The British Council in an evolving world: reflections on 90 years of building connections

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 conversations from the first season, featuring insights from Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights, Scott Orr, a data scientist from the UCL Institute of Sustainable Heritage, David Watson, the Executive Director of Audiences and Media at National Museums Liverpool, and Hala Nur, a British Council colleague working in Sudan. Together, they discuss how culture transcends borders, linking people through shared values, language, art, and traditions. From the Eurovision Song Contest's unifying magic to the profound connection between culture and the environment, we unpack how culture shapes our world and fosters a deep sense of belonging. This is the first of a 3-part mini-series we’re putting together as we prepare for Season 2 of Our World, Connected, coming this January. Episodes Featured: Is culture the missing key to global progress? United by music: Lessons from Eurovision 2023 Climate Change and Cultural Heritage: Protecting our Past and Future Culture and Education: Seeds of Hope in Times of Conflict 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 

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 themes from the series—culture, connection, and empowerment— and offer insights into how the British Council builds bridges at a global scale through its work in arts and culture, education and languages. Together, Christine and Scott reflect on the organisation’s 90-year history, how it has evolved to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world, and why the British Council’s work is as relevant now as it was in the 1930s. And looking to the future, they discuss how the British Council can support the next generation to continue creating connections to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.   Dive deeper:  Digital Timeline – Celebrating 90 years of the British Council | British Council Cultural Relations Collection series – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/cultural-relations-collection  Next Generation Research series – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation 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 

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 Milla, Director of International Affairs Service at the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) in the Philippines. An experienced policymaker, Lily shares her insights into how TNE is transforming education in the Philippines and beyond. Christine and Lily discuss what makes international partnerships successful and how TNE benefits students, institutions, and the countries involved.  We also hear from filmmaker Amanda Mojilip – a TNE alumna from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, whose studies empowered her to become a voice for indigenous communities.   Join Christine and guests as they explore how transnational education is helping to make our world better connected.   Dive deeper:  Article: Toward an Improved Shared Understanding of TNE - https://tinyurl.com/TNE-shared-understanding   Our report on the value of transnational education partnerships - https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/he-science/knowledge-centre/transnational-education/value-transnational-education   Our report on managing risk and responsible transnational education partnerships - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/managing-risk-developing-responsible-transnational-education-partnerships   Discover Amanda’s work in film - https://tinyurl.com/amanda-mojilip-playlist    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

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 reveals a more optimistic picture, backed by British Council Next Generation research.   Christine speaks with two young changemakers: Disty Winata, an Indonesian activist with experience at the G20, the UN, and the British Council’s 90 Youth Voices for The Future programme, and Dhari Al-Malih, a geological engineer from Iraq who refuses to let violence define his home country and shares his story of using science for social good.   Join Christine and guests as they explore the innovative ways in which young people engage with societal issues, and ask: how can we better support young people and amplify their voices in policy decisions that will shape their futures? Learn more about this topic with British Council Next Generation research: Next Generation Iraq - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/next-generation-iraq   Next Generation Indonesia – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/next-generation-indonesia   Explore our full collection of reports and resources – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation   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

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 affect the quality of education, the learning of other languages, and the evolution of the English language itself? And how can teachers ensure inclusivity for all students, regardless of their English proficiency? Find out in this fascinating conversation between host Christine Wilson and Dr Harry Kuchah Kuchah, an expert in language education and social justice. And travel with us to Rwanda to hear first-hand experiences from Eric Mpozenzi, a trainer dedicated to developing the English language skills of the next generation of teachers. Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.  What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?  If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing [email protected] by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode Dive deeper: Discover the Future of English – https://futureofenglish.britishcouncil.org Read Harry’s paper on the challenges faced by multilingual children taught in English in Cameroon - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2023.103216 Check out Harry’s report on how children experience learning when they are taught in a language that is not familiar to them - https://doi.org/10.57884/4CZ4-TT07 Read Harry’s paper on how girls can be excluded epistemically in English medium classrooms in Rwanda - https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2159031 See the latest trends in foreign language learning in schools across England - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/language-trends-england-2024 Find out more about the STELIR project – https://www.britishcouncil.rw/programmes/education/secondary-teachers-english-language-improvement-rwanda-stelir Interested in Pidgin? Check out this study on Shakespearean plays in Pidgin and why they matter - https://tinyurl.com/pidgin-shakespeare-essay 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

