Is there a lack of democracy in Serbia? Can the current student-led protests topple the Government? Will this Balkan country ever join the European Union?
Allan Little chairs a panel of leading Serbian politicians and analysts who face tough questions from across the nation.The panel:
Marko Djuric: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serbian Progressive Party
Borko Stefanovic: Deputy Leader, Freedom and Justice Party
Danica Ilic: Journalist
Filip Balunovic: Research fellow, University of Belgrade

World Questions: Serbia

The public's questions about issues affecting their country, recorded in a different global location each month

Should there be affirmative action to get more women to the top of the media? How about a law to make politicians keep their promises? Jonny Dymond chairs a diverse panel fielding questions from a passionate audience in Kuala Lumpur, as they critique their own laws on freedom of speech.The Panel:
Senator Dr Fuziah Salleh: Secretary General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living
Dr Tricia Yeoh: Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics and International Relations
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal: MP, Bersatu Party and Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs
Dr Vilashini Somiah: Head of the Gender Studies Programme, University of Malaya

World Questions: Malaysia

Sky-high tariffs, a federal election and US threats to annex their country: Canadians have a lot of issues to address.
Jonny Dymond hosts a debate with leading politicians and people putting questions from across six time zones. Should Canada have an independent nuclear deterrent? Can it join the EU? What about housing, immigration and the climate impact on Canada’s extraordinary environment?
It’s a deeply felt discussion as some Canadians voice a sense of betrayal from their closest ally.The Panel:
Heather McPherson: Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, New Democratic Party
Stéphane Bergeron: Former Foreign Affairs and International Trade Spokesperson, Bloc Quebecois
Kate Harrison: Conservative Strategist and Vice Chair of Summa Strategies
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith: Minister of Housing, Liberal PartyPresenter: Jonny Dymond
Producer: Charlie Taylor

World Questions: Canada

India is the world’s most populous nation, it has a young population and dynamic growth rates – yet problems persist.
This debate, from the country’s technology capital, Bengaluru, tackles pressing issues such as IT workers’ rights, the city’s struggling infrastructure, and the national situation for religious minorities.
The discussion is led by questions from the audience and chaired by Jonny Dymond.The panel:
Surabhi Hodigere: BJP spokeswoman
Kumar Naik: MP for the opposition INC Party
T.V. Mohandas Pai: Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners
Rashmi Choudhary: Vice President of Karnataka’s IT Employees Union (KITU)
Dhanya Rajendran: Journalist, The News Minute

World Questions: India

It is the NATO frontline, but three years after the invasion of Ukraine, Lithuanians worry their country could be next. Defence spending is rising fast, NATO has committed a permanent brigade and Lithuanians are organising themselves into rifle clubs and citizen defence forces. The rights of minorities, US designs on Greenland and relations with Denmark all feature as Jonny Dymond and a high power panel debate Lithuania’s biggest issues at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius. Panellists: 
•	Eugenijus Sabutis, Minister of Transport and Communications and Member of the Seimas for the Social Democrat
•	Ingrida Šimonytė, Former Prime Minister and Member of the Seimas for the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats
•	Ignas Vėgėlė, Former Presidential Candidate and Member of the Seimas for Farmers and Greens Union
•	Andrius Tapinas, Journalist, Author and Founder of Freedom TV
Presented by Jonny Dymond
Producer: Charlie Taylor

Word Questions: Lithuania

Soaring house prices, the rights of indigenous people, healthcare and knife crime – just some of the issues raised in this debate about the future of Australia. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and commentators who take questions from across this vast nation.The panel:
Katy Gallagher: Minister for Finance, Labor Party
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: Green Party
John Pesutto: Liberal Party
Alexandra Smith: Sydney Morning Herald newspaper

World Questions: Australia

Gangsterism, immigration, economic inequality, land reform and whether the historic prison of Robben Island could be turned into a luxury resort: World Questions is in Cape Town to debate issues raised by South Africans thirty years after democracy came to their nation.
Crime is rampant, six out of ten young people are without a job and housing is still a massive issue but this year, elections returned a grand coalition of multiple parties who are working together for the first time.
Jonny Dymond presents from the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town’s District Six, a place where a multi-race community is returning after forced eviction during the apartheid years. He is joined by a panel from the coalition and opposition and a Cape Town audience.
The panel:
Solly Malatsi: MP, Democratic Alliance. Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies
Naledi Chirwa: Economic Freedom Fighters. Delegate in South Africa’s Upper House, the National Council of Provinces
Khalid Sayed: MPP, African National Congress. Leader of the Opposition in Western Cape Provincial Parliament
Ashley Sauls: MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Patriotic Alliance Party in the National Assembly.

World Questions: South Africa

Democracy, the deepening polarisation of politics, race relations and President Macron’s grip on power – all are up for debate as Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading French politicians who take questions from the public.The panel:
Eléonore Caroit: National Assembly Deputy, Renaissance
Fabrice Leggeri: Member of the European Parliament, National Rally
Danièle Obono: National Assembly Deputy, France Unbowed
Florence Faucher: Professor of Political Science, Science Po UniversityProducer: Helen Towner

World Questions: France

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female President takes office while protests still rage over changes to the constitution. World Questions explores the challenges she faces with a sharply divided panel facing questions from around the country. Does scrapping the national police force and putting the army on the street, mean a safer Mexico? Will forcing the country’s judges to fight for election loosen the grip of the drug cartels? Is it time to ban bullfighting for good? What is the future for relations with the USA? Jonny Dymond presents a deeply felt debate from a country undergoing change.The Panel
Arturo Avila, Spokesperson for the governing Morena Party in the Chamber of Deputies
Denise Dresser, writer and Professor of Political Science at Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico
Vanessa Ramero, independent legal consultant and analyst
Jorge Triana, former deputy leader of PAN, the largest opposition party in the Chamber of DeputiesAudio updated on 15 October 2024

World Questions: Mexico

With less than a month until the election, the BBC’s flagship political debate programme Question Time broadcasts from the key swing state of Pennsylvania. The programme hears directly from American voters as they get the chance to put their questions to a panel of politicians and prominent figures, holding them to account on the topics which matter most as they prepare to go to the polls. On the panel, Republican and Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, Martina White and Malcolm Kenyatta; the British-American political commentator Mehdi Hasan; Bryan Lanza, who’s an adviser to presidential candidate Donald Trump; and the BBC North American correspondent, Anthony Zurcher.Chaired by Fiona Bruce, the debate was recorded at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia on 9 October 2024.

Bonus: Question Time US election special

Mass migration, employment and opportunities, democracy, joining the EU and widespread corruption. Just some of the issues debated by a public audience in the Albanian capital, Tirana. Jonny Dymond chairs the discussion with a panel of leading politicians and civil society activists.The panel:
Lavdrim Krashi: MP for the governing Socialist Party
Lulzim Basha: Leader of the Euro Atlantic Democrats
Edlira Cepani: Lawyer and human rights activist
Fiori Hoxhaj: Youth and women’s campaigner

World Questions: Albania

Nomadic life and climate change, air pollution and endemic corruption - Mongolia’s economy has tripled in size since becoming a democracy thirty years ago and the sudden growth has brought many challenges. It is a nation of sweeping grassland pastures and an ever-growing Gobi desert, sealed between Russia to its north and China to its south. Such large autocratic neighbours bring a sense of threat to this fledgling democratic nation. All those issues and more are raised by the public and debated by a panel of politicians at the moment a new coalition government is being formed. Presented by Jonny Dymond at the Chinggis Khaan Museum in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar.The panel:
Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar: Deputy Speaker of the State Great Hural (Parliament), MP for the Mongolian People’s Party and former Minister for Labour and Social Protection
Jargalan Batbayar: Chairwoman of the Democratic Women's Union and MP for the Democratic Party
Munkhnaran Bayarlkhagva: Independent Analyst, formerly of the National Security Council of Mongolia
Munkhdul Badral Bontoi: Citizens' Representative of Sukhbaatar District Council and former Parliamentary Candidate for the HUN PartyProducer: Charlie Taylor

Mongolia

Anu Anand presents a lively debate over the lack of affordable healthcare, access to clean water, racial disparities, the war in Gaza and the upcoming Presidential election in the swing state of Michigan, USA. 
The panel:
Sarah Anthony – Democrat State Senator
John Damoose – Republican State Senator 
Professor Matt Grossmann – Michigan State University 
Kaitlyn Buss – Assistant Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
Jennifer Root –Executive Director of SEIU union, Michigan
Producer: Helen Towner

World Questions: Michigan, USA

Could a new amnesty law on Catalan independence threaten Spain's unity? The nation is also facing complaints about corruption, a critical water shortage and a growing inequality between the old and the young. Jonny Dymond asks Spanish people how they see the future of their country.On the panel:
Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP for the Socialist party which leads the government.
Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from the People’s Party.
Alfred Bosch, writer, historian and a long term member of the pro Catalan independence party Esquerra Republicana.
Gabriela Bustelo, writer and political columnist.Producer: Steven Williams

World Questions: Spain

Gaza, the West Bank and women's rights in Jordan. As war continues in neighbouring Israel, members of the public from around the Kingdom of Jordan raise questions for political leaders and key figures to debate. Jonny Dymond presents.The panel:
Senator Alia Hatoug Bouran: Former Ambassador to the United States
Hadeel Abdel Aziz: Director of the Centre for Legal Aid in Jordan
Senator Mohammed Al Momani: Former Government Spokesman
Oraib Al Rantawi: Director of the Al Quds Centre for Political StudiesProducer: Charlie TaylorAudio for this episode was updated on 17th April 2024

World Questions: Jordan

Jonny Dymond presents a debate from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. 
A large and lively audience ask questions about Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, constitutional reform, divorce laws, poverty, transport and the record of their President, "Bong Bong" Marcos JnrPanel -
Justice Antonio Carpio - former Supreme Court judge Rafaela David - President of the Akbayan Citizens Action Party Richard Heydarian - author and journalist Roberto Galang - Dean of School of Management at Ateneo de Manila University

World Questions: the Philippines

After a bitter election, a new government takes power in Poland promising to de-politicise the state. But after courts are ignored, key people are sacked and opposition politicians are arrested in the Presidential Palace, is democracy being restored or undermined?
Jonny Dymond chairs a panel of leading politicians as they debate the big issues put to them by the public in the Royal Castle of Warsaw.The Panel:
Mateusz Morawiecki, MP: Former Prime Minister of Poland, Vice President of Law and Justice Party
Senator Magdalena Biejat: Deputy Marshal of the Senate, Co-leader of Razem.
Agnieszka Pomaska, MP: Vice Chair EU Affairs Committee, National Board member of Civic Platform
Krzysztof Bosak, MP: Co-leader of the Confederation and Independence Party(Photo: Participants in the Poland's Independence Day march organised by nationalist groups in Warsaw. Photo by Wojtek Radwanski / AFP / Getty Images)Producer: Charlie Taylor

World Questions: Poland

What next for this oil rich country which is experiencing a cost of living crisis and debate over its high levels of public spending? Jonny Dymond is joined online by a panel of leading Norwegian politicians and activists taking questions from the public across the country.The panel:
Hadia Tajik: Labour MP
Henrik Asheim: Conservative MP
Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen: Sami musician and environmental campaigner
Nils August Andresen: Economist and historianProducer: Helen Towner

World Questions: Norway

It is rich in emeralds and copper, and home to Mosi oa Tunya, or Victoria Falls. It has a youthful population and one of the most stable democracies in Africa, but Zambia faces big challenges: High food prices, persistent poverty and claims that political rights are under threat. What are the country’s priorities in a fast-changing world? And what does the success of the women’s football team mean for Zambian women’s rights? Jonny Dymond chairs as leading politicians and thinkers debate questions suggested by an audience on location in Lusaka.The panel:
Cornelius Mweetwa, MP: Minister for Media and Information, Government Spokesperson
Linda Kasonde: Former President of the Law Association of Zambia, and Executive Director of Chapter One Foundation
Chishala Kateka: Economist and Leader of the New Heritage Party
Brian Mundubile, MP: Former leader of the Opposition, and former Minister for Northern ProvincePresenter: Jonny Dymond
Producer: Charlie Taylor

World Questions: Zambia

Ecuador was once a relatively peaceful country, perhaps best known for its rich biodiverse landscapes, Amazonian rainforests and the world-famous Galapagos Islands. But the murder rate has quadrupled between 2018 and 2022 – an increase caused largely by the drug trade and the violence it brings. Now the country is in the grip of an unprecedented crimewave which has seen a rise in not just murders, but also kidnappings, extortion and widespread corruption.
Last month, Ecuador elected a new President, the billionaire businessman Daniel Noboa who at just 35, will be the country’s youngest ever leader. Can this politically inexperienced newcomer tackle the powerful drug cartels? With just 18 months until the next election and no majority in the National Assembly - what are his chances?
Jonny Dymond presents a panel of Ecuadorean politicians and campaigners as they debate the big issues and questions from the public across the country.The panel:
Andrea Gonzalez Nader: Environmental activist, entrepreneur, and politician
Guillaume Long: Former Ecuadorean Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Rafael Correa
Leo Cerda: Climate activist and indigenous rights defender
Maria Sol Borja: Political journalist

World Questions: Ecuador

The Republic of Korea is one of the twentieth century’s economic miracles. Poor at the time it split from its neighbour to the north, it now has the fastest internet on the planet and is a world-leading exporter of electronics, cars and culture.
Much of what is best in the world can be found in Korea but it faces many of its hardest challenges too. Sky-high property prices, the world’s fastest-ageing population, a highly pressurised and competitive society, and as they face the difficult prospect of working and raising a family, 65 percent of Korean women are choosing not to have children. Along with all this, is the worry about the country that shares the Korean Peninsula, Kim Jong Un’s nuclear-armed North Korea.
Jonny Dymond presents a panel of Korean politicians and experts as they debate questions from the public across the country.
The panel:
Kyung-wha Kang: Former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea and Distinguished Professor at Yonsei University
Chung-Min Lee: Former Ambassador for National Security Affairs and Ambassador for International Security Affairs. University Professor at Kaist, and Senior Fellow at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Hee-kyoung Cho: Professor of Law at Hongik University and a columnist for The Korea Times
Hawon Jung: Author of Flowers of Fire about the Korean ‘MeToo’ women’s movement

World Questions:South Korea

World Questions is in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Leading politicians and academics take questions from a public audience. Membership of the European Union, relations with neighbouring Russia and the environment are all up for discussion in a unique debate chaired by Anu Anand.The panel:
Mariam Lashkhi: MP for the governing party, Georgian Dream Party and Deputy chair of the Foreign Affairs select committee
Tina Bokuchava: MP for the opposition party, United National Movement (UNM)
Kornely Kakachia: Professor of Political Science at Tbilisi State University
Levan Ghambashidze: PhilosopherProducer: Helen Towner

World Questions: Georgia

Open elections, freedom of speech, international meddling, and national reconciliation all come up in a wide-ranging debate with questions raised by Rwandans around the world to a selected panel: Victoire Ingabire: Opposition activist and Founder of Development and Liberty for All Party Albert Rubatsimburwa; Political commentator and writer for the New Times Gonzaga Muganwa; Journalist, former executive secretary of the Rwanda Journalists Association Frank Habineza MP; Founder of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda. Chaired by Jonny Dymond.

World Questions: Rwanda

It is the most prosperous country in the Caribbean with a rich culture, a tropical island environment, a stable democracy, and an economy based on rich resources of oil and gas. But Trinidad and Tobago is facing a surge in violent crime. The near collapse of its big neighbour Venezuela, a porous border, tens of thousands of refugees, sex trafficking and piracy have contributed to it reaching sixth place in the crime rates of the world. What can be done? How does this two island oil-rich state see its place in a changing world? Jonny Dymond chairs a panel of politicians and thinkers debating challenging questions from the public in the capital, Port of Spain.The panel:
Stuart Young MP: Minister for Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
Anita Haynes MP: Shadow Minister for Education
Marlene Attzs: Economist, University of the West Indies, St Augustine
Lawrence Arjoon: Chief Executive Officer of the Heroes Foundation

World Questions: Trinidad and Tobago

Bangladesh is now something of a global development poster child. Born out of war more than 50 years ago, it has hauled itself out of poverty to become one of the fastest growing economies in the Asia Pacific region. But the nation still faces many challenges - climate change threatens to overwhelm its low lying lands, corruption is endemic and many critics complain that democracy and freedom of speech are under pressure.Four prominent politicians and analysts face questions from listeners about the future of their country: Dr Salim Mahmud, the Secretary for Information and Research, Central Executive Committee, Awami League party; Shama Obaed Islam, Organising Secretary Bangladesh Nationalist Party; Shahidul Alam, photographer and social activist; Tania Amir, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court in Bangladesh.Presenter: Jonny Dymond
Producer: Steven Williams

World Questions: Bangladesh

World Questions is in Chile with a public audience and a panel of politicians and thinkers to debate the future of the country. They address the big issues: the rewriting of the nation’s constitution, immigration, crime and policing, economic growth, social justice – and the legacy of the Pinochet era. The panel:
Lorena Fries: Member of the governing coalition
Ignacio Briones: Former Minister of Finance 
Alejandra Matus: Author and academic 
Jose de Gregorio: Dean of Economics and Business at the University of Chile Presenter: Jonny Dymond
Producer: Helen Towner 
Sound Engineers: Kate Barker and Ian MitchellBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council, which connects the UK and the world through arts, culture, education and the English language.

World Questions: Chile

Saddam Hussein was toppled as Iraq’s head of state in 2003 after US-led forces invaded the country. World Questions is in Iraq with a public audience and a panel of politicians and thinkers to mark the 20th anniversary. They address today’s issues and there is passion and excitement as Iraqis debate openly whether life is better now than it was under Saddam. Foreign influence, corruption, the rights of women and Iraq’s potential as a tourist destination are all discussed by a panel facing questions from the public.The panel:
Mohamed Al Daraji: Senior Advisor on Technical Matters to the Prime Minister of Iraq
Suadad Al Salhy: Senior Reporter for Middle East Eye
Tara Berhan Shwani: Senior Associate International Republican Institute
Dhiaa Al Asadi: Former leader of the Sadrist Bloc in ParliamentPresenter: Jonny Dymond
Producer: Charlie Taylor

World Questions: Iraq

Iceland is known for its rugged wilderness, booming tourist industry and a high standard of living. But this small nation in the North Atlantic is not immune from the challenges facing the rest of the world. Rising inflation is making it harder for young people to afford a home of their own. And as the globe warms, glaciers are melting and the landscape that draws so many visitors is changing.Jonny Dymond is in Reykjavik with a public audience and panel of leading politicians and commentators to debate the big issues facing this ancient democracy, including whale hunting, immigration, sustainable tourism and how to protect Iceland’s unique culture from increasing globalisation.Producer: Steven Williams

World Questions: Iceland

The rights of indigenous peoples, the practicalities of imposing a ban on sex outside marriage, public education and how Indonesia can boost its economy to reach its full potential are some of the issues brought up for discussion by the Indonesian public.Indonesia, which is made up of over 17,000 islands stretching from Asia to Australia, faces many challenges including demands for independence in several provinces, environmental degradation, food insecurity and a capital city that is slowly sinking into the ground. In this virtual edition of World Questions, Jonny Dymond asks Indonesians how they see the future of their country.The panel:
Sandiaga Uno: Minister for Tourism and the Creative Economy
Rukka Sombolinggi: Secretary General, Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN)
Yenny Wahid: Director of Wahid Institute
Andreas Harsono: Human Rights Watch, IndonesiaProducers: Steven Williams and Helen Towner

World Questions: Indonesia

Georgia Meloni has been sworn in as Italy’s first female Prime Minister and leader of a new right-wing government. She has committed to reducing immigration, helping families in difficulty with high energy prices and supporting Ukraine with arms and aid.
Jonny Dymond, with a public audience and panel of leading politicians debate big issues facing this European democracy, including trust in politics, war in Europe and LGBTQ rights.On the panel:
Nicola Procaccini MEP: Head of Energy and Environment for Fratelli D’Italia
Christian Di Sanzo MP: PD Deputy for North and Central America
Senator Alessandra Maiorino: Deputy Leader of Movimento 5 Stelle in the Senate
Paola Tommasi: Economic Advisor to Forza Italia and Columnist for Il Tempo

World Questions: Italy

Fuel shortages, electricity cuts, food security, climate change and corruption: Jonny Dymond presents a public debate in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, on these issues of national importance.Malawi is one of the poorest nations on earth with over half the population living on less than a dollar a day. How to move the country forward?The panel includes some of Malawi’s senior politicians and campaigners who answer questions posed directly by the audience.The panel:
Gospel Kazako: Minister for Information and Government spokesman
Marie Mainja: Of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
Chikondi Chijozi: Lawyer and a commissioner on the Malawian Human Rights Commission
Charles Kajoloweka: Founder and Executive Director of Youth and Society (YAS)BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council, which connects the UK and the world through arts, culture, education and the English language.
(Photo: Women and Children in Lilongwe, Malawi)

World Questions: Malawi

China’s claims that the ‘breakaway’ island of Taiwan has always been part of its territory, has led some to believe that Beijing will be emboldened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and will move to annex the island. With President Xi Jinping’s crackdown on freedoms and democracy in Hong Kong, the Taiwanese are becoming more nervous - particularly as President Putin proclaimed Russia is building a new "democratic world order" with China. But if China were to invade Taiwan how would the West respond – particularly the USA?

Global Questions: Taiwan, a flashpoint for China and the West?

An assassination attempt on the Vice President, the impact of legalising abortion, sky-high inflation and the Falkland/Malvinas question: the big issues in Argentina are debated by an enthusiastic audience firing challenging questions at a panel of experts and political insiders in the capital.
Jonny Dymond presents on location in this vibrant and vocal Latin American democracy.The Panel:
Delfina Rossi: Economist and Director of Banco Cuidad
Emmanuel Ferrario: Vice Chief of Government for the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires
Ana Iparraguirre:, Political Analyst and Senior Vice President of GBAO Consulting
Agostina Mileo: Environmental Scientist and Feminist Activist

World Questions: Buenos Aires

Devastating floods, political instability, economic turmoil… as Pakistan grapples with enormous challenges, Jonny Dymond hears from a young panel of activists, academics and politicians debating questions raised by under 30s across the country. They discuss the government’s reaction to the floods, climate change, the role of women, relations with India, the role of the army in politics and what their future vision is for Pakistan, a country with the fifth largest population in the world.The panel:
Maria Malik: Director of Research, Balochistan Think Tank Network, Quetta
Rehan Zeb Khan: Chairman, Tribal Youth Forum Pakistan and member of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council of Pakistan
Ailia Zehra: Former Editor, Naya Daur Media and The Friday Times
Ammar Ali Jan: Founder and President of Haqooq-e-Khalq Movement

World Questions: Young Pakistan

Is the Commonwealth of Nations still relevant?

World Questions: Commonwealth

World Questions debates the future of Taiwan. Jonny Dymond presents the programme with a panel of leading politicians and questioners from across the region discussing relations with China, migrant workers, the legalisation of cannabis and the province's low birth rate.The panel:
Jason Hsu, Senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and former Kuomintang Party (KMT) legislator
Wen Lii, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Country Director, Matsu Islands
Emily Wu, Podcaster and journalist
Professor Kerry Brown, Director, Lau China Institute at King's College London

World Questions: Taiwan

The war in Ukraine has proved a turning point for German policy makers who have pledged to increase defence spending and wean themselves off their dependence on Russian gas and oil. But at what cost to the German public? How deep is the new consensus in Berlin? How will Germany face these new challenges in foreign policy and energy and inflation problems at home?
German politicians and opinion formers take questions from a live audience at Berlin's Humboldt University in a debate chaired by Jonny Dymond.The panel:
Nils Schmid: SPD MP and foreign affairs spokesperson
Johann Wadephul: CDU MP and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Daniela Schwarzer: Political scientist and Open Society Executive Director for Europe
Franziska Brantner: Green Party MP and Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic AffairsBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council, which connects the UK and the world through arts, culture, education and the English language.

World Questions: Germany

Freedom of speech, youth and politics, child marriage and how to tackle drought - Jonny Dymond presents a public debate of national issues in Morocco’s capital Rabat, where a panel of senior politicians and civil society leaders answer questions on subjects posed directly by an audience. The panel:
Younes Sekkouri MP: Minister for Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills
Khaoula Lachguar: Member of the National Council of the USFP (Socialist Union of Popular Forces Party)
Manal Alattir: Social Entrepreneur and President of the Womenomics Institute
Mustapha El Khalfi: Former Government Spokesperson and Minister of CommunicationsProducer: Charlie TaylorBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council, which connects the UK and the world through arts, culture, education and the English language.

World Questions: Morocco

Estonia is a parliamentary democracy, a member of the European Union and a post-Soviet success story right on the Nato frontline.
As the war following Russia’s invasion continues in Ukraine, Estonians ask - How defensible is their country? Can it rely on Nato? And how loyal is the Russian speaking minority within its own borders? Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of Estonian politicians and opinion formers who field urgent questions from across the country.The panel includes:
President Kersti Kaljulaid: Former President of Estonia
Marko Mihkelson MP: Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Yana Toom MEP
Kristi Raik: Director of the Estonian Foreign Policy InstituteBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Estonia

World Questions offers a rare chance to hear a new Syrian generation debate its future. 
The programme is presented by the BBC’s chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, and features a panel and questioners of young Syrians from within the country – and those living abroad.
Up for debate: economic sanctions, education, civil war, foreign intervention, the plight of refugees and how best to achieve a lasting peace.The panel includes:
Karim Khwanda: Businessman and analyst
Masa Akbik: TV Presenter, Syrian Satellite Channel
Ismail Alabdullah: Volunteer with the Syria Civil Defence
Omar Alshogre: Human rights activistBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Young Syria

Europe faces a tidal wave of Covid infections and many countries have brought in new social measures to try to cope. There are passes that give different rights to those who are vaccinated from those who are not, some countries have curfews or lockdowns and from 1st February, Austria will make vaccines compulsory for everyone. There have been protests throughout the continent. World Questions debates the response to the pandemic with political leaders and questioners from across the continent.Panel:
Karoline Edtstadler: Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution in Austria
Thierry Baudet MP: Leader of Forum for Democracy in the Netherlands
Professor Agnes Wold: Chief Physician of the Department of Infectious Diseases in Gothenburg University, Sweden
Eva Kaili, MEP: Chair of the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and TechnologyPresenter: Jonny DymondBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Covid-19 and Europe

As a new space race develops between different nations and as private companies start to explore the possibilities of space tourism, how do we regulate and govern what happens in space? Is there a danger that the environment on earth and in space could damaged by these activities ? And what are the challenges and opportunities of space exploration? Jonny Dymond brings together an expert panel to answer questions posed by World Service listeners from all over the globe. The panel includes: former astronaut and commander of the International Space Station Chris Hadfield, Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA), Jane Poynter, US aerospace executive and founder of Space Perspective, a luxury space travel company and David Valentine, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota. (Photo: The Ariane 5 rocket lifts off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Credit: JODY AMIET/AFP via Getty Images)

World Questions: Space Politics

Climate catastrophe threatens our planet with devastating consequences. It is in that knowledge that delegates from 197 countries came to Glasgow for the UN’s Climate Conference, COP26. Has their agreement left the world on a safer path, or is it an opportunity missed? From coal emissions to deforestation, money for developing economies and clean cars, the BBC’s Science Editor David Shukman chairs a debate which covers the big issues with questions coming from all over the world.The panel includes Zainab Waheed, 16-year-old climate activist and Pakistan’s delegate to Youth4Climate; Philip Dunne MP, chair of the UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee; Senator Loren Legarda, deputy speaker of the Philippines House of Representatives; and Dr Tara Shine, climate adviser and director of Change By Degrees.Producer: Charlie TaylorBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.(Photo: Satellite view of hurricane Dorian, 2019. Credit: Roberto Machado Noa, Moment, Getty)

World Questions: What the world makes of COP26

World Questions looks at the environment, with a special programme from Australia. The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil looks ahead to the COP climate change conference in the UK with a panel of guests to discuss the world’s most pressing issues from the perspective of the Southern Hemisphere. The panel includes: Malcolm Turnbull - former Australian Prime Minister Juliet Kabera - Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Mbong Akiy - spokeswoman for Greenpeace Africa Natalia Greene - environmental campaigner in Ecuador Producers: Helen Towner and Steven Williams Engineers: Darren Brown, Ian Mitchell and Duncan Hannant BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council. (Photo: A family wading through sea water that flooded their village In Kiribati Credit: Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket/Getty Images)

World Questions: Climate Change - Southern Hemisphere

Presenter Sana Safi in London brings together a panel of young Afghan academics and campaigners to debate the country’s current crisis – and its future. The panel answers questions from young Afghans which cover the big issues of the day including how the Taliban will rule, the fate of women and political opponents and the type of international relationships Afghanistan will have with the rest of the world. The panel includes: Faiz Zaland: Academic and commentator who lectures in Public Administration and Policy at the University of Kabul Dr Omar Sadr: Author and academic who lectures in Politics at the American University of Afghanistan Mariam Wardak: Former security advisor to the Afghan National Security Council and the founder of Her Afghanistan, an organisation which promotes women’s rights in the country Haroun Rahimi: Assistant Professor of Law at the American University of Afghanistan Producers: Helen Towner and Steven Williams Sound Engineers: Rob Symington, Chris Weightman and Duncan Hannant (Photo: Silhouetted man waving Afghanistan flag on top of the mountain peak, Credit: zefart/Getty Images)

World Questions: Young Afghanistan

More than a billion people are disabled - that’s 15 percent of the world’s population. With a panel of leading disabled academics, campaigners and politicians, World Questions examines the challenges and opportunities facing disabled people across the globe right now. Presenter: Scout Bassett, US Paralympic athlete Panel: Ambassador Catalina Devandas: Costa Rican ambassador to the United Nations (Geneva) Yetnebersh Nigussie: Ethiopian disability rights campaigner (Kenya) Baroness (Tanni) Grey-Thompson: Former Paralympic athlete (UK) Judy Heumann: Campaigner and former advisor to President Obama (USA) Producers: Helen Towner, Steven Williams and Victoria Brignell BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council. (Image: Disability rights protesters at a rally outside a New York courthouse, Credit: Erik McGregor/Getty Images)

World Questions: Disability

As G7 wealthiest democracies gather in the UK to discuss the world’s big issues, World Questions convenes its parallel ‘summit’ tackling questions from the public all around the world. A powerful panel representing each of the seven countries discusses the threat to democracy, climate change, and whether China is a challenge to a rule-based world order. Jonny Dymond presents. The panel: Senator Rui Matsukawa: Vice-Minister for Defence and for the Cabinet Office, Japan Bob Rae: Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations Nathalie Tocci: Director of the Italian Institute for International Affairs Christian Makarian: Former Foreign Affairs Editor of the French newspaper L’Express Christopher Hill: US Former Ambassador to Iraq Daniela Schwarzer: Executive Director of Open Society Foundations for Europe and Eurasia, based in Germany Tom Tugendhat, MP: Chair of the UK’s Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Producers: Charlie Taylor and Helen Towner Assistant Producer Steven Williams Sound Engineers: Darren Wardrobe, Mark MacDonald and Bob Nettles BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council. (Photo: G7 flags in circle on world map background, Credit: Kachura Oleg / Getty Images)

World Questions: G7 Summit

World Questions discusses the future of Turkey with young people from across the country. Jonny Dymond chairs a debate featuring a youthful panel of academics, lawyers and campaigners. The questioners come from across the country to debate the big issues of the day – unemployment and insecurity, student unrest on university campuses, the rights of women and the LGBT community, foreign policy and freedom of speech. Producers: Helen Towner and Charlie Taylor Sound Engineers: Chris Weightman and Ronan Loftus (Photo: Three young women wear their protective face masks while shopping in Ankara, Credit: Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images)

World Questions: Young Turkey

Life has changed in many ways in the year since the pandemic hit. Countless millions have been forced to work from home, offices have closed, livelihoods have disappeared and videoconferencing and online shopping have made huge inroads into everyday life. What will be the long term impact on the world of work?Katya Adler explores the future of work with a high level panel facing questions from the public around the world. What will stay changed, what will happen next and what will we miss from the way things were?The panel:
Nicolas Schmit: EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Molly Kinder: David M. Rubenstein Fellow at the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Programme
Manish Bahl: Senior Director, Centre for the Future of Work at Cognizant, Asia Pacific
Ivan Petrella: Former Director of Argentina 2030. Fellow of the Center for Internet and Society – Harvard UniversityProducers: Charlie Taylor and Helen Towner
Sound Engineers: Ian Mitchell and Mark MacDonaldBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: The future of work

World Questions tackles the global issue of Covid-19: not just the disease itself but the information surrounding the pandemic. What should we have known and what questions should have been asked? Sharing information - and understanding the basis of the decisions of the scientists and the politicians - has never been more important or more difficult. So, do we always get the best information? How do we interpret the science and the policies that goes with it? And how does the world’s media respond to a pandemic? How have any of us - politicians, health experts and journalists - communicated with the public?As we try and get to grips with the best way to share information about what is really happening, what’s the best way to deal with “fake news” – is it a major force or a distraction from the crisis? And what’s the best counter to it? Attack it, understand it, or ignore it? In our digital world, can it ever be eradicated or regulated?The BBC’s Media Editor, Amol Rajan, is joined by four leading experts from around the world and members of the public with their questions.The panel:Nick Pickles: Senior Director, Public Policy Strategy and Development, Twitter.
Zeynep Tufekci: Sociologist and writer
Eliot Higgins: Investigative journalist, founder of Bellingcat
Margaret Harris: Spokesperson for the World Health OrganisationProducers: Helen Towner and Charlie Taylor
Studio Engineers: Ronan Loftus and Duncan HannantBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Covid-19 and information

What works - and at what cost - in the fight against Covid? Jonny Dymond brings together top flight decision-makers with the public feeling the brunt of those decisions around the world. How some countries get ahead with vaccines, what the world has learned about preventing the next pandemic and whether vaccine passports are an assault on human rights - a few of the political questions on which a global panel from Singapore, USA, Kenya, South Korea and the United Kingdom, compare notes.On the panel:
Nadhim Zahawi, MP: UK Minister for Covid-19 Vaccine Deployment
Sabina Chege, MP: Chair of Parliamentary Committee on Health, Kenya
Prof Kenneth Mac: Director of Medical Services, Singapore
Jennifer Nuzzo: Director of The Outbreak Observatory, Johns Hopkins University, USA
Jie-Ae Sohn: Former CNN Bureau Chief in Seoul and Advisor to the World BankBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.Producers: Charlie Taylor and Helen Towner
Assistant Producer: Steven Williams
Studio Engineers: Chris Weightman, Ian Mitchell and Giles Aspen

World Questions: The politics of Covid-19

Europe Editor, Katya Adler, presents a debate focusing on the European Union post Brexit. Politicians from across the region and the political spectrum discuss tough questions put to them by the public on issues such as the EU's environmental record, migration, Brexit, bailouts, the handling of the pandemic and the future of the Union.

World Questions: The European Union

Rivalry between Trump’s United States and Xi’s China is rampant: from disagreements on trade tariffs, on Hong Kong and the Uighurs and, of course, the source of Covid-19. But underlying it all is the growing tech war between these two economic superpowers, with giants like Huawei on the battlefield. For its part, China denies access to Google, Facebook, Twitter and many other American firms. Central to this growing tech war are semiconductors - the cornerstone technology of the information age and key to the US-China tech war. Semiconductors are crucial for microchips which in turn are needed for making everything from smart phones to satellite weapons systems. Zeinab Badawi and a panel of experts answer question from listeners around the world.

Global Questions: Who’s winning the USA-China tech wars?

The terrible choice between hunger and infection, police imposing lockdowns with brutality and the unexpected positives to come out of the pandemic in Africa. Presenter Toyosi Ogunseye in Lagos examines these issues with panellists Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa; Bright Simons, social entrepreneur based in Congo and president of mPedigree, Ghana; Sabina Chege MP, Health Select Committee Chair, Kenya; Ralph Mathekga, political analyst and writer, South Africa.

World Questions: Coronavirus and Africa

How has Latin America dealt with the pandemic? The lockdown, the needs of the economy, cash pay-outs to the poor, culture, tradition and safety in a time of crisis are all discussed with an expert panel and questions from the public across the region. Presenter Jonny Dymond is joined by Dr Denise Dresser, political scientist, Mexico; Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Braganca, Chamber of Representatives, Social Liberal Party, Brazil; Laura Alonso, former head of Argentina's Anti-Corruption office; Margarita Lopez Maya, Venezuelan historian; Dr Marcus Espinal, Pan American Health Organisation.

World Questions: Coronavirus and Latin America

The impact of Covid-19 on Asia is explored with a panel of leading public health experts, politicians and analysts from across the region. What can be done to slow down the spread of the virus? And how should countries balance the needs of their economies with the need to save lives?

World Questions: Coronavirus and Asia

World Questions responds to the global Coronavirus crisis with a special programme focussing on the pandemic in Europe. Jonny Dymond will explore the challenges posed by and the consequences of the outbreak of COVID-19 as he is joined by a panel of experts from across the continent who answer questions from the public. The panel: Dunja Mijatovic: Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe Margaret Harris: World Health Organisation Richard Horton: Editor in Chief of The Lancet Nathalie Tocci: Political analyst and Director of the Institute of International Affairs Danae Kyriakopoulou: Economist from OMFIF, the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum, an independent financial think tank BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Coronavirus and Europe

Coronavirus , multibillion dollar debt, inflation, poverty - the new government faces a host of challenges. Will President Fernandez’s team be able to turn the tide, and see the highly-educated, resource-rich, vast and fertile Republic of Argentina return to prosperity? What about Falklands/Las Malvinas? And plans to legalise abortion in the Pope’s home country? Jonny Dymond and a panel of politicians discuss the fascinating future of Argentina.

The recent upsurge in violence against foreigners, mostly from elsewhere in Africa, is raising fears that xenophobic attacks in South Africa are on the rise. Political leaders from across party divides have been accused of tapping into existing anti-African sentiment and have helped create a hostile environment and stoked anti-immigrant sentiment for political gain rather than addressing the issues of poverty and job creation. But where does this Afrophobic violence have its roots and what does it mean for its relationships with neighbouring countries across the continent?

Global Questions: Is South Africa afrophobic?

Nigeria is one of the world’s largest oil producers, but national infrastructure, youth unemployment and insecurity are huge challenges for its civilian government. Jihadist attacks and separatist movements threaten to tear the country apart and despite being the biggest economy south of the Sahara, extreme poverty is very high. What next for Nigeria?The BBC’s Toyosi Ogunseye is joined by a panel of leading politicians and opinion formers for a public debate in Lagos, the country’s largest city.The panel:
Chude Jideonwo, Social Entrepreneur
Dr Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Professor of Mass Communication, University of Lagos
Joe Igbokwe, Former Lagos State Spokesman of governing APC
Aisha Yesufu, Human Rights ActivistBBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Lagos

This month, World Questions comes to Lisbon to bring together leading politicians and the public to discuss the issues that matter to Portuguese people: education and public health services, the environment, housing, tourism and how best to grow the economy. The programme, which will be presented by the BBC’s Manuela Saragosa, will be recorded in front of an audience at the CCB Cultural Centre in Lisbon.

World Questions: Lisbon

Gun rights, racism, climate change, impeachment are some of the big issues convulsing the United States. In downtown Houston, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Judge Lina Hidalgo, Congressman Randy Weber and State Senator Joan Huffman join Jonny Dymond to debate questions raised by the audience in Houston. BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Houston

In the last few days Turkey has launched an air and ground offensive in Northern Syria and this unilateral decision has been widely condemned that’s been widely condemned with the European Union urging Turkey to end its offensive. What implications does this have for Turkey’s future role as a power in the region? Zeinab Badawi travels to Istanbul to find out. Turkey has long been at the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia – a crucial gateway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, a nation that is pivotal economically, militarily and strategically. It’s a key member of NATO, but feels undervalued by the United States. It wants membership of the EU, but feels snubbed and spurned by Brussels, despite its help in stemming the flow of Syrian refugees into Europe. So now Turkey is being courted by Eastern powers, Russia and China in particular. Zeinab and guests will take questions from a local audience. 
Panel: HUSEYIN ALP-TEKIN works at SETA, which is a think tank that supports government thinking on foreign policy.
SIR PETER WESTMACOTT is the former UK ambassador to Turkey and the United States. 
PROFESSOR HURSIT GUNES is a member of the CHP – the main opposition party. 
SEZIN ONEY is a Turkish journalist and commentator.

Global Questions: Turkey’s role as a regional power

In a world already facing the challenges of exploding population growth and climate change, will super-rich global elites foster resentment, dangerous discontent and political populism? Zeinab Badawi discusses the issues with a high-profile panel at the Bill &#38; Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers event in New York

The World Debate: For richer or poorer: Does global inequality matter?

Worries about jobs, inequality, waste, corruption and issues such as the country's elephant population and the decriminalisation of homosexuality give the sense that Botswana is at a turning point, and the opposition and the government are both promising change. World Questions comes to Botswana for a vibrant debate in the heat of an election campaign. The BBC's Toyosi Ogunseye is joined by a panel of leading politicians and thinkers as well as an audience of the public in Gaborone, the country's capital.

World Questions: Gaborone

Anu Anand and a panel of leading correspondents from around the world discuss the big political trends of the year. The rise of populist political parties, Brexit, powerful leaders and immigration are just some of the big issues up for discussion. Panellists include Ethiopian journalist and editor of The Addis Standard, Tsedale Lemma; Susan Glasser from the New Yorker; and BBC Europe correspondent Kevin Connolly.

World Questions: What is the world talking about?

Multiculturalism was once the dream of many countries around the world, encouraging ethnically diverse cultures to live side by side in harmony. But critics say that dream has failed: that too many communities live separately – pursuing segregation rather than integration, fuelling dangerous resentment. Can you have a multi-racial, multi-faith society, without forcing people of different cultures to assimilate?

Global Questions: Australia

What does the left wing Social Democratic Party's narrow victory mean for Finland?

World Questions: Helsinki

World Questions comes to Ethiopia at a crucial time in the country’s history. Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, has initiated a series of unprecedented reforms in his first year in office. He's made peace with Eritrea, freed 60,000 political prisoners, unbanned opposition groups and appointed women to half his cabinet. The BBC’s Jonathan Dimbleby is joined by a panel of leading Ethiopian politicians in a debate led by questions from the audience.

World Questions: Addis Ababa

As European leaders meet to discuss Britain’s request for more time to leave the European Union, a special edition of Europe, Have Your Say with Chloe Tilley joins radio stations throughout Europe to hear what people are making of the Brexit dilemma.

The World Debate: Europe, Have Your Say

China’s extraordinary economic boom is finally cooling. And it’s locked into a damaging trade war with the United States. Is the Chinese economic miracle grinding to a halt? If so, what will be the impact on the global economy? Could it even trigger another financial crisis?

Global Questions: China on the world stage

The deep divisions of Brexit Britain are explored with a raucous London audience and an expert panel. A further referendum? The Prime Minister's withdrawal deal? How has voting to leave the European Union affected Britain’s standing in the world? BBC World Questions is in the capital to debate some of the contentious issues that are still dividing the UK.

World Questions: London

Following a popular and peaceful uprising last year, the country’s new Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, won over 70% of the vote at recent elections. He says his political bloc will now lead an economic revolution that will help pull many of its people out of poverty. How will the new government deliver this transformation? Will it balance growth and investment with environmental concerns? And what will drive Armenia’s foreign policy goals?

World Questions: Yerevan

Some believe Europe is more divided than ever. After years of austerity and migration, populists are on the rise in countries like Italy, framing politics as a battle between ordinary voters and a corrupt European ‘establishment’. But the continent is also divided over how to move forward in a world where rising economic powerhouses threaten to dominate. Zeinab Badawi and her panel - Hugh Bronson from Germany’s AFD party, Marta Grande from Italy’s 5Star Movement, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt from the European People’s Party and Pauline Bock, a French journalist and political commentator - take questions from an audience in Rome about the future of the continent.

Global Questions: Politics and the People: A Divided Europe?

The cannabis industry, reparations for slavery, how to tackle the fourth highest murder rate in the world: World Questions is in Jamaica to debate the big issues of a country which despite its problems has a host of successes in fields as diverse as academia, athletics, literature and reggae music.

Kingston

Brazil’s burning issues are discussed with an audience of Brazilians at the Cultura Inglesa in São Paulo. Jonny Dymond and a panel of leading politicians and commentators tackle the recent election of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, the environment, racism and crime.

World Questions: Sao Paulo

India’s key issues are hotly debated with a Delhi audience at the British Council’s HQ. Anu Anand and a panel of leading politicians and commentators tackle jobs, pollution, fake news and the controversy over spending $430m building the world’s tallest statue.

World Questions: Delhi

Following a swing to the right in elections last year, Austria is governed by a coalition between the ruling Conservative People’s Party and the far-right Freedom Party. It has taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union with the motto, “A Europe that protects”, with a focus on efforts to prevent illegal immigration into the EU. Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a public debate on Austria’s political and economic future at the Theatre Museum in Vienna.

World Questions: Vienna

After 70 years of independence Global Questions travels to New Delhi to assess India today, where it stands on the international stage, and its fast growing economic strength, which some say could help it rival China as a global powerhouse. 
 
Join Zeinab Badawi at Bikaner House in the heart of New Delhi as she brings together an audience drawn from across India, with a high profile panel of political and public figures, to find out if India is set to become the next superpower.On the panel:Meenakshi Lekhi – MP and spokesperson BJP
Chhavi Rajawat – Sarpanch, Soda Village Rajasthan
Manu Joseph – Writer and journalist
Binny Bansal – Co-founder and CEO Flipkart
Aditi Mittal – Comedian, writer and actressProducer: Ben Carter

Global Questions: India: The Next Superpower?

Can engineering solve the world’s problems? Three of the world’s greatest bio engineers discuss climate change, crop failure and infertility at a special event staged in partnership with the Royal Commission for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Professor Madeleine Van Oppen of the Australian Institute of Marine Science is developing heat resistant corals; the Ethiopian agronomist Gebisa Ejeta from Purdue University, USA is engineering drought and pest resistant crops; and Kathy Niakin leads a team at the Crick Institute, UK and is the first scientist worldwide to get national level approval to use CRISPR to edit the DNA of human embryos. They join Razia Iqbal and a public audience at the Natural History Museum in London to discuss important and ground-breaking work.

The World Debate: The Engineers

BBC World Questions is in Copenhagen to host a debate on Denmark's future. It has a reputation for being one of the happiest places on the planet but for many that has always felt like a bit of a myth. Increasingly the challenges of immigration, integration, and high taxes are causing some Danes to question whether their country can still afford a generous welfare state. Others feel that new laws to 'ban the burka' and cuts to welfare have put the character of their nation on the line. Jonathan Dimbleby is joined by an influential panel to debate the state of the nation and its role in the world: 
Martin Henriksen, MP – Spokesperson on Immigration and Integration for the Danish People’s Party; 
Knud Romer – Author and social commentator; 
Uzma Ahmed – Integration Advisor and founder of the Brown Feminists Network; 
Pernille Skipper, MP – Political Spokesperson for the Red Green Alliance. BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Copenhagen

From Zimbabwe to Hong Kong, Washington to Seoul, World Questions showcases the views of a vast array of panellists and audiences from around the world. No two programmes are the same – yet the questions asked are often similar. Immigration, the environment, the rise of populism, wealth distribution and corruption - the themes are of universal concern.

World Questions: Highlights

Lagos - Nigeria’s biggest city and its commercial centre. It’s a noisy, vibrant, hectic place, one of the world’s fastest-growing cities and the most populated in Africa. Like most of Africa, the majority of Nigeria’s population is aged under 30. That’s more than 100 million people. And yet, the young are barely visible in the corridors of political power. But are they ready and willing to rise to the challenge?

Global Questions: Africa the Next Generation

In a highly charged debate, an audience of Zimbabweans debates the upcoming presidential elections, land reform, the economic crisis and the legacy of the former President, Robert Mugabe. The panel includes Paul Mangwana of Zanu PF, Welshman Ncube of the MDC Alliance, Fadzayi Mahere – independent parliamentary candidate, and Trevor Ncube – the journalist and publisher.

World Questions: Harare

A Korean audience debates unification, nuclear weapons and the cancellation of war games in the wake of the Singapore Summit between President Trump and Chairman Kim

World Questions: Seoul

Allan Little brings politicians and commentators together to answer questions from the public. There was heated debate about billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis who has been struggling for months to form a coalition government. Which political direction should the country now take on issues like immigration, the health service, membership of the EU and foreign relations?

World Questions: Prague

What can be done to counter the spread of false and misleading information on social media? Sir David Spiegelhalter, Professor of the Public Understanding of Risk at Cambridge University, has been travelling to classrooms around the world for a World Service documentary examining new strategies to combat the phenomenon. Ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London in April 2018, David talks to a group of the Commonwealth's brightest young minds about the challenges of assessing the truthfulness of claims in the news today. The six participants, drawn from the Commonwealth's affiliated youth organisations, discuss the issues affecting social media in their home countries and how they work to distinguish fact from fiction.

Truth and the Commonwealth

Ghana was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to break free of colonial rule, and remains one of the most stable democracies in West Africa. It relies on gold, cocoa and more recently oil as cornerstones of its economy and has rich resources of fish, timber, bauxite and industrial diamonds. Despite those riches, poverty is widespread and corruption is rampant. How well is Ghana leading that fight? And what of other battles? In a country where working women and feminist campaigners are starting to claim 'cooking is slavery', what is happening to sexual politics in Ghana? Jonathan Dimbleby and a panel of influential politicians and thinkers discuss the future of Ghana with a public audience in the capital, Accra. BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Ghana

Unlike its regional neighbours, Lebanon appeared to be entering a period of political and economic stability. But tension is mounting as Saudi Arabia escalates its power struggle with Iran. As Iran continues to exert its influence and defend its interest across the region, there is growing concern about how the conflict might affect the stability of the fragile coalition in Lebanon and the impact on the wider Middle East.

Global Questions: A View from Beirut - The Impact of the Saudi-Iran Power Struggle

BBC World Questions is in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia - a pivotal country between East and West - for a heated debate at Bitef Theatre. Jonathan Dimbleby discusses Kosovo, the European Union, Russian sanctions and Serbian democracy with a diverse panel: Nebojša Stefanović, Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia; Marija Janjušević, Member of the National Assembly for the right wing party Dveri; Writer and human rights activist, Miloš Ćirić and Gordana Čomić of the Democratic Party, Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly. BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

World Questions: Belgrade

After a historic election, Nepal has chosen a communist coalition to run the country. Could this landslide victory for the Left Alliance mark a turning point for the country, and deliver a long awaited period of political stability and peace? Will the coalition remain united? How will it deal with Nepal’s two giant neighbours – China and India? And how can the country reduce its pollution levels? The BBC’s Anu Anand is joined by former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, government representative Pradeep Gyawali, writer C. K. Lal and journalist Subina Shrestha in a debate led by questions from a public audience.

World Questions: Nepal

As the new parliament of the province of Catalonia takes its seats, Jonathan Dimbleby and a panel of politicians and thinkers debate the prospect of Catalonia breaking away from Spain. They also address the role of the monarchy and how the country addresses its past history of violence with a public audience in Madrid.

World Questions: Madrid

With a general election on the horizon, Mexicans will soon decide who will become their new President - and which direction the country should now take. How should Mexico engage with the USA and President Trump? Will the wall between the two nations ever be built? What will happen to the Nafta trade agreement? And what positions will the presidential candidates take on drugs issues, inequality, corruption and violence? Jonathan Dimbleby discusses these issues with a Mexican panel.

Kenya has the largest economy in Central and Eastern Africa. It is a proud democracy with a liberal economy, but the country is going through troubled times. After months of divisive legal and political processes it is experiencing its worst crisis for a decade. 
From the University of Nairobi with a large audience, Jonathan Dimbleby and a panel of political and cultural leaders discuss some of the key controversies facing the nation.

World Questions: Nairobi

Charleston, South Carolina – a city steeped in American history. The first shots of the American Civil War were fired here and roughly half of all enslaved African’s passed through Charleston’s port. A year ago this state decisively voted for Donald Trump to be the US president and what a year it has been. What do voters in the South make of President Trump's first year in office.

Global Questions: Trump's America - A Nation Divided?

BBC World Questions comes to Moscow to discuss the future of Russia 100 years after the Russian Revolution of 1917. BBC presenter Allan Little and a panel of politicians and thinkers debate the key issues facing the nation - the state of democracy in Russia, Russia’s role in the world, the 2018 Presidential elections and more. All questions come directly from our public audience.

Moscow and the Future

BBC World Questions, comes to Beirut to discuss the future of Lebanon and at a crucial moment in the history of the Middle East.From the American University of Beirut a panel of politicians and thinkers debate the key issues facing the nation, with a lively audience. The ongoing legacy of sectarianism and the civil war, how the nation can best achieve political change, Lebanon’s role in the Syrian conflict, environmental degradation, the role of Hezbollah within Lebanon and more. All questions come directly from our public audience.Our panel comprises of Deputy Prime Minister, Ghassan Hasbani MP, AUB Neighborhood Initiative Director and Beirut Madinati member Mona El Hallak Ghaisbeh, former Health Minister, Wael Abu Faour MP, the Vice President of the Free Patriotic Movement, Nicolas Sehnaoui and economist and political analyst, Kamel Wazne.BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.(Photo: Lebanese flags hang from a car on the Corniche waterfront promenade in Beirut. Photo credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

World Questions: Beirut

Opposition parties have pushed for a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma, and later in the year, the ANC will vote on who will replace him as party leader. While President Zuma may have narrowly survived this week - South Africa's political future is far from settled.BBC presenter Nancy Kacungira is joined by a panel of leading politicians and a lively audience in Johannesburg to discuss the major issues facing South Africans today - social and economic transformation, black economic empowerment, corruption, land redistribution, and of course, the future leader of the ANC.Our panel comprises of Sihle Zikalala of the ANC, Leigh-Ann Mathys of the opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Adam Habib vice chancellor of Wits University and Sipho Pityana, leading businessman and convenor of the Save South Africa campaign.BBC World Questions is a series of international events created with the British Council.(Picture: A woman with a South African flag pinned to her headscarf Picture credit: RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty Images)

World Questions: Johannesburg

Hong Kong, on China’s Pearl River Delta, is one of the most densely populated territories on earth. It regularly ranks as the most developed financial centre globally, and the world’s most economically competitive place. As a new Chief Executive takes over the running of the Hong Kong Government, what are the great issues facing the territory today?

World Questions: Hong Kong

From automated cars to mobile science drones and the Mars Rover, Paul Newman, Ayanna Howard and Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu – world-leading roboticists of automated movement, in partnership with the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, shine a light on the exciting complexities of modern robotics, and the profound effect it will have on all of our lives.