International development | British Council

Science for peace?: A history of the British Council’s cultural relations

This essay examines the role of science as a peacebuilding tool.

What does the UK’s international development strategy need to succeed?

Critical to the success of the International Development strategy is for the UK to build trusted, modern partnerships that enable international cooperation and action on shared priorities.

International higher education partnerships and the Sustainable Development Goals

How can international higher education partnerships tackle urgent global challenges?

Reflecting on Change – Exploring an international disability arts programme

A report on the impact of the British Council's international disability arts work by Tim Wheeler. Includes discussion of current issues, case studies and resources.

Astronomy as a catalyst for cultural relations

Essay exploring how astronomy has generated intercultural encounters throughout its history.

A close up image of a pair of hands, which are now a deep dark blue from working with natural dyes as part of the weaving process.

The Missing Pillar – Culture's Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

A tool to deepen understanding of the link between arts, culture and social and economic development. Learn more about culture's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

A group of young photography students on a course with their teacher. They are outdoors, looking at the camera.

Arts, Culture and Development – The Tricky Balancing Act

A new thought piece written by The Change Collective to explore the links between UK arts and international development from a practitioner’s point of view.

The role of tertiary education in development: A rigorous review of the evidence

Research report: we present a rigorous review of the nature, scope and strength of evidence regarding the role of TE in development in low- and lower-middle income countries.

Two people admiring the street artwork of a young female in a wheelchair in bright colours- commissioned as part of the Accessibility Film Festival in Turkey

Nurturing a Creative Economy

Alongside dynamic ODA funding eligible countries, the UK can co-develop new approaches to the creative economy to ensure significant economic, social and cultural value is made and shared.

A group of young people dancing beside their school lockers

Culture and International Development: Towards an Interdisciplinary Methodology

Read Culture and International Development: Towards an Interdisciplinary Methodology, a literature review on culture and development and a proposal for a future methodology.