S1 · E60
July 16 · 40 min
GG
Global Governance Podcast
Global Governance Forum
#10 in Government this weekWelcome to the Global Governance Podcast with Augusto Lopez-Claros, where we explore the future of governance. Each episode will look at a different global issue and how governance plays a key role in its solution. From climate change to gender equality, from corruption to peace and security, we invite experts to explore a thought-provoking game of “what if?” and “why not?”, positing a world in much closer international cooperation. To learn more visit GlobalGovernanceForum.org.
- 20 episodes
- Avg 37 min
- English
- GGS1 · E59July 13 · 30 min
Juan González-Barba on Europe's Future: Values, Unity, and Leadership in a Fragmented World
As geopolitical fragmentation deepens, Ambassador Juan González-Barba reflects on Europe's future, the power of shared values, and how principled cooperation can help shape a more stable international order. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E58July 2 · 37 min
Allan Rock on Fighting Grand Corruption and Renewing Global Governance
As grand corruption erodes democracy, security, and public trust, Allan Rock explores the case for an International Anti-Corruption Court, the future of UN reform, and the stronger global institutions needed to uphold the rule of law. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E57April 23 · 40 min
Adam Lupel on Reforming Global Security, Reviving Multilateralism, and the Future of the UN
In a recent podcast conversation with Adam Lupel, we explored the growing mismatch between today’s global risks and the United Nations’ capacity to respond effectively. Our discussion ranged from Security Council paralysis and the corrosive effects of veto use, to the UN’s limited ability to address contemporary threats such as civil conflict, state fragility, and transnational risks. We also examined why disarmament and prevention—once central to the UN’s mission—have weakened, and what it would take to restore them as credible pillars of collective security. Importantly, we considered forward-looking ideas, including the role of an Earth System Council in addressing planetary instability as a security issue, and the need to deepen civil society participation to strengthen legitimacy. These questions go to the heart of a broader challenge: how to modernize global governance so the UN can evolve into a more effective, problem-solving institution at the center of international cooperation. We invite you to listen to the full conversation and engage with these critical issues. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E56April 21 · 34 min
Jojo Mehta on Making Ecocide a Crime: Rewriting the Rules for Planetary Protection
In this episode, Jojo Mehta, CEO of Stop Ecocide International, explores the growing global movement to recognize ecocide as an international crime. Building on the vision she developed with the late Polly Higgins, Mehta explains why criminal law—alongside regulation—is essential to closing accountability gaps in a fragmented world. She reflects on the milestones that have moved ecocide from the margins to mainstream legal and diplomatic debate, and what its adoption could mean in practice for governments, corporations, and investors confronting the climate crisis. Looking ahead, she outlines practical steps for action and a credible pathway toward systemic change. This is a thoughtful and persuasive conversation that makes a powerful case for why ecocide law could reshape global incentives—well worth a listen. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E55February 25 · 27 min
Julia Haas on Safeguarding Media Freedom and Democratic Integrity in the AI Era
Artificial intelligence is transforming the global information ecosystem at breathtaking speed. In this timely conversation, Julia Haas, Head of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media’s AI & Freedom of Expression project, examines what this means for journalism, democratic governance, and human rights. We discuss the rise of deepfakes and AI-driven disinformation, the concentration of power in big tech platforms, and the economic vulnerabilities of modern newsrooms. How do we preserve information integrity without enabling censorship? How can regulation enhance accountability without strengthening state control? And as media organizations increasingly adopt AI tools, how can trust be protected? Julia argues that safeguarding media freedom in the age of AI is not merely a technological challenge—it is a democratic test. Multilateral cooperation, principled regulation, and stronger public-interest infrastructure will be essential if innovation is to reinforce, rather than erode, open societies. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E54February 2 · 41 min
Peter J. Hoffman on Rethinking the UN at a Constitutional Moment
In this wide-ranging discussion, Professor Peter J. Hoffman argues that the United Nations’ current paralysis reflects a deeper crisis of legitimacy rather than a temporary political impasse. He examines why incremental reform is no longer sufficient, probing core questions of Security Council authority, democratic representation beyond states, the governance of planetary risk, and the constitutional status of human rights. Drawing on historical experience with institutional change, Hoffman situates the Second UN Charter between realism and ambition, contending that transformative reform often appears unrealistic until conditions make its necessity undeniable. As he concludes, what is dismissed today as idealism may, with the passage of time, come to be seen as the most realistic response to a system no longer fit for purpose. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E53Dec 10, 2025 · 9 min
Reimagining Global Governance: Augusto Lopez-Claros on the Movement for a Second UN Charter
