Our World, Connected

Bridging worlds: dialogue, diplomacy and the soft power of culture

Our World, Connected

Show Notes

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/

More from Our World, Connected

Sep 30, 2026

What happens when a story crosses a border? Can it also help us move beyond our own boundaries?

Sep 15, 2026

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.

Sep 2, 2026

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.

Aug 12, 2026

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.

Jul 1, 2026

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

See all episodes →