The Next Page

Reversing the Decline of Diplomacy for Peace: a conversation with David Harland

In this captivating episode we explore the evolving landscape of diplomacy and its pivotal role in fostering peace. Our guest, David Harland, the Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and a member of the UN Secretary General's High Level Advisory Board on Mediation, shares his vast experience and insights.
We cover the historical trajectory of diplomacy for peace, from its post-World War II successes to its recent decline, particularly over the past two decades. David discusses how diplomacy once effectively addressed existential threats, such as nuclear warfare, through strategic negotiations and treaties.
As we face new global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and artificial intelligence, David offers a critical analysis of how diplomacy has transformed and how it might adapt. He introduces concepts like "shifting constellations" and "hybrid diplomacy," highlighting the role of alternative actors, including NGOs and private companies, in today's diplomatic landscape.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of diplomacy, the importance of setting priorities, and the potential for new diplomatic frameworks to address the pressing issues of our time. As we navigate this complex terrain, the question remains: will we assemble the tools necessary for a sustainable future?
Resources
Article: https://www.genevapolicyoutlook.ch/reversing-the-decline-of-diplomacy/ 
Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue: https://hdcentre.org/
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ay0RRjNR6Fs
Content   
Guest: David Harland, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

The Forever Crisis with Adam Day

Welcome to a compelling episode with Adam Day, Head of the UN University Centre for Policy Research in Geneva on his new book, "The Forever Crisis." In this engaging discussion, Adam introduces the concept of complex systems thinking, exploring its applicability to global governance and the pressing issues of our time.
Adam shares his journey from his role as a senior political advisor in Congo to his current position at the UN University's Center for Policy Research. He explains how his experiences led him to delve into the intricacies of complex systems and their unpredictable, yet not entirely unpredictable, nature.
The episode dives into key themes from Adam's book, including environmental governance, large-scale conflict resolution, cybersecurity, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He offers a critique of today's proposals for improving governance on global issues. Adam emphasizes the importance of moving away from linear thinking and top-down approaches, advocating instead for adaptive, networked solutions.
In a thought-provoking conclusion, Adam introduces the idea of a planetary immune system—a visionary concept aimed at addressing global challenges holistically. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the complexities of our world today.
Resources
Day, A. (2024). The Forever Crisis: Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003506386
Soon available at UNOG Library
Day, A. (2022). States of Disorder, Ecosystems of Governance: Complexity Theory Applied to UN Statebuilding in the DRC and South. https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41UNOG_INST/s5qper/alma991002408952102391
Keinfield, R. (2015) Improving Development Aid Design and Evaluation; Plan for Sailboats not Trains. https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2015/03/improving-development-aid-design-and-evaluation-plan-for-sailboats-not-trains?lang=en
Gladwell, M. (2002). The tipping point. Back Bay Books.
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcA39WB1KMo
Content   
Guest: Adam Day, Head, UNU Centre for Policy Research, Geneva
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives
Producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

AI, Democracy, and International Relations with Jérôme Duberry

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of The Next Page. Francesco Pisano, Director of the Library & Archives discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence, democracy, and international relations with Professor Jérôme Duberry from the Geneva Graduate Institute. With AI rapidly evolving and influencing political practices, diplomacy, and global governance, understanding its societal implications is more important than ever.
In this episode, Professor Duberry shares his insights on the dual nature of AI in democracy, highlighting both the hopes and concerns it raises. From micro-targeting in political campaigns to AI's role in shaping global policies, we explore how AI is reshaping the way we access information and engage in democratic processes.
As AI becomes a vital tool in diplomatic practice, we discuss its potential to augment human decision-making and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. Professor Duberry also sheds light on the challenges of governing AI on an international scale, examining the debates around AI ethics and regulation.
Finally, we address the importance of AI literacy, particularly for the younger generation, to ensure informed participation in shaping the future of technology. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's impact on our world and the critical need for inclusive governance.
Books by Jérôme Duberry:
Duberry, J. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and Democracy: Risks and Promises of AI-Mediated Citizen-Government Relations. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. 
Duberry, J. (2019). Global Environmental Governance in the Information Age: Civil Society Organizations and Digital Media. Abingdon, UK : Routledge.
 Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Voay4XN23UA
Content   
Guest: Dr. Jérôme Duberry, Managing Director of the Tech Hub, Co-Director Ad-Interim, Executive Education, and Senior Researcher at the Albert Hirschman Center on Democracy 
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives
Production and editing: Amy Smith

