The UNESCO Silk Threads Podcast, developed by students of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations at The Maldives National University (MNU), provided a platform for exploring historical, cultural, and social connections through digital storytelling.

The initiative was undertaken in partnership with the UNESCO Beijing Office and SSTV Media Maldives, bringing together higher education, an international organisation, and a local media partner to create a platform for knowledge sharing and public engagement. Through the collaboration, students had the opportunity to connect academic learning with contemporary forms of communication and media production.

The podcast explored themes related to cultural heritage, historical connections, international relations, and shared knowledge, enabling students to examine these topics through research and storytelling. The initiative encouraged students to engage with cultural and social perspectives while communicating their findings and ideas to wider audiences.

As part of the project, students applied practical skills in research, communication, content development, digital storytelling, and media production. The experience provided an opportunity to translate academic knowledge into accessible digital content and strengthened students’ ability to communicate complex historical, cultural, and social themes through contemporary media.

The initiative also created opportunities for cultural understanding and intercultural engagement by highlighting connections between communities and exploring shared aspects of history and heritage. By presenting these themes through a podcast format, the project extended learning beyond the classroom and facilitated wider public access to knowledge.

The partnership with the UNESCO Beijing Office and SSTV Media Maldives further demonstrated the value of collaboration between academic institutions, international organisations, and media organisations in supporting student learning and public knowledge sharing.

The UNESCO Silk Threads Podcast contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing students with experiential learning opportunities and developing research, communication, and media production skills; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by applying digital media and storytelling approaches to knowledge dissemination; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by making academic and cultural knowledge accessible to wider audiences through digital media; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage and historical connections; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among MNU students, the UNESCO Beijing Office, and SSTV Media Maldives.