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 36: Humanitarian diplomacy revealed
UN agencies such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have immortalised the role of the humanitarian diplomat and the crucial role they play in safeguarding the interests of marginalised communities. But can diplomats for sustainable development be considered humanitarians as well? Or is there a fine line between humanitarian aid and sustainability? We uncover the definition of both and see if both actors have a similar approach in their way of saving the world.
As mentioned in the episode: Osterman, C. "How globalisation didn't start with the local". Social Value UK. 2019.
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 25: Is diplomacy for development in Venezuela still possible?
Venezuela has been in an economic crisis for years but the situation heightened when the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, was declared interim president by the assembly as a response to current President Nicolas Maduro's management of the country. Since then, the country has been the scene of a dire humanitarian crisis and the pawn of a geopolitical hand at play. Yet while the country's politics goes on, millions flee the country and basic human needs aren't being met. Can diplomacy in international development save Venezuela? Is there a role for NGOs and either state or non-state actors to engage to provide relief and aid for the Venezuelan people? On this episode, we invite Temir Porras Ponceleon (former Foreign Affairs Advisor to Hugo Chavez and former Chief of Staff to Nicolas Maduro), Daniel Lansburg-Rodriguez (Director of Latin America for Greenmantle LLC and Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern Kellogg), and Ryan Lloyd (Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Sao Paulo) to discuss this crucial question - is diplomacy in international development still possible in Venezuela?
NB: This episode was recorded on Monday, 29 April. On 30 April, Juan Guaido declared to have military personnel switch loyalty to declare an end to Maduro. Maduro retains the majority of the Venezuelan army’s backing. However, the situation is still ongoing and still remains unclear. Much of the uncertain and potential for what could occur was forecasted in this podcast.
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 19: Trump slashes US foreign aid budget - why it's a bad idea
On 11 March 2019, US President Donald Trump slashes the 2020 Budget to US foreign affairs and international aid. This was done in effort to make room for costs to accommodate his proposal of the US-Mexico wall which led to the 35 day US government shutdown early this year. But in his attempt to make America 'great again', he's actually making it much worse, especially in regards to the power which USAID and development programs can yield for American image abroad. We dive in further into today's episode to explain why.
Episode 17: Does global philanthropy actual increase the wealth gap?
Global philanthropy is on the rise with famed organisations launched by the Clintons and the Gates taking full stage. With an aim to help reduce the wealth gap and foster both sustainable development and relief in marginalised and developing countries, are they actually achieving their goals? More precisely, is philanthropy only adding to the problem? We explore further in this episode and highlight the good, the bad and what can be done to change it.
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.
