Over the last year the British Council has refocused its activity on three programme areas of central importance to the international interests of the UK: intercultural dialogue, especially with countries and communities where the UK is less trusted; supporting the UK’s creative and knowledge economy; and highlighting the case for tackling climate change.

Intercultural dialogue

Africa 07 This was a year-long celebration of culture and identity marking the 200th anniversary of The Slave Trade Act, which abolished slavery in the British Empire, and the 50th anniversary of Ghana’s independence.

Springboard We adapted the Springboard self-development programme for Saudi Arabia, and to date, 600 women have completed the programme. We have now trained ten Saudi women as Springboard trainers and are launching a programme in women’s universities. By 2010 we will train over 4,500 women.

Supporting the UK’s creative and knowledge economy

TeachingEnglish This is a website that provides teachers with access to a comprehensive set of resources from the UK and the British Council, including lesson plans and worksheets, teaching tips and teacher communities, web links and teaching articles. Users can customise their home page to provide personalised content to meet development needs.

WaPi (short for word and pictures) This monthly day-long event in Nigeria gives over the British Council’s outdoor premises to young creatives. Working mainly within hip hop and other youth culture, these events attract in excess of 4,000 for each event. Young people can watch performances by internationally famous artists, take to the stage themselves, sell their products or even learn skills that will allow them to make more of their creative potential.

Contributing to the case for tackling climate change

Climate Cool A major new initiative to raise awareness of climate change and encourage action to tackle it, Climate Cool has reached over 100 million people, including television audiences, across China and Hong Kong since its launch in March 2007.

Schools Ecological Footprint Challenge 2007 A joint project with the British Embassy in Thailand, this gives schools the opportunity to measure and reduce their impact on the environment. The ecological footprint calculator is now being used by the Thai Ministry of Education within Thai model schools.

• Geographical priorities