Our World, Connected

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 2025
https://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