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 MinisterAnita Haynes MP: Shadow Minister for EducationMarlene Attzs: Economist, University of the West Indies, St AugustineLawrence Arjoon: Chief Executive Officer of the Heroes Foundation

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 DymondProducer: Steven Williams

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 coalitionIgnacio 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 DymondProducer: 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 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 Mitchell 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.

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 IraqSuadad Al Salhy: Senior Reporter for Middle East EyeTara Berhan Shwani: Senior Associate International Republican InstituteDhiaa Al Asadi: Former leader of the Sadrist Bloc in ParliamentPresenter: Jonny DymondProducer: Charlie Taylor

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 Parliament Presenter: 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

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 EconomyRukka Sombolinggi: Secretary General, Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN)Yenny Wahid: Director of Wahid InstituteAndreas Harsono: Human Rights Watch, IndonesiaProducers: Steven Williams and Helen Towner

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, Indonesia Producers: 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’ItaliaChristian Di Sanzo MP: PD Deputy for North and Central AmericaSenator Alessandra Maiorino: Deputy Leader of Movimento 5 Stelle in the SenatePaola Tommasi: Economic Advisor to Forza Italia and Columnist for Il Tempo

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 spokesmanMarie Mainja: Of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)Chikondi Chijozi: Lawyer and a commissioner on the Malawian Human Rights CommissionCharles 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)

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?

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

World Questions

Kay Redfield Jamison

The Psychiatrist Kay Redfield Jamison is a world leading specialist in bipolar disorder, and suffers from the condition herself. She shares her unique perspective with A.C.Grayling and an audience at Wellcome Collection, London.

Exchanges at the Frontier: 01Mar14 - Kay Redfield Jamison

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.

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

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

Does emotion influence decision making and do we make worse decisions as we get older?

Exchanges at the Frontier: Decisions & Emotions 07Feb15

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

From Athens the BBC's Jonathan Dimbleby discusses Greece and its relationship with the EU with a panel of politicians and thinkers - The Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos; the former Mayor of Athens and former Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis; underwater archaeologist and union official Despina Koutsoumba; and Josef Janning, Senior Policy Adviser at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

World Questions: Greece and Europe

Habitat 67 designer on his mentor Louis Khan and the creating of memorial buildings. Architect, urban planner, theorist and author Moshe Safdie's buildings are committed to responding to 'human needs and aspirations'

Architect Moshe Safdie

Professors Francois Nosten and Nick White have worked for 30 years in Thailand treating patients with malaria and researching treatments. They explain how they are now trying a controversial kill or cure plan to deploy their malaria-busting drug, not just to curb the disease but to eradicate it.

Drug Resistant Malaria

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

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

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

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

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 BJPChhavi Rajawat – Sarpanch, Soda Village RajasthanManu Joseph – Writer and journalistBinny Bansal – Co-founder and CEO FlipkartAditi Mittal – Comedian, writer and actressProducer: Ben Carter

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 actress Producer: Ben Carter

Global Questions: India: The Next Superpower?

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

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.

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

Bonnie Bassler

Bonnie Bassler is the world specialist in how bacteria communicate within the human body. She explains to  A.C.Grayling and pupils at Haverstock School, that this process holds the key to solving the problem of failing antibiotics.

Exchanges at the Frontier: 08Feb14 - Bonnie Bassler

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 &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers event in New York

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

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

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

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Best Episodes on Mental Health, Emotions & Thoughts

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!