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 during Sudan’s ‘forgotten war’. Hala has seen first-hand the relief that artistic expression can bring in times of war, and how education can be a beacon of hope. She highlights the extraordinary efforts and achievements of her team who continue their work in supporting arts and education, despite adversity.  Amr Gamal shares the inspiring story of his unique production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Aden, Yemen, in 2023. Amr’s story highlights the enduring power of classics and the vital role of culture in rebuilding communities.  This episode, inspired by the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah’s theme of ‘planting seeds to harvest hope’, challenges us to rethink the importance of culture and education during times of crisis. Tune in to learn how this essential work is sustained by remarkable people who are shaping a path towards a more peaceful future.  Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.  What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?  If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode Dive deeper: ‘85’: a poem by Benjamin Zephaniah - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/english-currency  Discover young Sudanese perspectives with the British Council Next Generation Sudan report - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/next-generation-sudan  Learn more about Amr Gamal’s work in theatre and film - https://theamrgamal.info  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 

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 academic or technical knowledge. In this episode, they touch on topics such as the digital divide in education, support for young people with disabilities, and why holistic youth development matters. Tune in to find out how John and Beria’s experience in East Africa compares with what young people around the world are telling the British Council through the Next Generation research programme. Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.  What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?  If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode Dive deeper: Explore our Next Generation research - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation  Found out more about the Zizi Afrique Foundation - https://ziziafrique.org/  Discover John’s work with the Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) programme - https://www.alive-reli.org/  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

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 visit Warsaw, Poland, where Zhanna Sevastianova tells us about her work in making the teaching and learning of English more trauma-sensitive, inclusive, and safe for students and teachers in Ukraine. Join us for compelling stories and an insightful conversation about the transformative power of language. Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.  What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?  If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode Dive deeper: Read Marie’s Language for Resilience report - https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/language_for_resilience_report.pdf  Learn more about Marie’s work at Trauma Responsive Education - https://trauma-ed.com  Explore Zhanna’s Teaching and Learning in Difficult Times course and project - https://www.britishcouncil.org.ua/en/teaching-and-learning-in-difficult-time  Find out more about Zhanna’s work in helping English language teachers in Ukraine to lead professional communities in their schools - https://www.britishcouncil.org.ua/en/programmes/english/schools/switlo 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 

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 Mutambi, Director of the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, is working to preserve ancient sites and support communities affected by climate change. But could cultural heritage also be part of the solution in the fight against climate change? Tune in to discover how we can all play a role in protecting our past to safeguard our future. Dive deeper: 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 Watch this video about the Bakonzo community and Barbra’s project in the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAz2ZGI-R6U Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Action report by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda - https://tinyurl.com/3fbmhs2u  Learn more about the British Council Cultural Protection Fund - https://cultural-protection-fund.britishcouncil.org/about 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

‘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 speaks to Dr Abeba Birhane, a cognitive scientist working on responsible and ethical AI at Trinity College Dublin. Meanwhile, our expert on-the-ground, Malik Afegbua, brings us his story from Lagos, Nigeria, where he is using generative AI to challenge the dominant perceptions of marginalised groups and drive inclusion through his art. In this conversation, Christine, Abeba, and Malik explore the humanity, biases, and imbalances of power behind the development and use of AI. Together, they ask: how can we steer technological advancement towards a future where AI is beneficial for everyone? Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.  What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?  If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode Dive deeper: Abeba’s latest research paper is titled "Towards AI Accountability Infrastructure: Gaps and Opportunities in AI Audit Tooling’ (March 2024). The research won a distinguished paper award at SaTML. Read it here: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.17861 Explore Malik’s Elder Series and learn more about his creative process: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-64260739 Learn about the use of AI tools in English language teaching and learning with the latest British Council report: https://teachingenglish.britishcouncil.org/artificial-intelligence-and-english-language-teaching-research-british-council  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