Our World, Connected

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 — especially for young learners living through conflict.In this episode of Our World, Connected, we explore the transformative role of educational technology in some of the world's most challenging environments. With millions of children living in conflict zones today—almost double the number from just a few decades ago—access to education has taken on new urgency and new forms. Host Christine Wilson speaks with Dr. Koula Charitonos, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University, to unpack the promises, limitations, and ethical complexities of EdTech, particularly for learners facing extraordinary hardships.We also hear from Olga Pavlenko, a senior teacher and teacher trainer based in Kyiv, Ukraine, who shares her first-hand experiences teaching through a full-scale invasion — and how technology became her students' lifeline to learning. Together, Olga and Koula unpack the realities of digital education in conflict zones and refugee camps, from resilience and connection to the risks of surveillance and digital colonialism.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.Additional Resources & Links:English and Empowermenthttps://www.britishcouncil.org/english-assessment/english-programmes/english-language-empowerment Supporting schools and teachers teaching refugee children https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications/case-studies-insights-and-research/supporting-schools-and-teachers-teaching-refugee Understanding Ukrainian young people’s current concerns, needs, and hopes: Looking ahead to a future rebuilding of Ukrainehttps://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/concerns-needs-hopes-ukraine Understanding the effectiveness of professional development opportunities for teachers delivered remotelyhttps://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications/case-studies-insights-and-research/understanding-effectiveness-professional https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/learning/the-open-sanctuary-hubFollow 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

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 navigate. So how can we ensure young people develop the digital skills they need, whilst staying safe online?In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson delves into the complexities of growing up in an era of screen ubiquity. She is joined by Baroness Beeban Kidron, a leading advocate for children’s digital rights, crossbench peer in the House of Lords, and founder of the 5Rights Foundation. Together, they explore the urgent need for digital regulation, the responsibilities of governments and tech companies, and the impact of online platforms on young people’s well-being.We also hear from 17-year-old Nicole Valeria Ruiz Valencia, a data engineering and AI student from Colombia. Nicole shares how coding transformed her perspective on the world, empowering her to solve real-world problems. But she also reflects on the dangers of the digital sphere and the importance of awareness in navigating online spaces safely.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.Additional Resources & Links:Digital cultural relations: a pathway to trust? https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/digital-cultural-relations-pathway-trustSkills for inclusive digital participation: https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/non-formal-education/current-programmes/skills-inclusive-digital-participation5Rights Foundation: https://5rightsfoundation.com/about-us/ What is the Colombia Programme? - https://mintic.gov.co/colombiaprograma/847/w3-propertyvalue-916000.htmlFollow 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

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

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

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 

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 

“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 

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 investigating how both traditional and newer media platforms can help and hinder people in understanding their communities and contexts, as well as how arts and creativity can bring people together, promote dialogue, support conflict resolution and ultimately foster peace.  Host Christine Wilson is joined in the studio by Larisa Halilovic. Larisa is a consultant, and is currently the Team Leader for the UK-Government funded programme Western Balkans Media for Change. We also travel to Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo, to hear from Sandev Handy, a senior curator at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka. Throughout 2024, he has been working with an EU-funded programme, implemented by the British Council, called Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR). In their conversation, Christine and Larisa talk in depth about issues such as communicating through different languages, managing community tensions, and the art of storytelling in sensitive situations. They also touch on the impact of new technologies, such as AI, on communications, particularly the impact on the trust readers and listeners have in what they see and hear.  Sandev shares his experiences, and a powerful memory from a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, USA, where he noticed how a painting had spontaneously prompted a conversation about history and slavery. He recounts what he learnt when it came to using the arts to enable discussion around challenging issues in Sri Lanka, such as land rights, as it emerged from a period of conflict.  This episode invites you to be part of the conversation and to 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

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 borders, and how researchers and scientists are establishing intercultural connections through their work. And what do we mean when we talk about soft power?  Join Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight at the British Council, and her fascinating guests from countries including Brazil, India, Libya, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the UK.  If you’re a global citizen, or you’re just curious about the world in 2025, make sure to follow Our World, Connected wherever you get your podcasts to be the first to listen to the new season.

Discover the transformative power of education in empowering individuals and communities. Explore how technology can be both a tool for progress and a source of inequality. Delve into the importance of intergenerational cooperation, fostering connections between youth and elders. Gain insights into gender equality for the next generation and the role of language in tough times. Join a reflective journey that highlights joy and growth, while anticipating new developments on the horizon.