Podcasts about member states

The absence of a coherent international response to the crises in Gaza and Ukraine has raised questions about what used to be called the international rules-based order. Does it still exist at all, or has the reality of raw military and economic power trumped every other consideration?Against that backdrop, what role, if any, does the United Nations have to play? And what is Ireland's role within the UN?On today's podcast Niall McCann, who recently left the United Nations Development Programme after more than a decade working throughout the UN system in positions in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, talks to Hugh about what he found at the UN, why it isn't working and how he thinks it should be reformed.He also explains why Ireland's standing within the UN is lower than is sometimes suggested. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is urging member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to march toward modernization together by bringing out the best in one another, and working together for a shared future.

在上海合作组织峰会欢迎宴会上的祝酒辞 （2025年8月31日，天津） 中华人民共和国主席 习近平 Toast by H.E. Xi JinpingPresident of the People's Republic of ChinaAt the Welcoming Banquet of the SCO Summit (Tianjin, August 31, 2025)尊敬的各位同事、各位来宾，Dear Colleagues,Distinguished Guests,女士们，先生们，朋友们：Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends,大家晚上好！灯火海河畔，津门纳百川。我谨代表中国政府和中国人民，欢迎各位嘉宾来到天津做客。Good evening. Tonight, we are gathered here by the glittering banks of the Haihe River in Tianjin, a city defined by its embrace of waters from all corners. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I welcome all our distinguished guests to Tianjin.今天是上海合作组织成员国领导人同各位新老朋友欢聚一堂的日子，也是吉尔吉斯斯坦独立日和马来西亚国庆日。借此机会，谨向扎帕罗夫总统、安瓦尔总理，向友好的吉尔吉斯斯坦人民、马来西亚人民，表示诚挚的祝贺！Today is a joyful day for leaders of SCO member states to have this happy gathering with old and new friends. It is also the Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan and the National Day of Malaysia. I wish to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt congratulations to President Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and the friendly peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia.天津是一座开放包容的城市，自古为京畿要地，是中国改革开放先行区。这些年来，在京津冀协同发展战略引领下，中国式现代化天津篇章不断展现新气象。中方相信，在天津举办这次峰会，一定能给上海合作组织可持续发展注入新的活力。Tianjin is an open and inclusive metropolis. It has served as a strategic guardian city for our nation's capital throughout history, and pioneered China's reform and opening-up as a pilot zone. In recent years, Tianjin has implemented the national strategy of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development, and written its new and dynamic chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. We believe that as the host of this Summit, Tianjin will give fresh impetus to the sustainable development of our Organization.上海合作组织自成立以来，始终秉持“上海精神”，巩固团结互信，深化务实合作，参与国际和地区事务，成为推动构建新型国际关系和人类命运共同体的重要力量。Since its founding, the SCO has stayed committed to the Shanghai Spirit, strengthening solidarity and mutual trust, deepening practical cooperation, and taking an active part in international and regional affairs. The SCO has grown into a significant force in promoting a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for humanity.当前，世界百年变局加速演进，不稳定、不确定、难预料因素明显增多，上海合作组织维护地区和平稳定、促进各国发展繁荣的责任更加重大。At present, the century-defining transformation is accelerating across the world, with a marked increase in factors of instability, uncertainty, and unpredictability. The SCO thus bears an even greater responsibility for maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting development and prosperity of all countries.这次峰会肩负着凝聚各方共识、激发合作动能、擘画发展蓝图的重要使命。明天，我将同成员国各位同事举行元首理事会会议，同更多友好国家和国际组织举行“上海合作组织+”会议，共商合作发展大计，推动完善全球治理。At this Summit, we are tasked with an important mission: to build consensus among all parties, ignite momentum for cooperation, and draw up a blueprint for development. Tomorrow, I will join our colleagues at the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States. We will also convene the "SCO Plus" Meeting with leaders of non-SCO members and international organizations. We will focus on how to strengthen cooperation, promote development, and improve global governance.我相信，在各方共同努力下，这次峰会一定能够圆满成功，上海合作组织必将展现更大作为、实现更大发展，为促进成员国团结协作、汇聚全球南方力量、助力人类文明进步事业作出更大贡献。I am confident that with the collective efforts of all parties, this Summit will be a complete success and the SCO will play an even greater role, achieve greater development, and make greater contribution to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the member states, pooling the strength of the Global South, and promoting the cause of human advancement.百舸争流，奋楫者先。让我们在“上海精神”指引下，从天津再出发，向着更加美好的未来，开启充满希望的新航程！As a Chinese saying goes, "In a race of a hundred boats, those who row the hardest will lead." Let us uphold the Shanghai Spirit and set out from Tianjin on a new voyage filled with hope toward an even brighter future.现在，我提议，大家共同举杯，Now, please join me in a toast:为天津峰会取得丰硕成果，To a productive and fruitful Summit;为上海合作组织实现宗旨目标，To the advancement of the SCO's goals and tasks;为各国发展繁荣、人民幸福美满，To the development and prosperity of all countries and the well-being of our people; and为各位来宾和家人的健康，To the health of all distinguished guests and your families.干杯！Cheers! 来源：新华社

