The Big Conversation: values and international cooperation in a changing world
An international panel event took place on 24 November 2020 to discuss the findings of The Big Conversation, a new research programme on values in cultural relations and international cooperation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined both the importance and the difficulties of international cooperation.
In a changing world, existing approaches to tackling shared global challenges and seizing common opportunities need refreshing.
One important, but often little understood dimension is the role of values. People feel more trust and motivation to work together when they have values (rather than just interests) in common. A better understanding of values similarities and differences can help create the conditions for cooperation on shared global challenges.
As part of its mission to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries, the British Council is setting up a new research programme, The Big Conversation.
Led by an expert team from London School of Economics (LSE), the research aims to help advance knowledge of the role that shared values play in cultural relations and international cooperation. The pilot phase is currently underway in Malaysia, South Africa and the UK.
The virtual event hosted by the British Council chaired by Chief Executive, Sir Ciarán Devane explored the preliminary findings. An international panel and online global audience discussed the research and its implications for creating the conditions for cooperation on shared global challenges.
Session One
Chair: Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive, British Council
Panellists:
- Mary-Ann Ooi Suan Kim, Barrister, Advocate and Solicitor, Malaysia
- Susana Galvan, Director, South Africa, British Council
- Dr Geun Lee, President, The Korea Foundation, South Korea
- Professor Michael Bruter, Team Leader, The Big Conversation pilot, LSE Consulting, UK
- Dan Shah, Director, Research and Policy Insight, British Council, UK.
The recording of the session is available to watch here.
Session Two
Chair: Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive, British Council
Panellists:
- Simon Brault, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts, and Chair, International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies
- George Gachara, Social Entrepreneur, Arts Manager and managing partner, HEVA Fund, Kenya
- Dr Sarah Harrison, Senior Expert, The Big Conversation pilot, LSE Consulting, UK
- Dan Shah, Director, Research and Policy Insight, British Council, UK.
The recording of the session is available to watch here.