The Next Page

International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Join us for the special episode in partnership with UN Women to commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This conversation on gender equality in diplomacy features insights from the Director of UN Women in Geneva, Sofia Calltorp, and Dr. Sarah Chehab, a Senior Research Fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Chehab shares the journey of founding the Women in Diplomacy Research Program and provides the stark statistics on gender representation from the Women in Diplomacy Index. With compelling data, Dr. Chehab discusses the pressing need to bridge the gap in senior diplomatic roles and sparks discussion on the importance of feminist foreign policy.
Also joining the conversation, Sofia Calltorp, Director of UN Women in Geneva, shares her extensive experience in diplomacy and humanitarian affairs. She offers insights into UN Women's global efforts and highlights key developments in gender-responsive foreign policies.
This episode navigates through the challenges and triumphs of women's representation in diplomacy, emphasizing the crucial role of gender equality in achieving sustainable and inclusive peace and governance on a global scale. Tune in for an engaging dialogue on the future of diplomacy and the critical steps needed to ensure equal representation for all.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
The UN Secretary General's report on the 30-year review and appraisal of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action - https://docs.un.org/E/CN.6/2025/3
CSW 69 Political Declaration- https://docs.un.org/E/CN.6/2025/L.1
Women in Politics: 2025- https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2025/03/women-in-politics-map-2025
Women in Diplomacy research programme, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy:
https://www.agda.ac.ae/research/publications-multimedia-events/women-in-diplomacy
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/Nn7Z6YolbXc
Content   
Guests:
Dr. Sara Chehab, Senior Researcher, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, United Arab Emirates
Ms. Sofia Calltorp, Director, UN Women Geneva
Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Anda Filip: the parliamentary dimension of global governance

In this episode, we explore the world of parliamentary diplomacy with our special guest, Ambassador Anda Filip, Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations at the Interparliamentary Union (IPU). Ambassador Filip, an experienced diplomat, shares insights about her career journey and the pivotal role IPU plays in fostering global cooperation through its work which helps bridge international and national levels, and the democracy gap in international affairs.
We explore the importance of the upcoming Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and how it serves as a platform for addressing pressing global issues by providing a unique forum for high-level engagement and dialogue among parliamentary leaders from around the world.
As we celebrate International Day of Women in Diplomacy in June, Ambassador Filip also highlights the critical challenges and advancements in gender equality within parliaments, celebrating success stories from around the world and underscoring the barriers women continue to face in politics.
Join us as Ambassador Filip offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of IPU's relationship with the United Nations, the power of parliamentary diplomacy in conflict resolution, and the inspiring initiatives that are paving the way for inclusive governance globally.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
IPU: https://www.ipu.org/
Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, 29-31 July 2025 https://www.ipu.org/event/sixth-world-conference-speakers-parliament
 
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/
Content   
Guest: Ambassador Anda Filip
Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Discovering Human Rights History: Archives Inscribed in UNESCO Memory of the World

Join us as we celebrate International Archives Week on the theme of Archives for Everyone, with our latest news from the Library & Archives.  In this compelling discussion, Danielle Hughes, an archivist and the chief of the Records Management Unit at UN Geneva, speaks about the significance of the archives related to the International Bill of Human Rights being inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage register.
Discover how these archives related to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were preserved and recognized for their global importance, including the original drafts and influential changes inspired by key figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Hansa Mehta.
The episode also sheds light on the role played by Geneva in hosting these pivotal documents and addresses the broader context of preserving institutional memory for future generations, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding both historical and contemporary archival collections.Resources and for more information: Ask an Archivist!: Ask us - Ask us
UN Archives Geneva online catalogue: www.archives.ungeneva.org
UNARMS online catalogue in New York: www.search.archives.un.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/15ThYV_-g_A 
Content   
Guest: Danielle Hughes, Archivist, UN Geneva
Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 
 

Futuring & Science Fiction: a conversation with Dr. Martin Wählisch

Dr. Martin Wählisch, Associate Professor of Transformative Technologies, Innovation, and Global Affairs at the University of Birmingham, delves into the intersection of emerging technologies and international relations in this fascinating episode focused on science-fiction.
Dr. Wählisch discusses how AI, especially empathetic chatbots, can redefine diplomatic conversations and peace processes.  Martin also explores the role of futures thinking and science fiction in shaping multilateral policies and encouraging creative solutions to global challenges. This discussion highlights the growing importance of strategic foresight in diplomacy and the valuable lessons hidden within science fiction narratives.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
Dr. Martin Wählisch: https://globalpeacelab.net/ 
 
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/2lKIx8bFxuY
Content   
Guest: Martin Wählisch
Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