Paying for Multilateralism: the financing of IOs in Geneva

Livio Silva-Müller and Remo Gassman speak with us about their findings on the financing of international organizations in Geneva, published in a report by the Geneva Graduate Institute. Their illuminating report covers 16 organizations and spans two decades, from 2000 to 2020, providing a comprehensive analysis of financial contributions to Geneva-based international organizations.
Livio and Remo put into perspective the total of 23.6 billion USD contributed in 2020 to the 16 organizations in the study and leave us with five take-away points from their research.
Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of multilateral funding, the role of major donors, and hear about some surprising findings that emerged from their meticulous research. Understand the trends, challenges, and implications of funding for international organizations dedicated to global health, humanitarian efforts, and beyond.
Discover how this research sheds light on the stability and future of international Geneva. Gain insights into the complexities of studying the financing of international organizations and future research needed to explore potential avenues for enhancing funding strategies moving forward.
Resources
Read the report and check out the figures mentioned in the conversation: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/sites/internet/files/2024-06/geneva-policy-outlook-report.pdf
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ay0RRjNR6Fs
Content   
Guests:
Livio Silva-Müller, PhD researcher, Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Geneva Graduate Institute.
Remo Gassmann, Program Director, Global Development Policy, Heinrich Böll Foundation
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Insights from the World Happiness Report with John Helliwell

Join us as we delve into the World Happiness Report with the distinguished Professor Emeritus John Helliwell. As a founding editor of the report, Professor Helliwell shares the origins of the report, the methodology behind measuring happiness, and the profound implications of the findings.
Discover the pivotal role of the 2011 UN Resolution supported by Bhutan, the importance of subjective well-being data, and how the report has evolved to influence global perspectives on happiness and well-being. Learn about the top-ranking countries and the factors that contribute to their success, as well as surprising findings from this year's report.
Professor Helliwell also explores the significance of social connections, trust, and benevolence, shedding light on how these elements impact our daily lives and national policies. This episode is a deep dive into the science of happiness and a call to integrate well-being into every aspect of decision-making.
Tune in to understand how we can all contribute to a happier, more compassionate world.
 
Resources
The World Happiness Report 2024: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2024/
The Gallup poll:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/612125/happiest-country-earth.aspx
Sustainable Development Solutions Network:
https://www.gallup.com/analytics/247355/gallup-world-happiness-report.aspx
What's the happiest country in the world?
https://news.gallup.com/poll/612125/happiest-country-earth.aspx
 
The Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford: https://wellbeing.hmc.ox.ac.uk/
 
Professor Helliwell’s book recommendation:
Gawande, A. (2014). Being mortal: Medicine and what matters in the end. Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt and Company.
https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube:
Content   
Guest: John Helliwell
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Informing Interwar Internationalism: The League of Nations Information Service

In this episode, Emil Seidenfaden, an historian presently undertaking postdoctoral research at the Saxo Institute, University of Copenhagen, joined us to talk about his recent book, Informing Interwar Internationalism.
This fascinating work combines international history and media history and explores the intersection of journalism and diplomacy at the time of the League of Nations.
Emil talks about the relationship between public information and legitimacy, and how the Information Section officials at the League negotiated the tensions between propaganda, public opinion and internationalism.
 
Resources
Seidenfaden, E. E. (2024). Informing Interwar Internationalism: The Information Strategies of the League of Nations. Bloomsbury Academic. Histories of Internationalism
 
Seidenfaden, E. E. (2020). Daniel Hucker, Public Opinion and Twentieth-Century Diplomacy. A Global Perspective. Leiden: Brill.
Potter, S. J. (2023). Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace: Regulating International Radio Propaganda in Europe, 1921–1939. The International History Review, 45(6), 843–864. https://doi.org/10.1080/07075332.2023.2224352
Sweetser, A. (1916) Roadside Glimpses of the Great War. Macmillan. London.
Covenant of the League of Nations: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/ld.php?content_id=32971179
The League of Nations Information Section: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/LONSecretariat/information
 
Emil’s book recommendation:
Cohen, D. (2023). Last Call at the Hotel Imperial. The Reporters Who Took On A World At War. Penguin Random House.
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube:
Content   
Guest: Emil Seidenfaden
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Henri La Fontaine, un enragé de la paix avec Pierre Van den Dungen

Pour cet épisode, nous sommes enchantés d’accueillir Pierre Van Den Dungen pour parler d’Henri La Fontaine, un homme intense et fascinant gratifié du prix Nobel de la Paix en 1913.
Pierre Van Den Dungen, docteur en Philosophie et Lettres (Histoire), a consulté la totalité des papiers personnels de La Fontaine au Mundaneum, à Mons, afin de rédiger la biographie intitulée « Henri La Fontaine, prix Nobel de la Paix 1913 : une vie » publiée aux Editions Samsa en 2022. Pierre Van Den Dungen nous présente les grandes lignes de la personnalité de La Fontaine, en mettant en lumière son entourage, ses réseaux et sa sphère intime. Il explore ensuite les convictions pacifistes et mondialistes de La Fontaine, ainsi que son long mandat de 36 ans à la présidence du Bureau international de la Paix. Il traite également de la période de la vie de La Fontaine durant la Première Guerre mondiale, de son implication au sein de la Société des Nations, pour finalement évoquer les dernières années de sa vie durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
 
