Measuring impact has been the challenge for many social enterprises and NGOs when it comes to truly assess the real benefit of their work. But why is it a challenge? And why is it also such low priority for many organisations? We explore further the challenge and the reason why this overlooked aspect is more important than ever.
Episode 48: Why the SDGs matter? The UK perspective
Replacing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were meant for all countries - developed and undeveloped - to achieve. But some countries are falling far behind and failing to really address it. On this episode, we speak to Dominic White, Co-Founder of UKSSD and Head of International Development Policy at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) -UK to discuss more on the UK perspective on tackling the SDGs and why they matter.
Episode 42: Lebanese protests - the result of lack of investment
Lebanon has seen a slew of protests in early October since the government decided to inject a tax on WhatsApp services in the country, proving to be the straw that broke the camel's back. But the protests in the street are the symptom of long-term neglect from the Lebanese government to its people. On this episode, we uncover how this occurred and make the case for the need for government to invest in citizens.
Episode 40: We need partnerships to achieve the SDGs
With almost 10 years to go before the deadline for the SDGs, we're still very much behind in achieving them; this is why partnership is key. In light of our recent article published on Modern Diplomacy, we're making the case for the need for partnership if we want a more sustainable world.
Episode 38: Brexit and Sustainable Development
Brexit has been looming over the British conscience since the 2016 referendum. With many things unclear about what will happen in the supposed 31 October deadline to leave the European Union, equally uncertain is the status of the future of sustainable development in the UK. With British NGOs uncertain of their place with DFID and an unclear British strategy towards achieving the SDGs, we look at what is going on in the UK concerning sustainable development around Brexit and what could the future bring.
Episode 32: Italy's need for sustainable development
Italy has been suffering from low economic growth and mass brain drain for the past decade, seeing the country fall faster and faster into a downward spin. But what role can sustainable development play in saving the country? What are the current gaps? In today's episode, we uncover the current Italian dynamics to understand the potential for sustainable development to lead to higher impact and growth for the country.
Episode 26: What is sustainable development? Conversations with Charlotte Osterman of Pax Tecum Global
Since the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back in 2015, the word ‘sustainable development’ has become the most important word for global development. It is also one of the primary terms used by us at The Global Podcast. But what does it mean? We sit down with Charlotte Osterman, Director of Sustainable Development at Pax Tecum Global to explain what it means, where it came from and why it matters.
Episode 22: The opportunity for businesses in supporting the SDGs - a conversation with Matt Loose
With the launch of the SDGs back in 2015, there was an opportunity for businesses and the private sector to come on board in supporting the global goals. But the pick up has been with mixed results. In this episode, we speak with Matt Loose of SustainAbility to discuss the opportunities available for businesses in supporting the SDGS and why it makes financial and commercial sense in saving the world.
Episode 21: Political will - what it is and why it matters
Political will is the most used term in global affairs, business and in the NGO sector. But what is it really? Interestingly enough, we do and we don't know much about it. On this episode, we take the time to discuss what is this concept and why it is so crucial for your business, development program or investment if you want to see if grow and become more sustainable.
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 15: What the hell is the difference? Development diplomacy vs diplomacy in international development
The term 'development diplomacy' has been confused often with diplomacy in international development. On this episode, we take the time to dissect the two, explain their differences and their respective importance in foreign affairs, business and sustainable development.
Episode 13: What is Impact Investment?
According to the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, there are estimates that in 2018, US $12 trillion was invested in socially responsible investment funds. Impact investing is a rapidly growing industry with a huge potential to bring sustainable social impact. But what is it? In this episode, we dive in to what it is, how it works and how it can help both emerging and developing economies.
Episode 12: Life After Economic Sanctions
For years, the preferred method of US Foreign Policy against states deemed dangerous were economic sanctions. From Sudan to Iran, sanctions have proved to be more harmful to the people on the ground than the government. But with sanctions lifted from Sudan in 2017 and the EU rigorously trying for the sake of their businesses to bypass re-emerging sanctions from the USA against Iran, what are the opportunities that lay for NGOs, impact investors and businesses when the curtains of sanctions are lifted? And what is the political will present for them? Our Director and Host Gesu Antonio Baez dives into the question to find out more.
Episode 10: Why diplomacy in business?
In a rapidly globalising word, businesses are needing to engage more with governments. And with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations promoting more Private-Public partnerships, businesses are going to need a lot more political tact in order to engage with governments. This means employing diplomacy itself. In this episode, we explain why diplomacy in business is crucial, especially for businesses that foster sustainable development and social impact.
Episode 5: Protests in France - a solution
The past few weeks have seen immense rioting all over France in response to President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to raise taxes on diesel fuel as a method to tackle carbon emission. The result was sparked anger from many workers already feeling the weight of heavy taxes and confusing many in the outside world on the status of order in France . Without a doubt, reducing carbon emission is crucial but what can be done to tackle this and not disempower citizens? We discuss both the background of protests in France, insight on the current one and a solution to appease both issues.
Episode 3: Keeping up with Rwanda
More than 20 years since the horrific Rwandan Genocide leaving around one million Rwandans dead, the country has made a complete 360 degree change, becoming East Africa’s most up-and-coming emerging economy. Listen in to this quick overview and find our how Rwanda is committed to both global growth through sustainability and dynamic development.
Episode 2: Conversations with d'Arcy Lunn on governments and the SDGs
In this episode, we speak with international humanitarian and Founder of Teaspoons of Change, d’Arcy Lunn on how to get governments onboard for adopting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
