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.

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.

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.

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. 

We’re taking a break the month of August to provide you with exciting new content in September!

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.

For the past week, Puerto Ricans have been protesting in San Juan where they are calling for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosello. This is following a revelation of corruption in the lead up for humanitarian and development relief for the island, which is still suffering from the aftermath of the 2017 Hurricane Maria storm. The island (a US territory) is suffering not only from a $102 billion cost in damage but also an economic crisis that is seeing many both die and flee from the island. But is there space for NGOs, impact investors and businesses with a social mindset to fill in the gaps where government has failed? We discuss the current dynamics of the island to understand the potential to make real social impact.

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.

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.

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.