Ressources
Van den Dungen, Pierre. (2022) Henri La Fontaine, prix Nobel de la Paix 1913 : une vie. Bruxelles. Editions Samsa. https://www.henrilafontaine.be/ouvrage/henri-la-fontaine-2/
Rencontre avec Pierre Van Den Dungen : https://www.henrilafontaine.be/2023/01/07/chaire-hlf-rencontre-avec-pierre-van-den-dungen/
Fondation Henri La Fontaine : https://www.henrilafontaine.be/la-fondation/
Mundaneum : http://www.mundaneum.org/fr
Discours d’Henri La Fontaine, 8ème séance plénière de la première Assemblée de la Société des Nations, 20 novembre 1920 (p. 171 du PDF) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/the-records-of-the-first-assembly-plenary-meetings
Description des archives du Bureau International de la Paix (1891-1951) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/international-peace-bureau
Où écouter cet épisode
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: Henri La Fontaine, un enragé de la paix avec Pierre Van den Dungen (youtube.com)
Contenu
Invité : Pierre Van den Dungen
Hôte : Hermine Diebolt
Réalisation : Amy Smith
Enregistré et réalisé à la Bibliothèque & Archives des Nations Unies à Genève

Surviving the UN - a conversation with Robert Bruce Adolph

Robert Bruce Adolph joined us for this short episode to talk about his book Surviving the UN: The Unexpected Challenge. Robert worked on assignments in many conflict areas in the world in the 1990s during his second career as a UN Chief Security Officer, following his retirement as US Army Special Forces Lieutenant-Colonel. He was present during the deadly bomb attack on the UN compound in Baghdad on 19 August 2003.
Over two decades later, as we approach the anniversary of that horrific event, Robert Adolph talks about why he wrote the book and about learning from failure.
Resources
Adolph, Robert Bruce. (2020). Surviving the UN: The Unexpected Challenge. New Academia Publishing/Vellum.
(Available at the UNOG bookstore)
Website: Robert Bruce Adolph - https://robertbruceadolph.com/
 
Bob's book recommendation
Pinker, Steven. (2012). The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. Penguin Books.
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Content   
Host: Amy Smith
Speakers: Robert Bruce Adolph
Production and editing: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 
*This episode was recorded online and we apologize for the low sound quality.

Multilateralism, Multiculturalism and Working at the UN

The interns working at the UN Library & Archives Geneva gathered for a discussion with the Director of the Library & Archives, Francesco Pisano, on their thoughts on multilateralism, multiculturalism and working at the UN.
Raphaela, Lucas, Alicia, Mengna and Ashrul come from different countries, are studying at different institutions and have different academic backgrounds. They share with us inside tips on applying for UN internships, explain their own motivations and give a glimpse of what they have learned during their time at the Library & Archives and UN Geneva. Together, they explore what multilateralism, multiculturalism and multilingualism mean to them in their lives and work.
Resources
UN Internships: https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/page/internships
UN Careers: https://careers.un.org/home?language=en
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Content   
Host: Franceso Pisano
Speakers: Interns at the UN Library & Archives Geneva
  Ashrul Bin Mohammad Azmi
  Raphaela Gutierrez
  Alicia Grünert
  Lucas Westphal Jensen
  Mengna CHEN
Concept and editing: Mengna CHEN
Producer: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Youth in Multilateralism - a conversation with Ellie Hutterli

Ellie Hutterli is a Senior Swiss UN Youth Delegate for 2022-24 and her priority topics are sustainable cities and communities, digitalization, reduced inequalities with a special focus on gender equality, and youth participation and inclusion. Ellie joins us for this episode to talk more about the Youth Delegate programme, her priority topic on women’s rights and gender equality, as well her thoughts more broadly on youth participation in the United Nations.
Resources
Conseil Suisse des Activités de Jeunesse : https://www.sajv.ch/en/projects/youth-rep
Youth Delegate Programme: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/un-youth-delegate-programme#:~:text=The%20roles%20of%20a%20youth,attending%20meetings%20and%20informal%20negotiations.
Youth: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth
Our Common Agenda: https://www.un.org/en/common-agenda
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCxsgnF67Lw
Content   
Guest: Ellie Hutterli, Swiss Youth Delegate
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva