The Next Page

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 

Long Problems: Climate Change and the Challenge of Governing Across Time

Thomas Hale is Professor in Public Policy (Global Public Policy) at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. He also co-leads the Net Zero Tracker and the Net Zero Regulation and Policy Hub. His research explores how we can manage transnational problems effectively and fairly.
In this conversation, Professor Hale talks with Francesco Pisano, Director of the UN Library & Archives Geneva, about his new book: Long Problems: Climate Change and the Challenge of Governing Across Time. The book offers a fresh perspective on addressing climate change through the lens of political science.
They explore the challenge of long problems and Thomas Hale argues that political science must play a crucial role, alongside natural sciences, in finding solutions to existential threats like climate change through new frameworks for long-term policymaking.
Resources:
https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/people/thomas-hale
Hale, T. (2024) Long Problems: Climate Change and the Challenge of Governing Across Time. Princeton University Press.
Long Problems | Princeton University Press
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: Professor Thomas Hale
Host: Francesco Pisano
Producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

China in the UN and in the world

Join us for the next episode in our ambassadors series in which H.E. Mr. CHEN Xu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland talks with the Director of the Library & Archives, Francesco Pisano. Ambassador Chen speaks of the history of China, its role in the Asian region and in the world, as well as in the United Nations.
Content   
Speaker: Ambassador CHEN Xu
Host: Francesco Pisano
Producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

The Path to Zero Hunger - a conversation with Catherine Bertini

Catherine Bertini is The Rockefeller Foundation Managing Director for Food, former Executive Director of the World Food Programme and World Food Prize Laureate (2003). We were delighted to have her join the Director of the Library & Archives, Francesco Pisano, for this episode to explore the question of food security and the vision of achieving zero hunger in an equitable world.
The Rockefeller Foundation published a report last year providing an analysis of the current obstacles to food security and offers innovative ideas to overcome them. You can read the report via the link below.
Resources
The Rockefeller Foundation Report: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/report/defining-the-path-to-zero-hunger-in-an-equitable-world/
International Food Policy Research Institute:  https://www.ifpri.org/event/commitments-impact-analyzing-global-commitments-toward-promoting-food-security-and-healthy
Catherine Bertini: https://www.catherinebertini.com/
 
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/DgKDGI8ZRi4
Content   
Guest: Catherine Bertini, The Rockefeller Foundation, Food
Host: Francesco Pisano
Producer: Amy Smith
Editing: Mengna Chen  
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Why history matters in today's world – with Davide Rodogno and Carolyn Biltoft

In this rich conversation with Professors Davide Rodogno and Carloyn Biltoft, we delve into a world of meaning making and examine the depth and breadth that history offers for policymaking.
Davide Rodogno is professor of International History and Politics and the Head of the Interdisciplinary Master Programme at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He specializes in researching international organizations and philanthropic foundations, and transnational networks and movements since the 19th century.
Carolyn Biltoft is associate professor of international history and politics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. Her works fuses the tools of world history, intellectual history, cultural studies and critical theory. She is interested broadly in the dynamic interactions between globalising structures and infrastructures and diverse beliefs, emotions, concepts and human life-worlds. 
Resources
Geneva Graduate Institute: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/international-history-politics
Carolyn Biltoft’s book suggestions:
Hartman, Saidiya. (2019). Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments: Intimate Histories of Social Upheaval. W. W. Norton & Company (February 19, 2019).
Johnson, Denis. (2012) Train Dreams: A Novella. Picador
Smail, Daniel Lord. (2007) On Deep History and the Brain. University of California Press; First Edition
Davide Rodogno’s book suggestions:
García Márquez, Gabriel (1967) One Hundred Years of Solitude / Cien años de soledad.
García Márquez, Gabriel. (1985). Love in the Time of Cholera.
García Márquez, Gabriel. (1992) Strange Pilgrims. Twelve Short Stories. (Bon Voyage Mr. President, is set in Geneva)
 
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=h32UaG8AgZc
Content   
Guests: Davide Rodogno and Carolyn Biltoft
Host and Producer: Amy Smith
Editing and social media designs: Mengna Chen  
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Diplomacy and technology: from smoke signals to artificial intelligence with Dr. Jovan Kurbalija

Founder and Executive Director of Diplo Foundation, Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, takes us on a journey from the past to the present and across civilizations to explore the interplay of technology and diplomacy.
Diplomacy and technology are at the heart of Diplo’s mission. Dr. Kurbalija emphasizes the importance of writing as a diplomatic tool and begins by telling us the story in the Sumerian poem “Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta”, recounting how Enmerkar invents writing on clay tablets to relieve the messenger of having to remember the increasing number of messages with which he is charged.
Jovan talks about the similarity of the Ancient Egyptian Amarna letters to today’s diplomatic notes, the advanced messaging system of the Persians at the time of Cyrus the Great, how the Romans and Byzantines concealed information, the advances in technology during the Renaissance period and he highlights the themes of continuity and change all the way to present day. He also speaks about the impact of social media, AI, and our need to remain open to embracing technology in a smart way.
Resources
Diplo website: https://www.diplomacy.edu/
Kurbalija J. (2023) History of Diplomacy and Technology: From Smoke Signals to Artificial Intelligence  available at: https://www.diplomacy.edu/resource/history-of-diplomacy-and-technology-from-smoke-signals-to-artificial-intelligence/
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   
Guest: Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director, Diplo
Host and Producer: Amy Smith
Editing and social media designs: Mengna Chen  
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Building Peace that Lasts - a conversation with Itonde Kakoma

We invited Itonde Kakoma, the new President and CEO of Interpeace,  to talk about the mission of Interpeace – an organization that had its origins in the UN and works to prevent violence and build lasting peace. Interpeace has over 30 years of experience working in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America.  
In this conversation with the Director of the UN Library & Archives, Francesco Pisano, Itonde Kakoma talks about inclusive peacebuilding, a participatory approach and a vision of peace anchored in the cohesion and resilience of citizens, the diversity and inclusion of communities and the responsiveness and trustworthiness of State institutions. They discuss the obstacles around implementing the strategic aims of rethinking peace, enhancing resilience and embedding peace, as well as the nexus between peacebuilding and multilateralism.
Resources
Interpeace website: https://www.interpeace.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://www.youtube.com/
Content   
Guest: Itonde Kakoma, President, Interpeace
Host: Francesco Pisano
Producer: Amy Smith
Editing and social media designs: Mengna Chen  
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva