seven countries discusses the threat to democracy, climate change, and whether China is a challenge to a rule-based world order. Jonny Dymond presents. The panel: Senator R

Young Turkey May 16, 2021 2965 World Questions discusses the future of Turkey with young people from across the country.Jonny Dymond chairs a debate featuring a youthful panel of academics, lawyers and campaigners.The questioners come from across the country to debate the big issues of the day – unemployment and insecurity, student unrest on university campuses, the rights of women and the LGBT community, foreign policy and fr

The Future of Work Apr 19, 2021 2970 Life has changed in many ways in the year since the pandemic hit. Countless millions have been forced to work from home, offices have closed, livelihoods have disappeared and videoconferencing and online shopping have made huge inroads into everyday life. What will be the long term impact on the world of work?Katya Adler explores the future of work with a high level panel facing questions from the

Covid-19 and Information Mar 25, 2021 2968 World Questions tackles the global issue of Covid-19: not just the disease itself but the information surrounding the pandemic. What should we have known and what questions should have been asked? Sharing information - and understanding the basis of the decisions of the scientists and the politicians - has never been more important or more difficult. So, do we always get the best information? How

The Politics of Covid-19 Feb 14, 2021 2969 What works - and at what cost - in the fight against Covid? Jonny Dymond brings together top flight decision-makers with the public feeling the brunt of those decisions around the world. How some countries get ahead with vaccines, what the world has learned about preventing the next pandemic and whether vaccine passports are an assault on human rights - a few of the political questions on which a

The European Union Jan 16, 2021 2952 Europe Editor, Katya Adler, presents a debate focusing on the European Union post Brexit. Politicians from across the region and the political spectrum discuss tough questions put to them by the public on issues such as the EU's environmental record, migration, Brexit, bailouts, the handling of the pandemic and the future of the Union.The panel: Katja Leikert: Deputy Chair of the CDU Parliamentar

Coronavirus and Africa Jul 18, 2020 3027 As Coronavirus figures rise sharply in Africa, World Questions hears from the public across the continent and tackles some of the big social and political questions raised by the pandemic: The terrible choice between hunger and infection, police imposing lockdowns with brutality and the unexpected positives to come out of the pandemic. Presented by Toyosi Ogunseye in Lagos with panellists and ques

Coronavirus and Latin America Jun 15, 2020 3020 World Questions examines the impact of Coronavirus on Latin America. How has it dealt with the pandemic? The lockdown, the needs of the economy, cash pay-outs to the poor, culture, tradition and safety in a time of crisis are all discussed with an expert panel and questions from the public across the region. The programme is presented by Jonny Dymond and the panel of experts includesDr Denise Dres

Coronavirus and Asia May 9, 2020 3023 World Questions explores the impact of Covid-19 on Asia with a panel of leading public health experts, politicians and analysts from across the region. What can be done to slow down the spread of the virus? And how should countries balance the needs of their economies with the need to save lives? The programme is presented by Jonny Dymond and the panel includes: Manish Sisodia: Deputy Chief Mini

Coronavirus and Europe Apr 11, 2020 2997 World Questions responds to the global Coronavirus crisis with a special programme focusing on the pandemic in Europe. Jonny Dymond will explore the challenges posed by and the consequences of the outbreak of COVID-19 as he is joined by a panel of experts from across the continent who answer questions from the public. The panel:Dunja Mijatovic: Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Eu

Buenos Aires Mar 14, 2020 3036 Coronavirus , multibillion dollar debt, inflation, poverty - the new government faces a host of challenges. Will President Fernandez’s team be able to turn the tide, and see the highly-educated, resource-rich, vast and fertile Republic of Argentina return to prosperity? What about Falklands/Las Malvinas? And plans to legalise abortion in the Pope’s home country? Jonny Dymond and a panel of politi

Lagos Feb 7, 2020 3017 Nigeria is one of the world’s largest oil producers, but national infrastructure, youth unemployment and insecurity are huge challenges for its civilian government. Jihadist attacks and separatist movements threaten to tear the country apart and despite being the biggest economy south of the Sahara, extreme poverty is very high. What next for Nigeria?The BBC’s Toyosi Ogunseye is joined by a panel

Lisbon Jan 18, 2020 3027 This month, World Questions is in Lisbon to bring together leading politicians and the public to discuss the issues that matter to Portuguese people: housing, tourism, the environment and how best to grow the economy. The BBC’s Manuela Saragosa presents the programme recorded in front of an audience at the CCB Cultural Centre in Lisbon. The panel: Pedro Siza Vieira, Minister of State for the E

