Our World, Connected

• 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 enhance global influence?In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson explores how international higher education, research, and innovation contribute to diplomacy and soft power. How do universities balance national and global interests? And what role do researchers play in shaping how nations are perceived on the world stage?Christine is joined by Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President of International, Engagement and Service at King’s College London, and founding Director of the African Leadership Centre. With a career dedicated to peace, leadership, and global collaboration, ‘Funmi shares her insights on the intersection of education and international cooperation, the importance of public-facing research, and the future of inclusive and impactful partnerships.We also hear from hydrologist and environmental engineer Saumya Srivastava, a current British Council Women in STEM Postdoctoral Fellow at Imperial College London. Saumya shares her journey from India to the UK, her work in water system modelling, and how international academic mobility has shaped her confidence, collaborations, and perspective on knowledge diplomacy.Listen to Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more thought-provoking discussions on culture, connection, and the power of education.https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/kno.pdfhttps://www.britishcouncil.org/education/he-science/our-work/higher-education-partnerships https://www.africanleadershipcentre.org/Follow British Council Research and Insight: Newsletter – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribe Twitter – https://twitter.com/InsightBritish Additional Resources & Links:Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight

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• 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 World, Connected, host Christine Wilson explores the role of film as a tool for cultural exchange, national identity, and social change. Can film help amplify the voices of so-called ‘marginalised communities’? What are the poetics of film-making?Christine is joined by Noé Mendelle, a documentary filmmaker and founder of the Scottish Documentary Institute. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Noé has dedicated her career to telling untold stories and mentoring emerging filmmakers through initiatives like the Stories documentary workshop, a collaboration with the British Council. Together, they discuss the power of documentary filmmaking, the intersection of truth and storytelling, and the impact of film on cultural relations.We also hear from queer rights activist and storyteller Bisi Alimi, founder of Vengiance Productions. Bisi talks about why he’s made it his mission to bring authentic queer African stories to our screens and the challenges of securing funding for underrepresented voices in the industry.Listen to Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more thought-provoking discussions on culture, connection, and the power of art.Noé Mendelle - Scottish Documentary InstituteNoé Mendelle | Close:Up EdinburghNoé Mendelle Interview: Bridging the Gap, Past & PresentVengiance ProductionsFollow British Council Research and Insight: Newsletter – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribe Twitter – https://twitter.com/InsightBritish Additional Resources & Links:Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight

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• 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 groundbreaking Well-being of Future Generations Act and how Wales is pioneering future-focused policymaking. That is, a way of thinking, governing and taking decisions that meets people's needs ‘in the here and now’, without causing long-term irreversible damage. Together, they explore the balance between sustainability and economic growth, the role of international collaboration, and what it truly means to be globally responsible.We also hear from Sarah Reay, Climate Change Manager at ICAEW and Director at the UK Youth Climate Coalition, who highlights the passion young people have for sustainability and the challenges they face in influencing policy.As global discussions on sustainability gain momentum, how can the UK lead by example? What impact could a Future Generations Act have if expanded across the country? And how can we ensure that young voices are not just heard, but truly influence the policies of the future?Listen to Our World, Connected for more thought-provoking conversations on culture, connection, and empowerment.Further Reading:Next Generation UK ResearchGlobal Perceptions Survey 2023Future Generations Commissioner for WalesUK Youth Climate CoalitionFollow British Council Research and Insight: Newsletter –https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribeTwitter –https://twitter.com/InsightBritishWebsite -https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight 

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• 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 interactions.Joining host Christine Wilson is Professor J.P. Singh, Distinguished University Professor at George Mason University and an expert in international diplomacy, trade, and cultural influence. Together, they unpack the mechanics of soft power, the ways nations wield it, and its evolving role in geopolitics: focusing on values of attraction and reciprocity, rather than coercion and dominance.We also hear from Bill Morris, international event specialist and former director of culture, education, and ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics, who shares firsthand insights on how large-scale events serve as catalysts for national identity, social cohesion, and cross-cultural dialogue. With growing global tensions, rising nationalism, and the rapid evolution of digital communication, soft power is more relevant than ever. It holds the space for finding commonalities across geo-political borders, whilst at the same time celebrating our cultural and artistic diversity. What does the future hold for soft power in an era of AI, misinformation, and shifting alliances? And how can the UK’s new Soft Power Council harness culture, creativity, and diplomacy for national and global benefit?Listen to Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more thought-provoking discussions on culture, connection, and global influence.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 

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• 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 particular national identity and national culture, and how this is played out on stage, by examining the role of national theatre and telling a nation's story both at home and in the wider world.  Host Christine Wilson is joined in the studio by Jackie Wylie. Jackie has been the Artistic Director and Chief Executive at the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) since 2017. We also travel to Argentina where we hear from Rubén Otero, who is a naval veteran of the South Atlantic conflict between the UK and Argentina. Rubén participated in the play, Minefield, which brought together veterans from both sides to explore the conflict and its impact. In the conversation, both Christine and Jackie speak about the origins of NTS from its early days in a newly devolved Scotland, and how it has evolved to articulate the diverse experiences of Scots from across the country, as well as represent Scotland on the world stage. They talk about the magic of the collective experience for the audience, and how the artform continues to adapt to engage theatregoers in our fast paced world. Rubén illustrates the power of drama in his telling of the story of making the play Minefield, in particular the experience of sharing the stage with men who were once seen as enemies.  This episode invites you to be part of the conversation and consider how we can better connect with each other, whatever the context. 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 

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