Culture is fundamental to who we are as human beings. Yet it is missing from global efforts to resolve the most pressing human issues of our time.

Discover why recognising the importance of culture can open the door to a more equitable, sustainable, and connected world – and hear about priorities for action.

Our host, Christine Wilson, is joined in the studio by Professor Alexandra Xanthaki, the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. We also travel to Brazil, where Pedro Affonso Ivo Franco tells us about his work as an International Consultant for Culture, Creativity and Development and how, amid the vibrant rhythms of Maracatu, culture creates new opportunities for communities.

In this first episode of ‘Our World, Connected’, Christine, Alexandra and Pedro discuss topics such as locally-led development, cultural and human rights, and whether culture deserves its own Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.

What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?

If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠researchglobal@britishcouncil.org⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode

Dive deeper:

The Missing Foundation: Culture’s place within and beyond the SDGs – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/missing-foundation-report

Pedro’s essay on the Cambinda Estrela Cultural Centre and Maracatu - https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ch4ig_essays_ivofranco_1_web.pdf

Alexandra’s role as the UN Special Rapporteur and latest reports -https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-cultural-rights

Is culture the missing key to global pro...