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/french-studies

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In The Seventh Member State: Algeria, France, and the European Community (Harvard University Press, 2022), Dr. Megan Brown details the surprising story of how Algeria joined and then left the postwar European Economic Community and what its past inclusion means for extracontinental membership in today's European Union. On their face, the mid-1950s negotiations over European integration were aimed at securing unity in order to prevent violent conflict and boost economies emerging from the disaster of World War II. But French diplomats had other motives, too. From Africa to Southeast Asia, France's empire was unraveling. France insisted that Algeria—the crown jewel of the empire and home to a nationalist movement then pleading its case to the United Nations—be included in the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The French hoped that Algeria's involvement in the EEC would quell colonial unrest and confirm international agreement that Algeria was indeed French. French authorities harnessed Algeria's legal status as an official département within the empire to claim that European trade regulations and labor rights should traverse the Mediterranean. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany conceded in order to move forward with the treaty, and Algeria entered a rights regime that allowed free movement of labor and guaranteed security for the families of migrant workers. Even after independence in 1962, Algeria remained part of the community, although its ongoing inclusion was a matter of debate. Still, Algeria's membership continued until 1976, when a formal treaty removed it from the European community. In this book, Dr. Brown combats understandings of Europe's “natural” borders by emphasizing the extracontinental contours of the early union. The unification vision was never spatially limited, suggesting that contemporary arguments for geographic boundaries excluding Turkey and areas of Eastern Europe from the European Union must be seen as ahistorical. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regulations to govern the exploration and extraction of rare earth minerals on the seabed of international waters are being hammered out by the UN's International Seabed Authority (ISA) despite the reported decision by the US government to go “alone”.The demand for rare earth minerals, which are needed to make batteries and other technology, is on the increase globally. Jamaica-based ISA is a specialised agency mandated to regulate the deep seabed of international waters, which makes up over 50 per cent of the world's underwater surface area.Its 170 Member States are developing a code of conduct to mine for minerals in a sustainable and equitable way which benefits all nations, not just technologically advanced ones. Eileen Travers spoke to the organization's Secretary-General, Leticia Carvalho, and began by asking her about the status of the code.Read our explainer on ISA and why it matters now here.

This podcast is part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe Project which is kindly supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Michael McGrath, as Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, launched the Commission's Rule of Law Report 2025. The European Commission Rule of Law Reports first began in 2020, as the EU experienced a period of increasing decline in the rule of law. The Report was envisaged as an additional, preventative tool within the Commission's Rule of Law Toolbox which could assess early warning signs of backsliding on the rule of law. Kersty McCourt argued that while the Commission's Rule of Law Report is a useful resource, the challenge now facing the Commission is to link its assessments and recommendations with actions that are implemented quickly and robustly enough to steer Member States back towards greater respect for the Rule of Law. In the conversation, Kersty McCourt highlighted the particularly vulnerable position in which civil society across Europe now finds itself, where some governments, and even members of the European Parliament seek to discredit the work done by CSOs in support democracy, human rights and the rule of law. She warned that if these issues are not addressed, the EU will face a very dangerous trajectory over the next five years.

The European Commission's much-anticipated Rule of Law Report was published on 8 July 2025. Since 2019, the Report has monitored developments in the rule of law in Member States and issues recommendations on how the Member States can improve judicial systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, and other institutional checks and balances. In this IIEA webinar, Florian Geyer and Nicolaas Bel, Head and Deputy Head of Unit (respectively) at DG JUST in the European Commission, join Judge Marie Baker to discuss the Commission's most recent findings and recommendations. They will present the new elements of the Report, including the innovative Single Market dimension, and discuss the connection between Rule of Law and securing EU funds. Speaker bios: Ms Justice Marie Baker serves as the first Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ireland. She was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1984 and was made a judge of the High Court of Ireland in 2014. She was a judge of the Court of Appeal of Ireland from 2018 until she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ireland in 2019 where she sat until her retirement in 2024. She has lectured in law at University College Cork and Dublin City University. Florian Geyer is a lawyer who has worked for the European Commission for more than fifteen years in various Directorates-General. Before joining the Commission, he was a Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels and a senior research assistant in public law at the University of Trier, Germany. Since 2021, he has been the Head of Unit responsible for rule of law in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission. Nicolaas Bel is a lawyer and has been working for the European Commission for some twenty years in various Directorates-General. Before joining the Commission, he worked in the legal department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2019, he has been the Deputy Head of Unit responsible for the rule of law in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission.

"July 19 is the last day that Member States of the World Health Organisation can withdraw from the IHR amendments (without entering a multi-year withdrawal process). By failing to withdraw, they will be committing their taxpayers to fund the key surveillance aspects of a rapidly expanding industry that is the pandemic industrial complex. The hapless inhabitants of WHO Member States seem to have no real leaders anymore.” This quote by David Bell, former medical officer and scientist at the WHO, relates to the situation in New Zealand. David is also a public health physician and biotech consultant in global health. And we check in to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's conversation, we take a deep dive into creative rights governance across the African continent. Our guest, Maureen Fondo, Head of copyright and related rights at the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), highlights how the surge in creative output—especially among young people—has underscored the urgent need for formal systems to recognize, protect, and help monetize their work. She has over 16 years of professional experience in legal and copyright matters. Having contributed to the adoption of the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, the ARIPO Model Law on Copyrightand Related Rights and policy documents at ARIPO that were adopted by the Member States and various copyright publications. Ms. Fondo is a DPhil candidate in Intellectual Property at Africa University, Zimbabwe, and a lecturer for the Master's program in Intellectual Property at Africa University. Ms. Fondo is a holder of a Master's degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) from Africa University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law School of Tanzania, an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and Courts Subordinate thereto, and a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from Tumaini University, Tanzania (now known as Iringa University). She previously served as a Senior Legal Officer, heading the Legal Service Unit at the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA), where she handled copyright cases, presided over dispute resolutions and negotiations among parties, drafted contracts, oversaw licensing of copyright and related rights to users, and raised awareness about copyright and related rights. Ms. Fondo volunteered as a Legal Officer at the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Arusha Legal Aid Clinic. She worked as a part-time lecturer in Business Law at the Institute of Accountancy in Arusha, Tanzania. She is an artist and composer with at least thirteen titles, the author of a movie script titled “Dream is Alive – Ndoto Hai” and a children's story script titled “Creativity Lives”. Ms. Fondo has received leadership accolades.  

The region of the Indian Ocean: a theater of great power rivalries, an economic powerhouse, a crucial geographical zone for maritime trade and security, a new norms setter, and an essential commercial hub. For all these reasons combined, the region is central to ongoing and upcoming geoeconomic shifts and the transformation of the Western powers' shaped international order as we know it today. This region is of crucial importance for France's security, economy, and diplomatic leverage, being the only Indo-Pacific power among the European Union's Member States, thanks to its overseas territories. Amidst the ongoing power competition in the region, middle powers are rising and shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific, and more broadly, of the international order, through new partnerships, alliances and infrastructure projects. Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to discuss the main prospects and challenges of the region from the perspective of a local actor. Therefore, on February 4, 2025, we will have the chance to gain insights into the region from Sri Lanka's perspective. Our guest speaker will be Rishan de Silva, Executive Director of the Sri Lankan think tank, The Geopolitical Cartographer.

In her address to the IIEA, Ruth Owen, Deputy Director at FEANTSA, examines the European Union's efforts to address homelessness through its evolving affordable housing agenda. As the EU has no direct competence in housing, the responsibility for policies on and investment in social and affordable housing remains with the Member States. Drawing on over a decade of experience in homelessness policy, she explores the potential of EU initiatives to support more inclusive and effective housing solutions across Member States, including the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness and the affordable housing initiative as part of the Commission's renovation wave strategy for Europe. She considers the challenges of implementation, the role of national governments, and the need for integrated policy responses to ensure that affordable housing contributes meaningfully to the fight against homelessness. Speaker bio: Ruth Owen is Deputy Director at FEANTSA (European Federation of National Associations Working with the Homeless), where she has worked since 2010. She is an expert on homelessness and public policies to address it. She has a special interest in housing policy. Prior to working on homelessness, Ruth studied geography and worked as a teacher in London.

In this new episode of Euphoria Arianna and Federico discuss what it takes to collect 1.2 million signatures to protect abortion rights in the European Union.Veronika Povz from My Voice My Choice helps us understand how access to safe abortions is still a privilege in the EU reserved to a select few Member States and how citizens living in different countries still do not have the same rights to decide what decisions to take regarding their own bodies.

“Sevilla is a moment in time. It is really the beginning, not the end of the process,” says one of the senior UN officials helping Member States navigate high-stakes negotiations ahead of a landmark conference on sustainable development in Spain later this month.Shari Spiegel is Director of Financing for Sustainable Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).She told UN News's Matt Wells that the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development aims to address a staggering $4 trillion gap in global financing. Countries reached agreement this week on an outcome document that sets out critical reforms. Click here for UN News' Special Coverage of FFD4 Conference

Ronan Kerleo is a member of Pan-European Party Volt Europa and Leader of the Volt Disability Network and is also one of the Board Members for Volt France, the French branch of Volt Europa.Ronan helped draft the Moonshot Programme for the last European elections, a unique programme supported by all our lists across Europe, which includes a number of important specific points on disability rights including  Making the CRPD a binding standard in European legal framework, recognising the General Comments of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as authoritative for their interpretation, - Push for a directive on deinstitutionalisation requiring Member States to establish a roadmap for moving away from the institutional model and immediately end the use of EU funds for the construction of new institutions- Create a European Disability Agency to ensure harmonised implementation at European level of the rights provided for in the CRPD- Abolish discriminatory protection régimes such as guardianship, which deny legal capacity for disabled people and support the implementation of new supported decision-making (SDM) models- Criminalise forced sterilisation.- Develop an inclusive and high-quality educational system that offers to all children, including those with all kinds of disabilities, the opportunity to achieve their potential.More recently, Ronan has have started to communicate externally as the Volt Disability Network, with an initial opinion piece that he wrote for European Independent Living Day on 5 MayFinally, on a more internal level, The Volt Disability Network is not only striving to improve internal accessibility at their events and communication, but also to promote greater understanding of the importance of ensuring that more and more disabled people can take on responsibilities within the party, and stand for election to represent Volt.Learn more about the Volt Disability Network via the links below:(https://volteuropa.org/european-election-electoral-programme) https://volteuropa.org/news/european-independent-living-dayIf you would like to reach out feel free to send an email to: atelierfuralle@gmail.com. You can also leave a review of the podcast and follow this show on:Instagram:https://instagram.com/atelierfuralle?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠⁠Facebook:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551850785306⁠⁠Feel free to join the "JD Dragon Disability Rights Podcast" Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Eit9sBPuR/?mibextid=wwXIfrSnapchat:https://t.snapchat.com/FVWn1jmTDiscord ServerJD DragonX (formerly known as Twitter):@JDDragonPodcast

