New Year, New Podcast! We're starting the first episode of the year, with our host Gesu Antonio Baez bringing you the top three things to watch out for in International affairs, which will affect diplomacy, development and business.
Episode 52: COVID-19 and the developing world - the real story
While COVID 19 has been primarily ravaging Western and Developed Nations such as China, Italy and the USA, the developing world has not been immune to the coronavirus - or COVID 19 - either In fact, many experts fear it will be worst in Africa, Asia and Latin America due to the poor medical infrastructure and general social dynamics. But as the weeks progress, the reality has been different than what the media is portraying. But what are the repercussions of COVID 19 in this part of the world? Whether on its economy and socio cultural dynamics that will cause it to suffer more than what the virus can do? We speak with Dr Theodora Pepera (a British-Ghanaian OBGYN based in Accra), Dr Ryan Lloyd of Centre College in the USA who specialised in Latin American affairs, and Lauren Anders Brown (award winning humanitarian film maker) to discuss COVID 19 in Africa, Latin America and the vulnerable communities in the refugee camps around the world to discuss the reality on the ground.
Episode 29: Hot Talks with Chiara Soletti - Climate change and Brazil
On this inaugural series of Hot Talks, where we invite experts to discuss key themes pertinent to diplomacy in international development, we sit down with Chiara Soletti of the Italian Climate Network to discuss recent threats made by the Bolsonaro administration in Brazil against both the Amazon and the indigenous populations. We discuss the potential threat to the global climate that this move could have and highlight the opportunity that is present for both businesses and NGOs in taking up the role where government may be missing.
Episode 27: Spotlight on the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has witnessed unprecedented growth and an economic boom since the mid-2000's, rendering this island nation as the top receiver of FDI in Latin America and the fastest growing economy in the region. But apart from business and trade opportunities, what lies for sustainable development? While it is an emerging economy, it is still a developing one. So what are they key gaps present and what can be done for greater social impact? We explore more on today's episode.
Episode 20: Brazil under Bolsonaro - political will and the SDGs
In early 2019, Brazil elected Jair Bolsonaro as its new president. Hailed as the "Trump of Brazil" by many media commentator for his far-right stances, he has come into office promising to tackle the country's urban violence and spiralling corruption which has caused much unwanted attention globally. Much like Trump, Bolsonaro dismisses climate change and his political focus is no longer on sustainable development for a country where economic inequality and poverty is still a reality. So what is the current political climate and will for sustainable development in Brazil? On this episode, we're joined by Dr Ryan Lloyd of the University of Sao Paulo, Amanda Lima of UNDP and political journalist Carlos Oliveira to discuss the current Brazilian political landscape, political will for the SDGs and the change for businesses and NGOs to influence for the sake of social good.
Episode 8: The Top 5 to Watch in 2019
It's a new year, yet surprisingly old conflicts and baggage keep following. 2018 was a dynamic year and no doubt remnants of past events will inspire potential events in 2019. In this episode, we provide you with "The Top 5 to Watch in 2019" in both business and global affairs to guide you on opportunities and risks in both sustainable development and diplomatic engagement.