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

How can culture and creativity be powerful tools for connection, diplomacy, and intercultural dialogue?

In this episode of Our World, Connected, we explore how art and cultural exchange can drive global cooperation, inspire climate action, embrace youth aspirations, and open new pathways for understanding in an increasingly divided world.

Host Christine Wilson is joined by Ambassador Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s Ambassador to the UK, and one of the country’s most experienced diplomats, for a wide-ranging conversation about the power of cultural exchange in shaping international relations. We discuss Brazil’s renewed environmental leadership, the UK's creative ties with Brazil, and the significance of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025–26, a year-long celebration of artistic collaboration and cultural diplomacy.

Also featured in the episode is British-Iranian artist Javaad Alipoor, and his work for the UK/Australia British Council season (2021-22). He reflects on the politics of art, the power of international collaboration, and the nuanced role of soft power in global cultural work.

From the UK, to Australia, and onto Brazil, this episode highlights how cultural connections can foster understanding, amplify youth voices, and inspire action across borders.

Listen to the award-winning podcast Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more thought-provoking conversations on culture, communication, and the power of collaboration.

🏆 Gold Winner for Thought Leadership at the 2025 Signal Awards.

Additional Resources:

Next Gen Brazil 2025

https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/next-generation-brazil

UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025-26

https://www.britishcouncil.org.br/en/programmes/arts/ukbrseason

The Javaad Alipoor Company

https://www.javaadalipoor.co.uk/