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 57: Forget bailouts - how green stimulus can save the global economy
The arrival of COVID-19 has led to global economic crisis with the halt of the global economy. But while leaders are focusing on economic stimulus packages, a recent report shows that they should be focusing on a more sustainable solution - green stimulus. We speak with UK Sustainability Expert Richard Smith to discuss more about this potential for both a sustainable economy and environment.
Episode 46: US and Iran tensions - what threats are there to businesses and development?
With the US and Iran tensions escalating following the assassination of Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani by the Trump Administration in Bagdad, rising worry over a potential conflict and heightened misunderstandings on both sides are leading many to question the future of stability in the region. Most importantly, what does this mean for businesses and sustainable development in the region? Bringing clarity to the tension, Sami Hamdi - Editor and Chief of The International Interest, joins us on The Global Podcast to bring both clarity and light to the tension and threats to businesses.
Episode 39: Italy and sustainable development - is it possible?
In Episode 32, we spoke of Italy's need for sustainable development. On today's episode, we explore the possibility by speaking with Andrea Pastorelli, CEO of Teach for Italy and Daniele Abate, Public-Funded Project Manager for H-Farm to discuss how focusing on education and entrepreneurship for social impact can potential save Italy. But most importantly, we uncover whether it is still possible, even the current economic crisis.
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 34: Is China preventing a sustainable Africa?
For those familiar with the African continent, one cannot deny the presence of China. Whether in infrastructure, businesses or the influx of Chinese migrant workers, Beijing has invested heavily in the continent and forged ties with many African leaders for its One Belt One Road initiative. While this has definitely led to an economic boom for the continent, is there a potential of this backfiring due to lack of due dilligence on both sides for sustainable development? On this episode, we discuss the real potential cost of easy access Chinese loans to African states and the implication this could have.
Episode 33: Sustainable development for peace in Israel
For years, contemporary Israeli society has seen a division between both Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs, especially when it comes to the booming start-up and tech scene that has seen Israel dubbed as "the start-up nation". But is there a space for non-profits and start-ups to foster sustainable development for peace through innovation? On this episode, we speak with Naama Nagar and Hans Shakur of the Nazareth-based non-profit Tsofen as they work to bridge Arab and Jewish entrepreneurs for real sustainable change via tech and empowerment.
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 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 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 24: The New Africa - entrepreneurship and innovation (conversations with the World Bank's Simon Duchatelet)
The Economist labelled Africa as the "Hopeless Continent" in the early 2000's. Fast forward to the present and it has now published a cover on how Africa is "rising". Businesses and governments are flooding to the continent to do business and Africa is now the scene of a rising amount of startups and entrepreneurs. So what is fuelling this? And what is this new kind of African innovation? We speak with Simon Duchatelet of the World Bank's Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation Global Practice to find out more on why this decade is indeed the 'African decade'.
Click here to find out information on the World Bank’s launch of XL Africa.
Episode 23: Spotlight on Indonesia
On 17 April 2019, Indonesians went to the polls and voted in current President Joko Widodo (commonly called Jokowi) back into office for a second term. But with underachieving on certain developmental promises and a sudden alliance with the more conservative right wing, what political implications will this have for both development and sustainability for the country in the coming years? We provide the overview and analysis on this episode.
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 14: Does democracy lead to sustainable development? Conversations with Tamara Dancheva
The OECD has recently included in a questionnaire for sustainable development the need for democratic institutions. But does democracy actually foster sustainable development? We speak with Liberal International's Head of Human Rights, Tamara Dancheva on the case for democracy in leading to greater social impact.
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 11: Senegal - Africa's Rising Star
Africa is booming - there's no doubt about that! But some of the countries in the continent are really taking centre stage. One country in particular is Senegal. In this episode, we cover the political will present in the country that provides opportunities for businesses, NGOs and investors to engage with the country to further both social impact and sustainable development endeavours.
