What can cultural relations organisations be doing now, and in the future, to support people in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East?

In this special mini-episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Zahid Mahmood, the British Council’s Director in Libya, about the role of cultural relations in times of conflict. Drawing on his experience working across the Middle East and North Africa, Zahid reflects on building trust in conflict-affected regions, the long-term impact of youth and cultural programmes, and why soft power and diplomacy remain vital even in moments of escalating geopolitical tension.

Further resources

1. l021_young_arab_voice_from_voice_to_encounter_final_v2_web.pdf

2. https://www.britishcouncil.ly/en

3. https://www.britishcouncil.org/partner/international-development/approach/regions/middle-east-north-africa