In this episode of the FSR Policy Briefcase (Season 2, Episode 5), hosts Leonardo Meeus and James Kneebone sit down with the Director of the FSR Transport area, Juan Montero. The group explore how and why contracts for railway services are tendered in the EU, which parts of the network are profitable, which require subsidies, and how various Member States approach these contracts differently. Drawing from Juan's recent Policy Brief, the discussion addresses the policy implications of why the EU is encouraging more tendering, issues conducting tenders, and how they can be resolved. Recorded in April 2025. https://cadmus.eui.eu/entities/publication/e7adec46-9f7c-5f68-851f-906ee8994ec9

In recent years, development efforts have been set back by long-standing obstacles made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, climate change, rising debt, lack of digital access and growing inequalities.Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) says there's an urgent need to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals – only 17 per cent of which are on track.In pursuit of that, more than 120 Member States gathered this week at UN headquarters in New York to discuss how South-South and triangular partnerships can boost future sustainable development for all.UN News's Emma Trager-Lewis sat down with Ms. Al-Khatib and began by asking her to explain what South-South collaboration means in practice. 

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Sophie Bertin. You know that feeling when everything looks good on paper, a great job, supportive colleagues, a solid paycheck, but something inside keeps whispering, this isn't it! That was Sophie. She had a comfortable life, but comfort wasn't enough. It took a spark - an unexpected stat about entrepreneurs from a business school dean when Sophie was at a less-than-satisfying moment in her career - for her to realize: “Why am I in the 50% who haven't taken the leap?” That catalyzed her turning point. Sophie Bertin has a varied career path, from strategic consultancy, to banking operations, to the European Commission and now turned entrepreneur. She recently founded Serapy with the aim of improving corporate compliance training through the combination of simulations, gamification, role play and online tools. Serapy uses the latest educational theories to provide trainings with increased retention rate, and combines that with AI tools to enhance the learning process. Serapy is currently present in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Portugal, France and the UAE. Serapy has been accepted in the incubation program of the Unicorn Factory Lisbon and of Station F in Paris. In addition to Serapy, Sophie has her own consultancy (Parnima Consulting) since 2016, where she works with top legal and regulatory firms, consultancy firms and financial clients on EU Regulations in the area of Financial Services, Foreign Subsidies and State Aid. She also serves as independent board member of Eastnets, a leading provider of AML, SWIFT and payments solutions. She sits on the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee. Before becoming entrepreneur, Sophie was Group Head of Corporate Development and Managing Director of SIX Group (in Switzerland), in charge of strategy development, innovation and regulatory affairs. During the Financial Crisis, she served as Head of Unit at the Directorate General for Competition within the European Commission. There, she was responsible for the review and approval of the State aid provided by Member States to the financial services (mostly banks) during the financial crisis of 2008-2014. Prior to her role with the European Commission, Sophie held senior positions within SWIFT, where she was globally in charge of Asset Servicing; with The Bank of New York Mellon; and worked with the top consultancies McKinsey and later Bain &Co. She started her career path as IT and database programmer, which is very helpful now with the latest AI tools she uses in her start-up. She started her studies in Vienna, graduated from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, holds an MBA from INSEAD and a post-graduate diploma in EU Competition Law from King's College. She holds also a diploma from the Swiss Board Institute. She is member of the Executive Committee of the INSEAD Alumni organization, and she is also the founder and president of the global INSEAD Women in Business Club. Recently, she finished an advanced AI Mastery class and won the award for the best AI Application Builder. She is promoting and advocating for AI literacy among women and through the INSEAD Women in Business Club organizes events for Women in AI.

In this episode, Policy Fellows James Abrahams and Sophie Seitler discuss all things NATO. They look at internal and external challenges faced by member states, like whether nations are positioned to adequately increase their defence spending, and how they can adapt to the Trump Administration's changing vision for America's role on the world's stage. 

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Hassan Zago Idris, Director (Acting), Legal Affairs Department, The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, on addressing global trade risks and supporting infrastructure development across OIC member states

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Dr Khalid Khalafalla, CEO, The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, on advancing green finance and enhancing private sector partnerships for economic development in member states, including Algeria

In a historic milestone for global public health, Member States of the World Health Organization on Tuesday adopted the Pandemic Agreement – an accord aimed at preventing future devastating outbreaks.Negotiations began in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and after just three and a half years – a relatively short timeline for crafting complex international treaties – the world today is more prepared than it was before the coronavirus struck.At the heart of the process is Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the intergovernmental negotiating body that steered the talks to the finish line.She told UN News' Vibhu Mishra shortly after the agreement was adopted that it was a ground-breaking moment in public health. Related story: Nations adopt historic pledge to guard against future pandemics

Serious and organised crime is not just a threat to public safety; it impacts the very foundations of the EU and its society. It has a double destabilising effect on the EU. It undermines the EU's economy, rule of law and society by generating illicit proceeds, spreading violence, and normalising corruption.But the threat does not stop there: increasingly, criminal networks serve as proxies for hybrid threat actors, exploiting vulnerabilities to destabilise the EU and its Member States from within. Drugs, firearms trafficking, hybrid threats and organised criminal networks recruiting young people to carry out acts of violence, including contract killings. These are a few examples which we will explore in this episode, to find out how serious and organised crime is destabilising the EU.

Democracy is at the heart of the EU's and Member States' political foundations. Yet in an increasingly volatile global landscape— marked by the rise of authoritarianism, foreign interference, and disinformation— it cannot be taken for granted. The digital public sphere is particularly vulnerable to manipulation: recently, we have seen influencers being paid to promote certain political candidates and AI-generated fake news flooding social media platforms. Beyond external threats, there is a growing sense of disengagement among citizens from democratic participation. How can the EU address these challenges? One of the European Commission's priorities for 2025 is the European Democracy Shield, which is envisaged as a tool to combat digital propaganda, develop media literacy and support free and independent media and civil society. In his address to the IIEA, Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, speaks about the European Commission's plans to protect European democracy, in particular, through the European Democracy Shield.  About the Speaker: Michael McGrath assumed the role of EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection on 1 December 2024, as a member of the European Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen. Commissioner McGrath has specific responsibility for upholding the rule of law, protecting democracy and fundamental rights, tackling disinformation, improving criminal justice cooperation and strengthening the rights of victims of crime. His broad portfolio also includes improving EU competitiveness through the reform of company law and civil law. He has responsibility for consumer protection policy and for ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation across the EU. Prior to his appointment, Commissioner McGrath served as Ireland's Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2020 to 2022, and was an elected member of the Irish Parliament from 2007 to 2024.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra delivers remarks at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's B7 summit in Ottawa. Over the past two days, 130 Member States participated at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin - with more than 60 Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense participating.  UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, briefed the media following a ceremony where more than 70 Member States made pledges of needed capabilities and support to UN Peacekeeping, including 81 military and police units, as well as in the areas of capacity-building partnerships, Women, Peace, and Security, Safety and Security, Technology, environment, conduct and accountability and strategic communications and Information Integrity. Participants at the B7 summit in Ottawa take questions from the press. Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the three-day summit brings together business leaders from G7 countries to discuss economic challenges and make policy recommendations. Speaking with reporters are chamber representatives Candace Laing (president and CEO) and Matthew Holmes (executive vice president and chief of public policy), as well as Michael Kovrig (senior adviser, Asia-Pacific for the International Crisis Group), Shachi Kurl (president of the Angus Reid Institute), and Erin O'Toole (managing director, ADIT North America and former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

In today's MadTech Daily, we cover LinkedIn's launch of new video ad options, a US bill challenging Apple's app store dominance, and the EU's legal action against member states over failure to comply with the Digital Services Act.

In this episode, I speak with Louis McLatchie-Miller about critical political and societal issues affecting children's rights. We analyze the recent UK by-elections, reflecting on public discontent with traditional parties, and discuss transgender rights and treatments for minors, highlighting potential risks and the need for clarity around biological definitions of sex.   Lois McLatchie serves as a senior legal communications officer for ADF UK . She works with journalists and press representatives to advocate for fundamental freedoms in the “court of public opinion”, both in written pieces and through public speaking. Before beginning her current role, Lois was a legal analyst on ADF International's UN Advocacy Team at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. There, she provided Member State representatives with key legal resources and amendatory language which promotes the inherent value of every person. She is an alumnus of ADF International's Veritas Scholarship, under which she she completed training on on international law, communications and argumentation. Lois also holds an LLM Human Rights Law with distinction from the University of Kent, and an MA (Hons) International Relations from the University of St Andrews. During her studies, she participated in Areté Academy and Blackstone Legal Fellowship, where she completed extensive research on bioethical issues, including surrogacy. Connect with Lois and ADF UK...

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces that her government will be challenging the constitutionality of the federal government's net-zero electricity regulations in court.   The premier also faces questions from reporters on her recently proposed legislation that makes it easier for Alberta to separate from Canada. The legislation was tabled on April 29, the day after the federal Liberals won a minority government in the 2025 federal election.   She is joined at the news conference in Edmonton by provincial ministers Mickey Amery (justice), Rebecca Schulz (environment and protected areas) and Nathan Neudorf (affordability and utilities). British Columbia Premier David Eby announces new legislation that aims to speed up building permit approvals to allow the province to deliver key infrastructure projects faster. Priority projects will include schools, hospitals and major transportation infrastructure. He is joined at the news conference in Victoria by Bowinn Ma, the province's infrastructure minister Peacekeeping Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix today (24 Apr) told reporters in New York that the Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025, taking place in Berlin on 13-14 May, will be “a very important opportunity” for the UN and Member States to determine how to address challenges to ensure peacekeeping remains an “important, viable, credible and effective tool of the United Nations and multilateralism in the future.” Lacroix said another issue to be discussed will be “how we can make peacekeeping more cost effective, because we are aware that we are operating, and we will be operating under increasingly severe financial constraints.” He confirmed that Secretary-General António Guterres “will be participating in the Berlin meeting in two weeks' time.” Joining Lacroix, Germany's State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Nils Hilmer said, “we are convinced that UN peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most important tools the international community has an international crisis management. However, we still face many challenges with regards to changing conflict dynamics, disinformation campaign, or targeting missions. Hence, it is all the more important to discuss about the future of peacekeeping.” Hilmer said, “we want to provide a forum for Member States to discuss how we can continue making UN peacekeeping strong, effective and fit for the future,” adding that “by participating at the Berlin Ministerial, delegations can underline their political support for UN peacekeeping, contribute to closing critical capability gaps, and reinvigorate UN peacekeeping reform efforts.” The results of the discussions, he said, “will provide important input to the UN Secretary-General's review on the future of all forms of peace operations mandated in the Pact for the Future.” The goal of the Berlin Ministerial, Hilmer explained, will be to “ensure UN peacekeeping remains at a sufficient level of preparedness for both current and potential future missions, and we want to increase overall mission effectiveness while enhancing safety and security of our personnel deployed.” Germany's Director-General for International Order, United Nations, and Disarmament at the Federal Foreign Office, Katharina Stasch, said the Berlin Ministerial's aim, “is really to provide a follow up to the Pact for the Future. Actions must follow words.” Responding to journalists' questions, Lacroix said, “the United States is and has always been a very important part, and I should say, also a very important supporter of peacekeeping operation throughout the years. And we look forward to continuing cooperation with the United States. Now, when it comes to finances, I think that in any case, we are looking at times where financial resources will be limited. I think a very important challenge, to all of us really, is how we can improve the cost efficiency of peacekeeping.” He said, “we operate on mandates, you know, those mandates are given to us by Member States, by the Security Council. We keep telling our Member States, please prioritize those mandates. You know, make sure that, you know, we know what are the key mandated tasks from your point of view that we have to implement. And then please give us an adequate level of resources, and please pay on time and in full.” Leading up to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and marking the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping, the 2025 Berlin UN Peacekeeping Ministerial is the latest in a series of meetings held at the Head of State, Government, or Ministerial level. The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial will serve as a high-level political forum to discuss the future of peacekeeping and for Member States to express and demonstrate their political support. It will also provide a platform for delegations to announce substantial pledges in support of closing capability gaps and adapting peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities, in line with the pledging guide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

So it was a real pleasure to invite CEIP's Stewart Patrick back into the Virtual Studio to talk about the shape and influence of the BRICS, or BRICS+, as it is often referred to these days. Stewart Patrick is senior fellow and director of the Global Order and Institutions Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP). His primary areas of research focus are the shifting foundations of world order, the future of American internationalism, and the requirements for effective multilateral cooperation on transnational challenges. Stewart is an expert in the history and practice of multilateralism. He is the author of a number of volumes and most recently he has led the research at CEIP for the volume: “BRICS Expansion and the Future of World Order: Perspectives from Member States, Partners, and Aspirants”. Stewart has authored many articles, essays, chapters, and reports on problems of world order, U.S. global engagement, the United Nations and other international organizations, and the management of global issues.

Global outcry at ICJ as Israel faces accusations of starving Palestinians At the International Court of Justice, South Africa accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon in Gaza, calling it a breach of international law. Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Spain echoed concerns, citing Israel's disregard for humanitarian obligations and UN rulings. Representatives warned of a collapsing aid system and worsening famine, urging global action and reaffirming support for Palestinian self-determination amid what was described as an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Israel, in its genocidal war, has killed more than fifty-two thousand three hundred Palestinians since October 2023 and wounded hundreds of thousands of others. UN chief urges two-state solution in Israeli war on Palestine United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pushed countries to "take irreversible action towards implementing a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of an international conference in June. "I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-state solution before it is too late," Guterres told a Security Council meeting on Tuesday. France and Saudi Arabia will co-host the conference at the United Nations in June. Daesh-linked militants attack mourners in Nigerian village, killing 15 A wave of terror engulfed Kwaple village in Nigeria's Borno State when Daesh-linked militants stormed in on motorcycles, unleashing a hail of bullets on mourners and killing at least 15 people. "The ISWAP militants opened fire on the mourners and pursued them on motorcycles into the bush as they tried to flee," Ayuba Alamson, a community leader in Chibok, said. Local leaders are gripped with dread, warning that the true death toll may be far higher, with scores still missing in the chaos. Trump marks 100 days, promises defence investments US President Donald Trump kicked off a pair of events in Michigan, celebrating his first 100 days in office. Speaking to a packed rally in Macomb, Trump touted the country's economic growth, declaring, "Companies are coming back to Michigan." Highlighting a $1 trillion defence investment, he praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for securing the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While his approval rating dropped to 42 percent, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll, Trump continues to promote his administration's successes, claiming the best start in US presidential history. BRICS unites in opposition to Trump's tariff policy BRICS foreign ministers, including those from China and Russia, criticised the growing "trade protectionism" during talks in Rio de Janeiro, a direct response to US President Dondald Trump's tariffs. Brazil's foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, emphasised the group's ""strong rejection"" of such policies, without naming Trump. Amid escalating tariffs, China has imposed 125 percent duties on US goods, while the US has slapped 10 percent tariffs on numerous countries. The ministers agreed on a unified stance against trade conflicts just ahead of the leaders' summit in three months.

Haiti is facing a ‘point of no return', says the UN's special envoy to the country, María Isabel Salvador. She also said that Member States must increase support to Haiti's security forces, particularly the Multinational Security Support Mission, "not as a matter of choice but of necessity”. What does this mean for Kenyan officers on the ground? Also, Amnesty International says Ethiopia's so-called “corridor development” project is sparking fear and uncertainity amongst residents And what are Ponzi schemes and why do so many people fall victim to it? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Since the seminal 2018 Portuguese Judges case, it has been established that violations of values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) can be litigated before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Currently, proceedings are ongoing in the European Commission's infringement action against Hungary, the argument being that its anti-LGBTQI+ laws breach provisions of the internal market, several Charter rights, and, importantly, the common values enshrined in Article 2 TEU. The case, known as Valeurs de l'Union, has been hailed as the “largest human rights battle in EU history.”In this RevDem Rule of Law podcast episode, our co-managing editor, Dr. Oliver Garner, discusses the enforcement of the Union's values at the Member State level as well as at the Union's institutional level with Dr. Luke Dimitrios Spieker.Dr. Spieker is Senior Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law and Postdoctoral Researcher at Humboldt University in Berlin. In his monograph, EU Values before the Court of Justice, published by Oxford University Press, he analyzes the foundations, potential, and risks of the mobilization of Article 2 TEU.

As Canada strengthens ties with Europe’s defence industry, Monocle’s Toronto correspondent, Tomos Lewis, joins Chris Cermak to discuss rumours that Canadians now want to officially join the bloc. Plus: the death toll mounts in Gaza as ceasefire negotiations continue, the future of Radio Free Europe, Indian film ‘Santosh’ and Fernando Augusto Pacheco’s ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack died on Monday. She was 88, Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan crashed out of ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 hit the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, Donald Trump on Monday said the 25 per cent tariffs planned for Canada and Mexico, United States' two biggest trading partners, will go ahead as planned next month, India was among the 65 UN Member States that abstained on the resolution.

In the last decade the Court of Justice of the EU has rapidly developed its case-law on the enforcement of EU values. Following multiple cases in which the Court enforced provisions that instrumentalize the Rule of Law in actions involving the 'backsliding' Member States of Poland and Hungary, the question now arises as to whether EU action may be justified to protect the co-foundational value of democracy during national elections in the EU's Member States. The upcoming elections in the Federal Republic of Germany in February will bring these issues into sharp relief. In the latest RevDem Rule of Law podcast, Oliver Garner discusses these themes with Miriam Schuler (King's College London), whose PhD research analyzes the protection of values within the European Union.

International law is a live instrument in the current global geopolitical crisis. This latest RevDem Rule of Law podcast, conducted by Konstantin Kipp with Professor Tom Ginsburg, reflects upon the potentially authoritarian nature of international law in its function of enabling relations between states. Authoritarian regimes have traditionally been reluctant to engage in robust forms of international cooperation. Reasons for this may include strong nationalist views, and concerns that cross-border engagement could invite interference in domestic affairs or constrain the government's autonomy. Consequently, international law has largely been shaped by liberal democracies. However, this stance appears to be shifting in the 21st century. Just as authoritarian regimes once recognized the strategic value of adopting new constitutions and utilizing seemingly democratic institutions in order to gain legitimacy, they are now beginning to see international law as a potential tool to legitimize their policies and strengthen the pursuit of their preferences. This development was identified by Professor Tom Ginsburg in his 2020 article “Authoritarian International Law?” published in the American Journal of International Law. Half a decade on from this publication, Professor Ginsburg discusses his findings on this still-emerging phenomenon and considers its potential future developments. Past, Present, and Future Authoritarian International Law Ginsburg provides an introduction to the history of Authoritarian International Law (AIL), highlighting the pivotal turning point as marked by the year 2006. He claims that this was the peak for global democracies and that subsequently the story is one of decline.  The conversation explores current developments in international law, raising a concern that the United States' potential shift towards isolationism could cede the international playing field to authoritarian forces like China or Russia, thereby fueling the development of AIL. Ginsburg describes AIL as “designed to extend the survival and reach of authoritarian rule across space and/or time.” AIL is seen as having the potential not only to secure the persistence of existing authoritarian regimes, but also to be a possible trigger for further authoritarianism. The podcast addresses the extent to which this feature is inherently embedded within AIL, given that liberal democracies tend to pose a challenge to authoritarian regimes. Ginsburg reflects upon whether there is a danger that authoritarians might create entirely new international legal systems and institutions, or else seek to capture and transform existing bodies. While an American return to isolationism might fuel the development of AIL, there is also significant concern that the U.S. could veer toward dictatorship during Donald Trump's second presidency. Statements by President-elect Trump, such as suggestions that people “won't have to vote anymore,” imply at the very least authoritarian aspirations. Ginsburg reflects upon whether U.S. isolationism is truly the main danger to international law, or instead whether a government under Donald Trump may actively engage in promoting AIL. Ginsburg offers his view on why, despite his authoritarian nature, Donald Trump will not be able to become the dictator of the United States of America. Authoritarian European Union Law? While the European Union continues to embody relatively strong democratic values among most Member States compared to other regions, right-wing populism with authoritarian aspirations has also been on the rise. The EU's most notable authoritarian leader, Viktor Orbán, has recently advocated that right-wing populists should “occupy” Brussels. Ginsburg considers whether the emergence of authoritarian EU law may be possible. One of the EU's current strategies for addressing “backsliding” on its values, including democracy and the Rule of Law, is financial conditionality. It remains to be seen whether this tool may effectively halt the trend towards authoritarianism in the long term, or whether it may indeed exacerbate it. Ginsburg concludes his reflections on the supranational dimension of AIL by musing upon whether the Eurasian Economic Committee, discussed in his 2020 article, could evolve into a serious competitor that promotes authoritarian rather than democratic values in the Europe-Asia region. Preventing the Emergence of Authoritarian International Law Tom Ginsburg suggests that there is a strong possibility that the 21st century will be known more as an authoritarian century rather than a democratic one. The notion that international law guarantees a right to democratic governance has faced substantial criticism; Ginsburg challenges this idea as well. The podcast concludes with reflection upon the options for democratic countries to prevent international law becoming authoritarian. Could civil society – whether or not such societies aspire to be ‘open' or not – prevent the authoritarian transformation of international law? Ginsburg concludes his contributions by emphasizing how recent developments in South Korea illustrate the vital role of civil society in the struggle for democracy. Such struggle, for democracy and against authoritarianism, is set to continue in the second half of the 2020s.

In this episode, Associate Professor Marta Andhov and Professor Willem Janssen discuss the intersection of public procurement and contract law. The topic of the research project PurpLE (Purchase Power – Sustainable Public Procurement Through Private Law Enforcement) led by Marta. This episode provides an introduction to an upcoming series of episodes that will dive deeper into its individual aspects. The hosts provide a general overview of how public procurement contracts are perceived across the EU within its many Member States, differentiating between the two models of approach - the administrative approach present in, for example, France or Spain, and the more civil commercial one presented in the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and across Scandinavian Countries. They outline the need to differentiate two phases; the pre-contractual and post-contractual, as legal frameworks differentiate between them. Marta & Willem briefly introduce what type of practical and relevant issues arise in each of the mentioned phases, for example, the possibility of culpa in contrahendo, the issues of interpretation, and termination to name a few. Finally, for dessert, they switch gears and talk about the instances where public procurement appeared in the entertaining world of pop culture. How the pop culture references can be used and what should be your new movie, or series to watch if you want to combine your passion for procurement with some entertainment?

He discusses the challenges posed by this fragmentation, as well as the potential for innovative solutions to harmonize and strengthen Europe's position. Watch the full episode here

The President of the UN Human Rights Council has a critical mission: fostering consensus among Member States on pivotal human rights issues while navigating geopolitical tensions that often threaten the Council's work.Independent and impartial, the President also helps bridge divides, promote cooperation, streamline priorities, and above all, guide Council meetings efficiently and in line with its rules and procedures.Against this background, UN News' Vibhu Mishra spoke with Omar Zniber, the current Council President, about what his work entails and how he is keeping vital human rights issues in the spotlight.The veteran diplomat from Morocco started off by explaining his role and that of his Office.

I am excited to welcome Emma Lovell to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Emma is an author, master of ceremonies, speaker and business coach who supports people to combine business, travel and self-care in what she calls the ‘bleisure' lifestyle. The personal branding and remote business expert has run her consulting and coaching business for 15 years while travelling to 75 countries around the world. Her goal is to visit each of the 195 Member States of the United Nations by 2037. As host of the podcast The Emma Lovell Show, she has interviewed leading businesswomen and thought leaders from around the world. She is also a travel writer, with her articles appearing in national magazines. In this episode of The Debra Shepherd Podcast, Emma shares her story, and we talk about her new book, The Art of Bleisure. HIGHLIGHTS The importance of living a life you love, now! Why living a bleisure lifestyle is personal to you and how it changes depending on the season you're in. Emma's world stopped when she broke her back. Emma talks about the power of mindset, kindness and forgiveness in her recovery. Why Emma wrote The Art of Bleisure. Emma talks about the power of connection and what travel means to her. Common myths about combining work and travel. The importance of looking within yourself to stay grounded. Emma talks about success and what self-care means to her. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a 5 star review. Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released.    SHOW NOTES   Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast   CONNECT WITH EMMA www.emmalovell.au www.emmalovell.au/book Connect with Emma on Instagram CONNECT WITH DEBRA  www.debrashepherd.com.au Instagram @_DebraShepherd  

Although the European defence industry is generally competitive, more than a decade of underinvestment has kept it from reaching its full potential. The significant under-investment in European defence is demonstrated by the severe difficulties the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) has in obtaining finance. Member States' defence budgets will continue to be the EDTIB's main source of funding; however, more collaborative actions and spending would enhance output and efficiency. - Original publication on the EP Think Tank website - Subscription to our RSS feed in case your have your own RSS reader - Podcast available on Deezer, iTunes, TuneIn, Stitcher, YouTube Source: © European Union - EP

PREVIEW: OCEANIA: AUSTRALIA: USA: Conversation with colleague Cleo Paskal of FDD re an unguarded exchange between PM Albanese of Australia and Deputy StateSec Kurt Campbell re the member states of the Pacific Island Forum. More later. 1944 Saipan

PREVIEW: #EU: #VOTE: #UKRAINE: Conversation with colleague Judy Dempsey of Carnegie in Berlin re the rising EU far-right parties in member states andBrussels support for Ukraine war-fighting and rebuilding.  More detail tonight. undated Brussels

Late last month, Hungarian national Dániel Karsai, who has a progressive neurodegenerative condition, challenged  Hungary's ban on assisted suicide before the European Court of Human Rights. Alliance Defending Freedom International has intervened in the case, standing up against the so-called “right to die.”   In a recent press release, they described the current European landscape when it comes to assisted death:  Of the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe, only six have legalized assisted suicide. The practice has been rejected by legislators in the vast majority of countries. …Countries that have legalized euthanasia now allow the intentional killing of children, those who are physically healthy, and those who have not given their consent.  Historically, the “right to die” quickly devolves into a “duty to die” and compromises the conscience rights of physicians and caretakers. Christians must stand for life whenever and however we can. We must always be those who work to heal and never to harm.