In 2009, we supported the inaugural concert of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, an ensemble of musicians aged between 14 and 29. The orchestra was the brainchild of Iraqi pianist and activist Zuhal Sultan, then only 17 years old.

In the previous year she had taken part in the British Council’s Global Changemaker programme.

‘To understand that “I can” and to have passed that on has been an invaluable gift I would not have otherwise had without my involvement with the British Council.’