In this excerpt from CBC Ideas, Augusto López-Claros reflects on a rapidly changing world and the civic movements demanding that the UN evolve with it. From the failures of the current system to the rising pressure from civil society, he outlines why the UN Charter’s original architects left behind a little-known pathway — Article 109 — designed to ensure periodic review. Nearly 80 years later, that review has never happened. This episode explores why now may be the moment to invoke it, and how a global coalition is working to modernize multilateralism for the 21st century. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E52Jul 20, 2025 · 49 min
Martin Kreutner on the Perils of Strongman Diplomacy
Martin Kreutner, Dean Emeritus of the International Anti-Corruption Academy and a distinguished former member of the Austrian Federal Appeals Tribunal traces the historical roots of our present global order and compellingly argues that the shift to various forms of strongman diplomacy currently under way, in the spirit of the 1945 Yalta conference that established the key political parameters of the United Nations, is likely to be costly for human well-being. Much better to build a more inclusive system, that gives voice to people everywhere and recognizes that we live in a different world in which economic and political power is more diffuse and confronting myriad global challenges which require stronger international cooperation. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E51Jun 4, 2025 · 39 min
Guy Sinclair on why the UN needs to adapt to 21st century realities
Professor Guy Sinclair explains how the UN has, over time, diverged from its original Charter, adapting in response to global shifts—sometimes enhancing its relevance, but at other times straining its legitimacy. Sinclair outlines four key factors driving institutional change: external shocks, internal dynamics, legal mechanisms, and shared narratives. As new technologies like AI and autonomous weapons reshape global threats, he anticipates further evolution in how international organizations operate. We also discuss the strain on the UN’s development agenda—especially the Sustainable Development Goals—as geopolitical shocks and donor fatigue undercut progress. Sinclair addresses concerns about the UN’s diminished authority in peace and security, citing the growing irrelevance of Security Council authorization. He warns that the increasing role of private and state donors may skew UN priorities, challenging its legitimacy. Finally, we explore whether collective security remains a viable goal and whether reform should be gradual or transformative. Through it all, Sinclair urges a critical but hopeful approach, recognizing the UN’s enduring potential amid deep systemic challenges. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E50May 15, 2025 · 38 min
Cecelia Lynch on the Links between Inclusion, Peace and Prosperity
Cecelia Lynch, a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, is a leading thinker on the importance of inclusion as a catalyst for promoting sustainable, peaceful, social transformations. The idea is that inclusion should not just be limited to nation states but should from the outset involve those directly impacted by conflicts, so that they play a leading role in the resolution process. Radical inclusion broadens participation to include marginalized groups like local communities, women, and non-state actors. It also involves local communities and their unique forms of knowledge in the stewardship of environmental protection, peace building initiatives and conflict resolution, and the design of strategies aimed at improving the livelihoods of marginalized groups around the world. A peace and prosperous world are an impossible achievement if it does not include the voices of the voiceless. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E49Apr 8, 2025 · 42 min
Sundeep Waslekar on Our Civilizational Crises
Sundeep Waslekar eloquently explains why current nationalisms and our obsession with the primacy of the nation state are not able to deliver practical solutions to the problems that threaten our future as a human family. In addition to reforms to our current UN-based global governance architecture we also need a new philosophical and ethical framework that is consistent with the idea that we are one human family, inhabiting one planet and that our survival as a human species is inextricably linked to the recognition of our common humanity. Without this anchoring based on enlightened human values, we risk being overwhelmed by multiple crises and the resulting human suffering. We must imagine a better future and take the concrete steps to get there. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E48Mar 11, 2025 · 40 min
Sonia Sanchez Diaz on the Crisis in the Middle East
Professor Sonia Sanchez Diaz is a highly regarded analyst of the crisis in the Middle East, widely respected for her objectivity, impartiality and incisive analysis, which builds on a deep understanding of the region´s troubled history, its institutions, and peoples. In this podcast she examines developments over the past couple of years and what it means for regional stability and security. Her perceptive analysis casts light on many of the underlying factors underpinning the conflict and she makes a strong case that empowering its women will be an important part of the solution. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E47Feb 23, 2025 · 44 min
Ambassador Gerardo Bugallo on our Post-Cold War World
Gerardo Bugallo was Spain's Ambassador in Ukraine during the critical years 2013-17, a crucial period that spanned from the Euromaidan to the first years after the annexation of Crimea. In this podcast interview he shares fascinating insights on the end of the Cold War, the origins of the current conflict, the possibilities of a fair settlement that would permit Ukraine to develop as a sovereign nation enjoying peace and security and stronger ties with the EU, consistent with the principles of non-violence embedded in the UN Charter. He also discusses China's emergence as a global geopolitical actor and the role it could play in the current environment of international big-power tensions. A thoughtful diplomat ably navigating our labyrinthine geopolitical realities. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E46Nov 2, 2024 · 39 min
Michael Mandelbaum on Titans of the Twentieth Century
Michael Mandelbaum has written a fascinating book examining the role of major political leaders in shaping our recent history, for better or for worse. He is a highly regarded author with an insightful understanding of the factors that have shaped conflict and progress over the past century. Some of the titans featured in this podcast based on his book operated within democratic settings and left democracy stronger than they had found it, while others, tyrants with diseased minds, tended towards coercion rather than persuasion when exercising power and contributed to making the 20th century a blood-soaked century, without parallel in terms of human suffering. In an age of rising authoritarianism, this podcast delivers important warnings for our collective future. You can find Michael Mandelbaum's new book on Amazon or your local bookstore. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E45Oct 21, 2024 · 32 min
Wendy Broadgate: Deep into Danger Zone on Climate Change
Wendy Broadgate is a distinguished scientist who has worked in Earth system science and the science-policy interface for two decades. She is therefore singularly well-qualified to address the question of the dangers we face because of inadequate action to set our climate system within safe and just boundaries. Public support for more robust action to put the Earth on a more sustainable path is broad-based; what is lacking is political will and a better understanding of our collective intergenerational responsibilities. The costs of inaction will be orders of magnitude larger than acting now, including by rethinking the economic growth imperative of our current economic paradigm. Action is needed now; there is no shortage of knowledge. It needs to be complemented by enlightened political leadership. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E44Jun 6, 2024 · 36 min
Anthony Annett on The Elements of a More Just Economy
Anthony Annett is an economist who spent two decades at the International Monetary Fund, including as speechwriter to the Managing Director. In an insightful podcast based on his book Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy he argues that we need to take a fresh look at the policies, priorities, and institutions that underpin our current economic system. These are no longer working for the common good. Inequality is corroding the foundations of our societies and beginning to have harmful consequences for our social and political order. On many fronts, our economic systems are on an unsustainable path, and this is in part due to the absence of moral principles and an ethic of solidarity that might be guiding lights when designing policies and approaches to economics aiming for the common good. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E43May 20, 2024 · 39 min
Soumya Swaminathan on Why we Need Stronger Global Health Governance
As the most recent Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization Soumya Swaminathan was on the forefront of the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of her distinguished background in policymaking spanning more than 30 years of experience bringing science and evidence into the formulation of effective actions to address fundamental issues of public health, Dr Swaminathan brings a wealth of insights into a conversation about the lessons learned from the pandemic and how to prepare for the next one. Viruses against which we have no natural immunity will continue to be a major risk factor in coming years and, against the huge human and economic costs of COVID-19, we need to internalize those lessons and come together as one whole human family, preparing responses that will be science-based but that will also leave no one behind because we live in an interconnected world in which our health and the health of others are fully interdependent. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E42Mar 22, 2024 · 51 min
Daniel Perell on Why We Need to Rethink our Global Governance Architecture
Daniel Perell currently serves as a co-chair of the Steering Group of the Coalition for the UN We Need, an umbrella group of civil society organizations that are collaborating to modernize the UN system, to better adapt it to the needs of the 21st century. He is thus extremely well-qualified to share insights into the forthcoming UN Summit of the Future and the extent to which it might become a catalyst for future transformational innovations, desperately needed in a world increasingly destabilized by climate change, entrenched nationalisms, persistent poverty and inequality and other such global challenges. In this wide-ranging podcast, he shares keen insights on the way forward and how to make the transition from reaffirming important principles embedded in the UN Charter to implementing a broader and more ambitious vision of reforms that will deliver actual solutions to the problems we face. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org
- GGS1 · E41Mar 3, 2024 · 43 min
Sandrine Dixson-Declève on The Need for a New Economic Paradigm
As co-president of the Club of Rome Sandrine Dixson-Declève is singularly well-qualified to speak to the major challenges we confront today and on which, in the search for solutions, we need much stronger levels of international cooperation. Widening income disparities have started to undermine social and political stability, the needs of the extremely poor are not being met, and we are failing to stem the worst consequences of climate change. There is no shortage of solutions, from better use of the tax system to lower income inequality, to the phasing out of wasteful energy and other subsidies, to the use of innovative instruments to finance the transition to a green economy. What is lacking is enlightened leadership, more in tune with the needs of the many, a greater focus on longer-term solutions not driven by short-term profit considerations, and the recognition that the economic and political empowerment of women is vital for the creation of a more secure and stable world. Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org