Despite the harking of some foreign policy wonks on the end of globalisation, the greater interconnectedness of global affairs and business beckons to differ. And with a great connected world, even during a pandemic, means greater need for diplomacy. On this episode, we discuss the new diplomacy and emergence of diplomatic divisions in both businesses and tech.
Episode 41: A Year in Review
On this episode, we review Episode 8 in which we predicted the top five topics for 2019 in diplomacy and international development. Were we right? Were we wrong? The foredooming episodes will invite key experts where we look at the year and see how it went.
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 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 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 16: The benefits of investing in conflict. Conversations with Sami Hamdi
Impact investing has been the buzzword as of late in global philanthropy and with the International Community of the Red Cross (ICRC) having launched 'humanitarian investment bonds' (HIB) back in 2017, it leaves one to wonder if investing in conflict is a good choice? Discussing the benefits of investment during conflict, we sit down with Sami Hamdi, Editor and Chief of The International Interest to uncover not only the advantages to the investor, but the potential to foster sustainable peace and economic empowerment.
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 9: Paul O'Brien of Oxfam on the importance of NGOs working with political will
On today's episode, we speak with Paul O'Brien, VP for Policy and Advocacy at Oxfam America to discuss the importance of NGOs understanding political will in order to push forward both advocacy campaigns and development programs. Often seen as two roads that don't cross, Paul O'Brien goes over why it is important for NGOs to have more political savy when engaging with governments for a more sustainable outcome.
Episode 6: Can we invest during conflict?
Image by AFP/Getty Images
In September 2017, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched the new endeavour entitled “Humanitarian Impact Bonds” (HIBS) with the intention to sanction money from the private sector towards development in conflict zones. But can this be of benefit? How does it work and if it does work, how do we spread the word? We discuss more about the potential for HIBs in today’s episode.
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 4: The importance of cross cultural diplomacy (Conversations with Tayo Rockson)
How vital is cross-cultural diplomacy in today’s world? How important is it in business? We invite Tayo Rockson, CEO of UYD Management and speaker of the highly viewed TEDx talk “The Art of Diplomacy” to speak to us what we can learn from diplomats on cultural communication to apply to business and everyday life.
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 1: What is diplomacy in international development?
In our inaugural episode, we define the key theme in this podcast - diplomacy in international development - and explain why it is vital for international businesses and affairs.