Houston Nov 9, 2019 3013 Gun rights, racism, climate change, impeachment ... World Questions is in downtown Houston to debate some of the big issues convulsing the United States.Congressman Joaquin Castro, Judge Lina Hidalgo, Congressman Randy Weber and State Senator Joan Huffman join Jonny Dymond to debate questions raised by the audience in Houston. BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in part

Gaborone Sep 21, 2019 3026 Botswana is an African success story: a stable democracy with a healthy economy based on diamonds and tourism. But despite many free elections since independence in 1966 only one party has ever won power. This October that could change, as a newly united opposition is fielding a single candidate for president in the forthcoming election. Worries about jobs, inequality, waste, corruption and issues

What’s the World Talking About? Aug 11, 2019 3008 Anu Anand and a panel of leading correspondents from around the world discuss the big political trends of the year. The rise of populist political parties, Brexit, powerful leaders and immigration are just some of the big issues up for discussion. Panellists include Ethiopian journalist and editor of The Addis Standard, Tsedale Lemma; Susan Glasser from the New Yorker; and BBC Europe correspondent

Helsinki Jun 15, 2019 3055 World Questions comes to Finland at a time of political change. In elections this April, the left wing Social Democratic Party won a narrow victory over the nationalist Finns Party. What does the result mean for the country? Jonathan Dimbleby is joined by leading politicians and a public audience at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki to find out. The panel: Ville Skinnari: Vice Chairman, Social Democratic

Addis Ababa May 11, 2019 3021 World Questions comes to Ethiopia at a crucial time in the country’s history. Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, has initiated a series of unprecedented reforms in his first year in office. He's made peace with Eritrea, freed 60,000 political prisoners, unbanned opposition groups and appointed women to half his cabinet. He's pledged free elections in 2020 and now faces one of his biggest chall

London Mar 9, 2019 2972 The deep divisions of Brexit Britain are explored with a raucous London audience and an expert panel. A further referendum? The Prime Minister's withdrawal deal? How has voting to leave the European Union affected Britain’s standing in the world? BBC World Questions is in the capital to debate some of the contentious issues that are still dividing the UK. Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the debate.

Yerevan Feb 9, 2019 2969 World Questions visits Armenia at a crucial time in the country’s history. Following a popular and peaceful uprising last year, the country’s new Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, won over 70% of the vote at recent elections. He says his political bloc will now lead an economic revolution that will help pull many of its people out of poverty. How will the new government deliver this transformation?

Kingston Jan 21, 2019 2971 The cannabis industry, reparations for slavery, how to tackle the fourth highest murder rate in the world: World Questions is in Jamaica to debate the big issues of a country which despite its problems has a host of successes in fields as diverse as academia, athletics, literature and reggae music. Chairing the debate in the capital, Kingston, is the BBC’s Jonny Dymond. His panel of guests are: Ka

São Paulo Dec 8, 2018 2970 Brazil’s burning issues are discussed with an audience of Brazilians at the Cultura Inglesa in São Paulo. Jonny Dymond and a panel of leading politicians and commentators tackle the recent election of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, the environment, racism and crime. On the panel: Luiz Philippe de Orléans e Bragança of the Social Liberal Party Margarida Salomão of the Workers’ Party Mércia Silva

Delhi Nov 17, 2018 2972 India’s key issues are hotly debated with a Delhi audience at the British Council’s HQ. Anu Anand and a panel of leading politicians and commentators tackle jobs, pollution, fake news and the controversy over spending $430m building the world’s tallest statue. On the panel: Sambit Patra: National spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party Saba Naqvi: Political journalist and author of Shades of

Vienna Oct 13, 2018 2972 Following a swing to the right in elections last year, Austria is governed by a coalition between the ruling Conservative People’s Party and the far-right Freedom Party. It has taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union with the motto, “A Europe that protects”, with a focus on efforts to prevent illegal immigration into the EU.Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a public debate on Austria

Copenhagen Sep 9, 2018 2972 BBC World Questions is in Copenhagen to host a debate on Denmark's future. It has a reputation for being one of the happiest places on the planet but for many that has always felt like a bit of a myth. Increasingly the challenges of immigration, integration, and high taxes are causing some Danes to question whether their country can still afford a generous welfare state. Others feel that new laws

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