World Questions

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 Studies

Producer: Charlie Taylor

Audio for this episode was updated on 17th April 2024

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 Jnr

Panel - 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

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

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 historian

Producer: Helen Towner

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 Province

Presenter: Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor

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

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 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: Philosopher

Producer: Helen Towner

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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?

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

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

Is the Commonwealth of Nations still relevant?

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

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 Affairs

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.

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 Communications

Producer: Charlie Taylor

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.

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 Institute

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

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 activist

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

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 Technology

Presenter: Jonny Dymond

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

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)

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 Taylor

BBC 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 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)

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)

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)

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 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)

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 University

Producers: Charlie Taylor and Helen Towner Sound Engineers: Ian Mitchell and Mark MacDonald

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

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 Organisation

Producers: Helen Towner and Charlie Taylor Studio Engineers: Ronan Loftus and Duncan Hannant

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

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 Bank

BBC 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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?

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 Activist

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

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.

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.

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 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 & Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers event in New York

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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?

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.

The Association of South-East Asian Nations is deeply diverse. Each of the 10 countries is different in terms of development, political systems, economic structure, language and culture. Whilst the region develops and grows for some, a younger and more educated generation is questioning whether the ASEAN Way is a block to human rights, political representation and quality of governance. political and business leaders from ASEAN countries to discuss the future of the region.

BBC World Questions comes to Paris following a dramatic presidential election.

Support for the traditional parties of the left and right melted away and French voters were left with the stark choice between the politics of the Front National and the new centrist movement En Marche - led by 39-year-old former Socialist minister Emmanuel Macron. They chose Macron. But can he solve France’s many pressing economic and social problems – unemployment, the terror threat and cultural divisions?

Jonathan Dimbleby and a panel of leading politicians and thinkers debate questions raised by a large lively audience at Radio France in Paris. The panel includes: Sylvie Goulard MEP and En Marche member, Olivier Tonneau, parliamentary candidate for Jean Luc Melenchon’s France Insoumise party, Front National councillor Aymeric Merlaud and journalist Pascale Tournier.

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

(Photo: Emmanuel Macron Celebrates His Presidential Election Victory At The Louvre Photo credit: David Ramos/Getty Images)

Immigration, national identity and the role of the EU continue to divide Dutch society. The ruling party held back a surge of support for what they called the “wrong kind of populism” and a wave of small parties did well in the election, but immigration and assimilation are still matters of great debate. Jonny Dymond and a panel of leading politicians and thinkers debate questions raised by a politically engaged audience.

BBC World Questions comes to Amsterdam as the in the aftermath of a fiercely fought election.

Immigration, national identity and the role of the EU continue to divide Dutch society. The ruling party held back a surge of support for what they called the “wrong kind of populism” and a wave of small parties did well in the election, but immigration and assimilation are still matters of great debate. Jonny Dymond and a panel of leading politicians and thinkers debate questions raised by a politically engaged audience.

The panel includes: Han Ten Broeke, Member of Parliament, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Annabel Nanninga, journalist and commentator, Sylvana Simons, television presenter and founder of political party Artikel 1 and Petra Stienen, author, Arabist and Senator for Democrats 66 (D66).

BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

(Photo: The 'Womens march for a united Netherlands' demonstration in Amsterdam. Credit: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)

Jonathan Dimbleby hosts a panel discussion as President Trump’s administration starts to reshape the American political landscape. To his supporters, his promise to make America great again means more jobs, more security, controlled immigration and a foreign policy based upon putting America first. To his critics, he is plunging the country into an era of isolationism and prejudice.

The panel includes the Republican Congressman Tom Cole, Democratic Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Diana Furchtgott-Roth of the Manhattan Institute and author Carol Anderson.

BBC World Questions comes to Warsaw as Poland is in the midst of a new era of political change. Poland’s opposition leaders claim the ruling party, Law and Justice, is restricting democratic freedom and hobbling the nation’s highest court, the Constitutional Tribunal. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the party's leader, says the opposition refuses to accept his party's victory in the 2015 election and its continuing popularity throughout the country. There have been occupations of parliament, demonstrations in the streets and a determination by the government to implement its mandate for sweeping reform. Jonathan Dimbleby and a panel of politicians and opinion formers discuss Poland's new era of change before politically charged audience. The panel includes the film director Agnieszka Holland; the Editor of online newspaper 'wSieci' Jacek Karnowski; MP Rafal Trzaskowski from Civic Platform; and MP Dominik Tarczyński from the governing Law and Justice Party. BBC World Questions is a series of international events created in partnership with the British Council.

BBC World Questions comes to Rome to discuss the future for Italy at a key moment in its history.

Paolo Gentiloni has recently been appointed as Italy's 7th Prime Minister in 10 years, but it is not only political stability that threatens the country. A banking crisis and economic conditions have the potential to impact the lives of all Italians and could even destroy the Euro. Youth unemployment is extremely high. Italy is also at the frontline of the wave of migration from Africa to Europe. Early elections are possible and with the euro-sceptic Five Star Movement riding high in the polls, a referendum on Italy’s place in Europe could be just around the corner.

Jonathan Dimbleby hosts a lively debate to discuss the challenges facing the nation. He is joined by a panel of leading politicians and opinion formers with all questions raised coming directly from the audience.

The panel includes Alessandro Gozi, Undersecretary to the Prime Minister with responsibility for European Affairs; Deborah Bergamini, Member of the Chamber of Deputies and former spokesperson for Forza Italia; Nathalie Tocci, Chief Advisor to Federica Mogherini High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Manlio di Stefano of the 5 Star Movement, who is a Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

This international series of events is created in partnership with the British Council.

(Picture: Roman Forum Picture Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

BBC World Questions comes to Bogota, Colombia, as the country seeks a recipe for peace and an end to one of the world's longest running conflicts.

President Juan Manuel Santos has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, but the people rejected his deal with the leader of the Farc in a referendum. A new deal has been signed, but will it have legitimacy without a second referendum?

BBC World Questions, staged with the British Council at Bogota's Luis Angel Arango Concert Hall, provides an opportunity to discuss the future for Colombia at this key moment in its history.

Featuring a distinguished panel of guests including Sergio Jaramillo, Colombia's High Commissioner for Peace; Senator Ivan Duque, of the Movement Democratic Centre; Mariela Kohon, Director of Justice for Colombia and Advisor to the Peace Delegation of The Farc; and Dr María Emma Wills Obregón, who leads the Department of Gender and Women at Colombia's Historical Memory Commission.

(Picture: Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L) and the head of the Farc guerrilla Timoleon Jimenez, aka Timochenko (R), with Cuban President Raul Castro (C) holding their handshake. Credit: Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images)

In a lively and frank debate at Corvinus University, Budapest, a large public audience debates freedom, democracy and immigration with a panel of politicians and thinkers chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby. Sixty years after the Hungarian Uprising against Soviet control, what is Hungary’s future within the EU?

A string of terrorist attacks in France and Germany dominated the news agenda in summer 2016. Now, some journalists are asking if their approach needs to change. Can a balance be struck between reporting terrorism whilst suppressing terrorist propaganda?

Stay or Leave? A panel in London debate the issues on Britain's EU membership.

As Europe faces some of the greatest crises of modern time, Germany’s leadership in the Europe Union has been put under pressure. In Berlin, Jonathan Dimbleby invites an audience to put questions about Germany and Europe to a panel of opinion-formers and decision-makers.

We're at the National Library of Latvia in the capital, Riga, for the third of our series of debates across Europe. Questions on the challenges and opportunies ahead for this northern European Baltic state - which lies on the EU's border with northern Russia - are answered by a panel of Latvian politicians and thinkers: Nils Ušakovs, the ethnic-Russian mayor of Riga; Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in parliament; and Baiba Rubesa, chair of the new Rail Baltica project, intended to link the Baltic states to the European rail network. They are joined by Magnus Christiansson, a Swedish security strategist specialising in NATO and the Baltic states. Questions come from the audience in Riga, and also BBC World Service social media followers. (Photo: National Library of Latvia) (Credit: Indriķis Stūrmanis)