Dr. Martin Wählisch, Associate Professor of Transformative Technologies, Innovation, and Global Affairs at the University of Birmingham, delves into the intersection of emerging technologies and international relations in this fascinating episode focused on science-fiction.

Dr. Wählisch discusses how AI, especially empathetic chatbots, can redefine diplomatic conversations and peace processes.  Martin also explores the role of futures thinking and science fiction in shaping multilateral policies and encouraging creative solutions to global challenges. This discussion highlights the growing importance of strategic foresight in diplomacy and the valuable lessons hidden within science fiction narratives.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Dr. Martin Wählisch: https://globalpeacelab.net/ 

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Guest: Martin Wählisch

Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Join us for an episode recorded in August 2024, with Huw Llewellyn, the former Director of the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs and former Secretary to the International Law Commission (ILC), in a conversation about the evolution of international law.

We cover the history of the ILC, its role in the evolution of international law, and its relationship with the UN Sixth Committee. Huw shares insights from his 42-year career, revealing the Commission's approach to codification and progressive development of the law. The episode also explores the historical milestones that shaped international law, from the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 to the League of Nations.

Huw talks about how stability and change in international relations is reflected in the work of the ILC, tells us more about the Commission's achievements over 75 years, and new areas of work on the agenda including the topic of sea level rise.

We conclude with a personal glimpse into Huw’s retirement plans and his recommendations for crime thriller enthusiasts (Lee Child and Martin Walker)!

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

International Law Commission: https://legal.un.org/ilc/

Resource guide: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/legal/legal/ILC

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Guest: Huw Llewellyn

Host: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Production and editing: Amy Smith

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

This episode is released to mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025.

We invited Marie Hürlimann, Co-Director, and Raphaëlle Leung, Head of Communications of Foraus, a Swiss participatory think tank for young thinkers who want to shape tomorrow’s foreign policy, to talk about the latest Foraus publication that they co-edited with Maximillian Rau: GenSouth - New voices from the Global South for the multilateral system of the future.

Marie and Raphaëlle talk with Francesco Pisano, Director of the UN Library & Archives in Geneva, about the GenSouth project. They reveal to us four visions of possible futures of multilateralism elaborated in the report.

GenSouth sees a world built on collective responsibility where the international community does not stand by in the violation of IHL; a reimagined South-South cooperation prioritising resilience, sustainability, and sovereignty; a transformation of the global financial architecture to empower vulnerable communities' access to climate finance; and Security Council reform for the inclusion of global south and the future of peace.

With thanks to the authors: Subia Ahmad, Maria Dominika Mediana Rossa Budhisatrio, Marième Cissé, Marília Closs, Paula Lottenberg, Muhammad Nidhal, Luanda Mpungose, Kwaji Ble Ngida, Olumide Onitekun, Luis Gabriel Herrera Perez, Beatriz Pfeifer, Pratyush Sharma, Parousia Tlhompho Shikwambane, Malena Viú.

Read about GenSouth and access the report: https://foraus.ch/en/projects/gensouth-programme-2024/

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

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Guests: Marie Hürlimann and Raphaëlle Leung, Foraus

Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

In this episode, we examine the complex issue of global food security and the need for a revamped governance system. Despite having enough food produced worldwide to feed everyone, millions still suffer from hunger due to systemic failures.

Our guest, Amir Abdulla, one of the Commissioners of the Kofi Annan Foundation Commission on Food Security, shares vital insights from the recently released report entitled "Reimagining Global Governance." The report provides a roadmap to address systemic failures in our broken global food governance system and to redefine how we address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. It outlines four governance shifts and provides ten actionable recommendations.

Amir Abdulla, with his extensive experience, including as former Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) and former UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, discusses the necessity of political commitment and the importance of youth participation and anticipatory governance in shaping a sustainable future. Join us as we explore the pivotal actions needed to ensure food security for future generations.

Read the report: https://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/publication/fixfoodgovernance/

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Amir Abdulla, Commissioner, Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security

Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Our guest, Stefan Tschauko, explains how, “Branding in IOs means advancing humankind through the power of ideas”. Join us in this conversation as we explore the world of branding within international organizations, focusing on the United Nations.

