The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
Creating these vital connections between the people of all four nations of the UK and other countries benefits everyone. It encourages people and organisations from around the world to visit, study and partner with the UK, strengthening the UK’s global reputation and influence and driving economic growth.
By connecting the UK’s expertise in arts and culture, education and the English language to our global presence and unparalleled networks, we unlock potential and transform lives. We help artists to share their distinctive voices. We provide educators with the tools to shape generations. We give young people the confidence to shine.
We work with governments and our partners in the education, English language and cultural sectors to make a bigger difference, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. At the heart of these relationships is trust which is built over time and nurtured through shared experiences.
We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people.
Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body, operating at arm’s length from government.
Most of our income comes from partnership agreements, contracts, teaching and exams, and philanthropy. We also receive grant-in-aid funding from the UK government.
For almost a century, it’s been our mission to build a world where people connect across borders, and where trust is the foundation for lasting change. A world where opportunities are limitless.
We have been in Azerbaijan since 1993. Every year we connect with thousands of of students, educators, policymakers, academics, researchers, creatives and entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan. The focus of our work is on providing opportunities for young people through:
- Improving the standards of English language teaching and learning in Azerbaijan through reforms and innovation, creating educational opportunities and in so doing, developing closer co-operation with the UK.
- Enabling more young Azerbaijanis to take internationally-recognised UK examinations, study in the UK, and bring home a greater trust and understanding of the UK.
- Providing Azerbaijan’s young people with high-quality education and skills they want and need for employability, empowerment, inclusion, and integration with the wider world.
- Positioning the UK as the partner of choice for the development of creative economy in Azerbaijan, working with young people, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and disabled people, while brokering new partnerships between cultural organisations in Azerbaijan and the UK.