British Council September updates
Culture conference
The British Council co-convenes an international research network called ICRRA (International Cultural Relations Research Alliance) with their partners the ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
How can international cooperation based on trust withstand growing nationalism, multiple global crises, and polarized politics? What role can artists and cultural actors play in strengthening dialogue and civic diplomacy?
On 25–26 September, join ICRRA members and international experts from the fields of arts, culture, academia, and diplomacy. Keynote speaker Cecilia Milesi (Global Change Center) will share perspectives alongside diverse voices from around the world.
The conference will be held online (Zoom) in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Spanish. Full programme & registration link.
New research report
A major new publication, Alumni Voices 2025: UK Graduates, Global Influence, explores the global impact of UK university graduates and the ways in which they are shaping societies, economies, and communities around the world. Read full report.
Youth perspectives and International Youth Day
To mark International Youth Day in August, the British Council highlighted the voices of young people through a blog by Izzah Meyer, How young people are quietly rewriting global cooperation. The piece reflects on the creativity and agency of youth in reshaping global systems of collaboration.
Data for researchers
For those interested in youth research, the Next Generation UK 2024 dataset has now been deposited with the UK Data Service (SN 9414). It provides insights into the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of young people in the UK today. The British Council has noted that more datasets will be released in the coming months, with further details to follow in October.
Podcast series
The British Council’s Our World Connected podcast continues to share thought-provoking conversations across art, culture, and society. A new bonus episode, Living Stories: Art, Space and Memory, explores cultural storytelling in exhibitions, film, and the natural world, with contributions from architect and researcher Kabage Karanja (Cave Bureau), filmmaker Noe Mendelle (Scottish Documentary Institute), and artist Rosie Olang’ Odhiambo. T Previous bonus episodes in this series have examined the role of technology in shaping lives, while Teaching Hope: Conflict, Courage and Community focusses on education in conflict and post-conflict settings.
World Teachers’ Day 2025
The British Council will mark World Teachers’ Day on Thursday 9 October with a series of online webinars and events celebrating teachers worldwide.