The Progressive Development of International Law: a conversation with Huw Llewellyn

Join us for an episode recorded in August 2024, with Huw Llewellyn, the former Director of the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs and former Secretary to the International Law Commission (ILC), in a conversation about the evolution of international law.
We cover the history of the ILC, its role in the evolution of international law, and its relationship with the UN Sixth Committee. Huw shares insights from his 42-year career, revealing the Commission's approach to codification and progressive development of the law. The episode also explores the historical milestones that shaped international law, from the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 to the League of Nations.
Huw talks about how stability and change in international relations is reflected in the work of the ILC, tells us more about the Commission's achievements over 75 years, and new areas of work on the agenda including the topic of sea level rise.
We conclude with a personal glimpse into Huw’s retirement plans and his recommendations for crime thriller enthusiasts (Lee Child and Martin Walker)!
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
International Law Commission: https://legal.un.org/ilc/
Resource guide: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/legal/legal/ILC
 
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/FZX3y3SADV4
Content   
Guest: Huw Llewellyn
Host: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Production and editing: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

GenSouth: Four visions for multilateralism

This episode is released to mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025.
We invited Marie Hürlimann, Co-Director, and Raphaëlle Leung, Head of Communications of Foraus, a Swiss participatory think tank for young thinkers who want to shape tomorrow’s foreign policy, to talk about the latest Foraus publication that they co-edited with Maximillian Rau: GenSouth - New voices from the Global South for the multilateral system of the future.GenSouth is a programme designed to bring together academics and think tank researchers from the Global South, aged between 25 and 35, to engage in discussions about the multilateralism of the future and to develop actionable, ambitious recommendations.
Marie and Raphaëlle talk with Francesco Pisano, Director of the UN Library & Archives in Geneva, about the GenSouth project. They reveal to us four visions of possible futures of multilateralism elaborated in the report.
GenSouth sees a world built on collective responsibility where the international community does not stand by in the violation of IHL; a reimagined South-South cooperation prioritising resilience, sustainability, and sovereignty; a transformation of the global financial architecture to empower vulnerable communities' access to climate finance; and Security Council reform for the inclusion of global south and the future of peace.
With thanks to the authors: Subia Ahmad, Maria Dominika Mediana Rossa Budhisatrio, Marième Cissé, Marília Closs, Paula Lottenberg, Muhammad Nidhal, Luanda Mpungose, Kwaji Ble Ngida, Olumide Onitekun, Luis Gabriel Herrera Perez, Beatriz Pfeifer, Pratyush Sharma, Parousia Tlhompho Shikwambane, Malena Viú.
Read about GenSouth and access the report: https://foraus.ch/en/projects/gensouth-programme-2024/
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
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/7lh81yuAPxQ
Content   
Guests: Marie Hürlimann and Raphaëlle Leung, Foraus
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Reimagining Global Governance for Food Security: Insights from the Kofi Annan Foundation

In this episode, we examine the complex issue of global food security and the need for a revamped governance system. Despite having enough food produced worldwide to feed everyone, millions still suffer from hunger due to systemic failures.
Our guest, Amir Abdulla, one of the Commissioners of the Kofi Annan Foundation Commission on Food Security, shares vital insights from the recently released report entitled "Reimagining Global Governance." The report provides a roadmap to address systemic failures in our broken global food governance system and to redefine how we address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. It outlines four governance shifts and provides ten actionable recommendations.
Amir Abdulla, with his extensive experience, including as former Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) and former UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, discusses the necessity of political commitment and the importance of youth participation and anticipatory governance in shaping a sustainable future. Join us as we explore the pivotal actions needed to ensure food security for future generations.
Read the report: https://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/publication/fixfoodgovernance/
 
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
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/dhGG4TNgUL8
Content   
Guest: Amir Abdulla, Commissioner, Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Branding International Organizations with Stefan Tschauko

Our guest, Stefan Tschauko, explains how, “Branding in IOs means advancing humankind through the power of ideas”. Join us in this conversation as we explore the world of branding within international organizations, focusing on the United Nations.
Stefan shares his journey of over a decade in researching branding strategies and their impacts on organizational performance and global issues. With insights into the unique challenges faced by these organizations, Stefan explains how branding can shape perceptions and drive change, making it a crucial component for advancing multilateralism. He shares with us his unique model, defining three components of branding manifestations, touchpoints and ideas, how they relate to each other and how that leads to performance and impact.
In this episode, we delve into the components of branding, from logos to stakeholder interactions, revealing the power of branding in IOs to advance human progress through impactful ideas.
Stefan Tschauko is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs where he teaches a class on Strategic Communications in International Organizations. His research focuses on branding and brand management in international organizations, particularly within the United Nations system. He also teaches a class on the United Nations at the Harvard Summer School.
 
