City St George’s, University of London partners with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to create a podcast series

City St George’s, University of London is partnering with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to offer MA Podcasting students the unique opportunity to produce a podcast series highlighting the vital work of the UNFPA across the globe.

The UNFPA is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency, with the mission of creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

The podcasting initiative, which will see students work closely with UN delegates, aims to raise awareness of key issues impacting women, girls, and young people.

Students will gain hands-on experience of producing a high-profile podcast series, providing them with valuable industry experience in a real-world context.

The project is spearheaded by Brett Spencer from the University’s Centre for Podcasting Excellence, alongside the BBC Women in Stem (BBC WiSTEM) co-chair Lalita Taylor, and Dr Nigina Muntean of the UNFPA.

Topics may include sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. With support and mentorship from UNFPA professionals and industry leaders, City St George’s master’s students will create content that will be shared on streaming channels and on UNFPA and the University’ platforms.

Brett Spencer, Senior Lecturer in Podcasting and Head of the Centre for Podcasting Excellence at City St George’s, University of London, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our MA Podcasting students to make a series for an organisation that does amazing work across the globe.

“The UNFPA has significant impact, and highlighting these issues and working with a global organisation like the UN shows how podcasting can be a positive influence on the world.

“The students will get the experience of working on a high-profile public-facing project, which will be a great credit on their CV as they look for their first steps in the industry. They will also get the chance to work for one of the world’s best-known organisations, creating a long-lasting impactful project for them.”

City St George’s consistently ranks top in the country for journalism – being ranked 1st in the UK for journalism in the Guardian University Guide 2023 and 1st in the UK for Communication and Media Studies in The Complete University Guide 2023. Dr Glenda Cooper, Head of the Department for Journalism added:

“In City St George’s Department for Journalism, giving our students industry experience is at the heart of what we do – but we also believe in telling stories that really matter.

“This partnership not only allows our MA Podcasting students to work with professionals at an international level, it allows them to explore underreported issues that are vital for women, girls, and young people whose voices are not always heard.

“We’re delighted to work with the UNFPA to deliver this.”

The project was initiated by BBC WiSTEM co-chair Lalita Taylor, who expressed her enthusiasm for promoting diverse talent. She said:

“I’m passionate about promoting diverse talent.

“It feels like an absolute win to be working with City St George’s podcasters on this collaboration with the UNFPA, with help from BBC WiSTEM.

“I’m looking forward to working on this important project which shines a light on groundbreaking tech work and has women at the centre of its design.”

Dr Nigina Muntean, Chief of Innovation at UNFPA, said:

"Podcasts have a unique power to connect people and ignite change.

“Through this collaboration, UNFPA and City St George’s are empowering the next generations of gender equity and women’s health champions.

“Together, we’re showcasing the transformative potential of innovation and storytelling, driving meaningful action for a more equitable future for women and girls. Together, we are re-designing the world.”

The students will collaborate with UNFPA to create compelling audio stories that amplify the voices of those working on the ground to advance gender equality and reproductive health.

This collaboration underscores the power of media to inspire change and highlights the growing role of podcasts in tackling global issues.