The war in Ukraine has galvanized the western world. It’s history writ large. We see the long shadow of the Second World War. The unfinished business of the Cold War. And the dream of unity in the European Union and NATO. Why did Putin invade and what are the possible outcomes?

The notion of reconciliation has been discussed in Australian politics for forty years, but are we any closer to achieving a meaningful reconciliation with First Nations people in Australia? How can we possibly move forward if we don't reconcile with our past?

Why are arts and culture so important to as Australians? Is it because we are home to the world’s oldest living culture, and the cultural stories and practices of First Nations Australians? The stereotype is that we are a sports obsessed mob but, truth be told, more of us attend art galleries and cultural institutions than go to sporting events. Arts leader, philanthropist, and businessmen, Rupert Myer, outlines how a National Cultural Plan would ensure we increase the value of our cultural inheritance, and nurture our arts and culture sector.

Australians say they believe in equal opportunity and equality. But is that the reality for women at home and at work ? Three female leaders discuss the roadblocks and the way forward for gender equality. ABC TV also raids the National Gallery collection to discover female artists in The Exhibitionists.

Democracy has existed since the Greeks came up with it as a form of government in the 5th Century BC, but as the 21st Century deepens the democratic norms are being challenged, and flaws are being exposed as never before. Is it broken? Can we fix it?

Economists use gross domestic product as a measure of progress but increased GDP doesn't guarantee a good life for all. Bhutan adds social, health and environmental factors to the mix to measure gross national happiness. And we hear the story of three trailblazing female war reporters who rewrote the rule book in Vietnam.

By electrifying virtually everything, we can solve the climate change crisis. Electric vehicles, electric heating, electric cooking, a decarbonised grid – all powered by renewables and batteries. This is the future Australia should be pursuing, argues inventor and entrepreneur, Saul Griffith. He says the electric revolution starts in the home, will lead to far cheaper energy costs, as well as creating new jobs, and lucrative new exports.

We’re tempted to buy products and support companies who say they’re looking after the planet but are their claims real or just greenwashing? And how can universities recover after two years of pandemic restrictions on staff and students?

The 2021 John Button Oration asks what sort of economic future we want to leave for the next generation. How can today’s policymakers better reflect tomorrow’s voices? Plus, what would a sustainable, and human-centred, economy look like? Is changing the system even possible, or is it in the realm of Utopia?

Research indicates that social connection, spending time with friends, and sharing a meal, are vital ingredients for a healthy life - especially as we age. This is also an antidote to loneliness, which is a major social problem. What else contributes to living well, later in life? How do we continue to live fulfilling lives, into old age?