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
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/Jk2X-bUMqdA
Content   
Guest: Stefan Tschauko
Host: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Production and editing: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Les archives et l'Institut International de Coopération Intellectuelle

Le 9 septembre 1924, le Conseil de la Société des Nations adoptait une résolution qui allait donner naissance à l’Institut International de Coopération Intellectuelle. Précurseur de l’UNESCO, cet Institut a joué un rôle majeur dans le développement des échanges intellectuels internationaux.
Pour cet épisode, nous avons la chance d’accueillir deux invités de marque : Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert, Cheffe de la Section de la mémoire institutionnelle à la Bibliothèque et Archives des Nations Unies à Genève, et Adama Pam, Chef archiviste à l'UNESCO à Paris.
Ils retracent le contexte historique de cette coopération intellectuelle, les difficultés rencontrées, et les activités marquantes de l’Institut. Plusieurs personnalités ayant contribué à ces travaux sont évoquées. Nos invités mettent en lumière l’importance de la préservation du patrimoine par le biais des bibliothèques et des archives et présentent les fonds précieux conservés dans leurs institutions respectives.
L’épisode aborde aussi l’idéal de décloisonnement des archives pour une histoire internationale partagée. Blandine et Adama montrent comment leurs fonds d’archives se complètent et détaillent leurs efforts conjoints pour enrichir et promouvoir cette mission commune.
Adama Aly Pam est archiviste paléographe, titulaire d’un doctorat d’histoire contemporaine de l’Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar. Il a été conservateur aux Archives nationales du Sénégal et professeur vacataire à l’École des Bibliothécaires, Archivistes et Documentaliste de Dakar, ainsi que président de l’Association sénégalaise des Archivistes. Depuis 2018, Adama Pam est chef archiviste de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’éducation, la science et la culture (Unesco) à Paris.
Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert est responsable de la Section de la mémoire institutionnelle à la Bibliothèque et Archives des Nations Unies à Genève. Diplômée archiviste-paléographe de l’École nationale des chartes en 1990, elle a débuté sa carrière aux Archives nationales à Paris (1990-1991). Elle a ensuite travaillé au Yémen pour l’ONU et l’UNESCO pendant cinq ans sur un projet de création d’Archives nationales. De retour en France, elle a occupé le poste de Directrice-adjointe aux Archives départementales du Calvados. En 1999, elle a rejoint la Bibliothèque et Archives des Nations Unies à Genève. Elle a aussi mené le projet d’accès numérique intégral aux archives de la Société des Nations (LONTAD) de 2017 à 2022.
Ressources
Ask an Archivist! https://ask.unog.ch/archives
Guide de recherche sur l’Institut International de Coopération Intellectuelle : https://unesco.libguides.com/IICI
Guide de recherche sur la Société des Nations et la coopération intellectuelle : https://libraryresources.unog.ch/lonintellectualcooperation
Conférence « Un siècle de coopération intellectuelle internationale » à l’UNESCO, 13 septembre 2024: https://webcast.unesco.org/events/2024-09-IIIC/#
Site web de la Conférence sur le centenaire de la Commission Internationale de Coopération Intellectuelle : https://intellectualcooperation.org/
Discours d’Émile Borel sur la coopération intellectuelle (1934) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/emile-borele-fra
Où écouter cet épisode  
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy  
YouTube:   https://youtu.be/HwHfPVUC6M4
Contenu     
Invités : Adama Pan et Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert
Hôte : Hermine Diebolt 
Réalisation : Amy Smith  
Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva   

Invisible Histories of the UN - a conversation with Dr. Alanna O'Malley

In this episode of The Next Page, we uncover overlooked narratives of the United Nations' history, guided by Dr. Alanna O'Malley, associate professor at Leiden University. Recorded in Geneva during the recent META-UN academic conference on ideas relevant to multilateralism, Dr. O'Malley discusses her extensive research into the unseen contributions of Global South actors to the UN, challenging the traditionally Western-focused historical narratives. She shares insights from her project funded by the European Research Council, highlighting how these actors have dynamically engaged with and transformed the UN system over decades. Tune in to uncover how these invisible histories shape the current and future landscape of global governance. And stay tuned for more on this topic following the publication of Dr. O'Malley's new book on this topic.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/research/research-projects/humanities/the-invisible-history-of-the-united-nations-and-the-global-south-invisihist#tab-1
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/ndZE5Bn92Hw
Content   
Guest: Alanna O’Malley, Associate professor, Leiden University Institute for History
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Production and editing: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva