World Questions

Sky-high tariffs, a federal election and US threats to annex their country: Canadians have a lot of issues to address. Jonny Dymond hosts a debate with leading politicians and people putting questions from across six time zones. Should Canada have an independent nuclear deterrent? Can it join the EU? What about housing, immigration and the climate impact on Canada's extraordinary environment? It's a deeply felt discussion as some Canadians voice a sense of betrayal from their closest ally.The Panel: Heather McPherson: Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, New Democratic Party Stéphane Bergeron: Former Foreign Affairs and International Trade Spokesperson, Bloc Quebecois Kate Harrison: Conservative Strategist and Vice Chair of Summa Strategies Nathaniel Erskine-Smith: Minister of Housing, Liberal PartyPresenter: Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor

India is the world's most populous nation, it has a young population and dynamic growth rates – yet problems persist. This debate, from the country's technology capital, Bengaluru, tackles pressing issues such as IT workers' rights, the city's struggling infrastructure, and the national situation for religious minorities. The discussion is led by questions from the audience and chaired by Jonny Dymond.The panel: Surabhi Hodigere: BJP spokeswoman Kumar Naik: MP for the opposition INC Party T.V. Mohandas Pai: Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners Rashmi Choudhary: Vice President of Karnataka's IT Employees Union (KITU) Dhanya Rajendran: Journalist, The News Minute

It is the NATO frontline, but three years after the invasion of Ukraine, Lithuanians worry their country could be next. Defence spending is rising fast, NATO has committed a permanent brigade and Lithuanians are organising themselves into rifle clubs and citizen defence forces. The rights of minorities, US designs on Greenland and relations with Denmark all feature as Jonny Dymond and a high power panel debate Lithuania's biggest issues at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius. Panellists: • Eugenijus Sabutis, Minister of Transport and Communications and Member of the Seimas for the Social Democrat • Ingrida Šimonytė, Former Prime Minister and Member of the Seimas for the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats • Ignas Vėgėlė, Former Presidential Candidate and Member of the Seimas for Farmers and Greens Union • Andrius Tapinas, Journalist, Author and Founder of Freedom TV Presented by Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor

Soaring house prices, the rights of indigenous people, healthcare and knife crime – just some of the issues raised in this debate about the future of Australia. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and commentators who take questions from across this vast nation.The panel: Katy Gallagher: Minister for Finance, Labor Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: Green Party John Pesutto: Liberal Party Alexandra Smith: Sydney Morning Herald newspaper

Gangsterism, immigration, economic inequality, land reform and whether the historic prison of Robben Island could be turned into a luxury resort: World Questions is in Cape Town to debate issues raised by South Africans thirty years after democracy came to their nation. Crime is rampant, six out of ten young people are without a job and housing is still a massive issue but this year, elections returned a grand coalition of multiple parties who are working together for the first time. Jonny Dymond presents from the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town's District Six, a place where a multi-race community is returning after forced eviction during the apartheid years. He is joined by a panel from the coalition and opposition and a Cape Town audience. The panel: Solly Malatsi: MP, Democratic Alliance. Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies Naledi Chirwa: Economic Freedom Fighters. Delegate in South Africa's Upper House, the National Council of Provinces Khalid Sayed: MPP, African National Congress. Leader of the Opposition in Western Cape Provincial Parliament Ashley Sauls: MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Patriotic Alliance Party in the National Assembly.

Democracy, the deepening polarisation of politics, race relations and President Macron's grip on power – all are up for debate as Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading French politicians who take questions from the public.The panel: Eléonore Caroit: National Assembly Deputy, Renaissance Fabrice Leggeri: Member of the European Parliament, National Rally Danièle Obono: National Assembly Deputy, France Unbowed Florence Faucher: Professor of Political Science, Science Po UniversityProducer: Helen Towner

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female President takes office while protests still rage over changes to the constitution. World Questions explores the challenges she faces with a sharply divided panel facing questions from around the country. Does scrapping the national police force and putting the army on the street, mean a safer Mexico? Will forcing the country's judges to fight for election loosen the grip of the drug cartels? Is it time to ban bullfighting for good? What is the future for relations with the USA? Jonny Dymond presents a deeply felt debate from a country undergoing change.The Panel Arturo Avila, Spokesperson for the governing Morena Party in the Chamber of Deputies Denise Dresser, writer and Professor of Political Science at Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico Vanessa Ramero, independent legal consultant and analyst Jorge Triana, former deputy leader of PAN, the largest opposition party in the Chamber of DeputiesAudio updated on 15 October 2024

With less than a month until the election, the BBC's flagship political debate programme Question Time broadcasts from the key swing state of Pennsylvania. The programme will hear directly from American voters as they get the chance to put their questions to a panel of politicians and prominent figures, holding them to account on the topics which matter most as they prepare to go to the polls. Chaired by Fiona Bruce, the debate will be recorded at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia, the venue for the recent Presidential Debate.

Mass migration, employment and opportunities, democracy, joining the EU and widespread corruption. Just some of the issues debated by a public audience in the Albanian capital, Tirana. Jonny Dymond chairs the discussion with a panel of leading politicians and civil society activists.The panel: Lavdrim Krashi: MP for the governing Socialist Party Lulzim Basha: Leader of the Euro Atlantic Democrats Edlira Cepani: Lawyer and human rights activist Fiori Hoxhaj: Youth and women's campaigner

Nomadic life and climate change, air pollution and endemic corruption - Mongolia's economy has tripled in size since becoming a democracy thirty years ago and the sudden growth has brought many challenges. It is a nation of sweeping grassland pastures and an ever-growing Gobi desert, sealed between Russia to its north and China to its south. Such large autocratic neighbours bring a sense of threat to this fledgling democratic nation. All those issues and more are raised by the public and debated by a panel of politicians at the moment a new coalition government is being formed. Presented by Jonny Dymond at the Chinggis Khaan Museum in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar.The panel: Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar: Deputy Speaker of the State Great Hural (Parliament), MP for the Mongolian People's Party and former Minister for Labour and Social Protection Jargalan Batbayar: Chairwoman of the Democratic Women's Union and MP for the Democratic Party Munkhnaran Bayarlkhagva: Independent Analyst, formerly of the National Security Council of Mongolia Munkdhul Badral Bontoi: Citizens' Representative of Sukhbaatar District Council and former Parliamentary Candidate for the Hun PartyProducer: Charlie Taylor

Anu Anand presents a lively debate over the lack of affordable healthcare, access to clean water, racial disparities, the war in Gaza and the upcoming Presidential election in the swing state of Michigan, USA. The panel: Sarah Anthony – Democrat State Senator John Damoose – Republican State Senator Professor Matt Grossmann – Michigan State University Kaitlyn Buss – Assistant Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News Jennifer Root –Executive Director of SEIU union, Michigan Producer: Helen Towner

Could a new amnesty law on Catalan independence threaten Spain's unity? The nation is also facing complaints about corruption, a critical water shortage and a growing inequality between the old and the young. Jonny Dymond asks Spanish people how they see the future of their country.On the panel: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP for the Socialist party which leads the government. Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from the People's Party. Alfred Bosch, writer, historian and a long term member of the pro Catalan independence party Esquerra Republicana. Gabriela Bustelo, writer and political columnist.Producer: Steven Williams

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 StudiesProducer: Charlie Taylor

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 JnrPanel - 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 historianProducer: 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 ProvincePresenter: 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)