Our World, Connected

Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, is back for season four. Join host Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight, as she meets experts and changemakers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. Hear big ideas and personal stories about what connects us: from stories across borders to AI and the changing nature of soft power.

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In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Professor Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London and Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Together, they explore why we need a new way of thinking about economic growth, one that places creativity, culture and the common good at the heart of prosperity. They discuss the role of governments in shaping innovation, why arts and culture should be seen as essential public infrastructure, the role of imagination, and how new measures of success could help build more sustainable, inclusive economies.

We also hear from Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director and CEO of CC Hub Group and co-founder of the Creative Economy Practice at CC Hub in Nigeria. Reflecting on nearly two decades working across technology, innovation and the creative industries, Ojoma shares how Nigeria's creative economy has become a powerful source of opportunity, identity and global influence, and why creativity and digital transformation are increasingly inseparable.

This episode explores how culture can drive both social and economic innovation, strengthen communities (not just the top 1% earners), and help shape economies that create lasting public value. It asks what prosperity should practically really mean in the 21st century, and why culture is crucial if we are to place Public Value at the centre of defining the future we build together.

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.

Further resources:
Mariana Mazzucato, author of the “The Common Good Economy: A New Compass”
https://marianamazzucato.com/ 
The Missing Foundation: Culture’s place within and beyond the SDGs
https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/missing-foundation-report 
Our work in the creative economy
https://arts.britishcouncil.org/what-we-do/creative-economy

Did you know that 12 August is International Youth Day? But what happens the day after is just as important, so how can we ensure that it’s both a short-term celebration and a catalyst for lasting change?
In this special episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson revisits conversations from season 3, including previously unheard audio,  with six inspiring young people. They work across a range of fields, including climate action, health, disability rights, youth policy, culture and filmmaking.
A selection of our guests from the past season - Amanda da Cruz Costa, Bukky Adebowale, Saja Mohammed Alkadhimi, Juhi Adhikari, Caitlin Askin and Marko Pešikan  - reflect on how their identities and communities have shaped their work, the barriers young people continue to face, and the importance of having a genuine and authentic voice in decisions affecting their lives.
Marking International Youth Day and its theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’, the episode asks what meaningful youth leadership looks like and what governments, institutions and other generations must do to continue to support and engage when the global spotlight moves on.
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.

Further resources:
Next Generation research series
https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation 
Global Perceptions research series
https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/global-perceptions 
International Youth Day 2026
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026

What can football teach us about connection, community and diplomacy in an interconnected world?

In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff about football’s role as a tool for soft power, exploring how major tournaments such as the FIFA Men’s World Cup shape international relationships and global perceptions.

We also hear from Nomonde Mashabane, a coach and educator from the Soweto township of Johannesburg, South Africa. Her experiences with the British Council and Premier League’s Premier Skills programme demonstrate how football can build confidence, develop personal and social skills, and strengthen communities.

Together, their stories reveal the links between grassroots football and the global spectacle of the World Cup, showing how the game can bring people together across cultures, communities and borders.

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.

Further resources:
Premier Skills Programme 
https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/schools/premier-skills
Sport, cultural relations and peacebuilding
https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/cultural-relations-sport-peacebuilding 
Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff
https://www.lindsaysarahkrasnoff.com/

What skills will young people need to thrive in a greener, more inclusive digital future?

In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with William Mutero, Director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Rwanda, about how digital transformation and climate action are reshaping societies and opportunities around the world. Together, they explore the growing connection between digital and green skills, the importance of inclusive innovation, and why Africa is central to conversations about the future of technology and sustainability.

We also hear from Amanda Costa, Youth Advisor for the British Council’s Climate Skills programme and founder of Instituto Perifa Sustentável in Brazil. Amanda reflects on how her experiences in education, climate activism, and community leadership have shaped her understanding of sustainability, technology, and social justice, and why local knowledge and youth voices matter in building more resilient futures.

This episode explores how education, collaboration and representation can help ensure digital futures are more sustainable, inclusive and human-centred.

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.

Further resources:
Youth Connect Live: building an inclusive climate future
https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/non-formal-education/youth-connect/live/youth-connect-live-building-inclusive-climate 

Afretec Network 
https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/directory/bios/mutero-william.html

Climate Connection Hive report Skills for an Inclusive Transition: Youth realities and green opportunity pathways https://www.britishcouncil.org/climate-connection/get-involved/hive-campaign