Stefan shares his journey of over a decade in researching branding strategies and their impacts on organizational performance and global issues. With insights into the unique challenges faced by these organizations, Stefan explains how branding can shape perceptions and drive change, making it a crucial component for advancing multilateralism. He shares with us his unique model, defining three components of branding manifestations, touchpoints and ideas, how they relate to each other and how that leads to performance and impact.

In this episode, we delve into the components of branding, from logos to stakeholder interactions, revealing the power of branding in IOs to advance human progress through impactful ideas.

Stefan Tschauko is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs where he teaches a class on Strategic Communications in International Organizations. His research focuses on branding and brand management in international organizations, particularly within the United Nations system. He also teaches a class on the United Nations at the Harvard Summer School.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Stefan Tschauko

Host: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Production and editing: Amy Smith

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Le 9 septembre 1924, le Conseil de la Société des Nations adoptait une résolution qui allait donner naissance à l’Institut International de Coopération Intellectuelle. Précurseur de l’UNESCO, cet Institut a joué un rôle majeur dans le développement des échanges intellectuels internationaux.

Pour cet épisode, nous avons la chance d’accueillir deux invités de marque : Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert, Cheffe de la Section de la mémoire institutionnelle à la Bibliothèque et Archives des Nations Unies à Genève, et Adama Pam, Chef archiviste à l'UNESCO à Paris.

Ils retracent le contexte historique de cette coopération intellectuelle, les difficultés rencontrées, et les activités marquantes de l’Institut. Plusieurs personnalités ayant contribué à ces travaux sont évoquées. Nos invités mettent en lumière l’importance de la préservation du patrimoine par le biais des bibliothèques et des archives et présentent les fonds précieux conservés dans leurs institutions respectives.

L’épisode aborde aussi l’idéal de décloisonnement des archives pour une histoire internationale partagée. Blandine et Adama montrent comment leurs fonds d’archives se complètent et détaillent leurs efforts conjoints pour enrichir et promouvoir cette mission commune.

Adama Aly Pam est archiviste paléographe, titulaire d’un doctorat d’histoire contemporaine de l’Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar. Il a été conservateur aux Archives nationales du Sénégal et professeur vacataire à l’École des Bibliothécaires, Archivistes et Documentaliste de Dakar, ainsi que président de l’Association sénégalaise des Archivistes. Depuis 2018, Adama Pam est chef archiviste de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’éducation, la science et la culture (Unesco) à Paris.

Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert est responsable de la Section de la mémoire institutionnelle à la Bibliothèque et Archives des Nations Unies à Genève. Diplômée archiviste-paléographe de l’École nationale des chartes en 1990, elle a débuté sa carrière aux Archives nationales à Paris (1990-1991). Elle a ensuite travaillé au Yémen pour l’ONU et l’UNESCO pendant cinq ans sur un projet de création d’Archives nationales. De retour en France, elle a occupé le poste de Directrice-adjointe aux Archives départementales du Calvados. En 1999, elle a rejoint la Bibliothèque et Archives des Nations Unies à Genève. Elle a aussi mené le projet d’accès numérique intégral aux archives de la Société des Nations (LONTAD) de 2017 à 2022.

Ressources

Ask an Archivist! https://ask.unog.ch/archives

Guide de recherche sur l’Institut International de Coopération Intellectuelle : https://unesco.libguides.com/IICI

Guide de recherche sur la Société des Nations et la coopération intellectuelle : https://libraryresources.unog.ch/lonintellectualcooperation

Conférence « Un siècle de coopération intellectuelle internationale » à l’UNESCO, 13 septembre 2024: https://webcast.unesco.org/events/2024-09-IIIC/#

Site web de la Conférence sur le centenaire de la Commission Internationale de Coopération Intellectuelle : https://intellectualcooperation.org/

Discours d’Émile Borel sur la coopération intellectuelle (1934) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/emile-borele-fra

Où écouter cet épisode  

Contenu     

Invités : Adama Pan et Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert

Hôte : Hermine Diebolt 

Réalisation : Amy Smith  

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva   

In this episode of The Next Page, we uncover overlooked narratives of the United Nations' history, guided by Dr. Alanna O'Malley, associate professor at Leiden University. Recorded in Geneva during the recent META-UN academic conference on ideas relevant to multilateralism, Dr. O'Malley discusses her extensive research into the unseen contributions of Global South actors to the UN, challenging the traditionally Western-focused historical narratives. She shares insights from her project funded by the European Research Council, highlighting how these actors have dynamically engaged with and transformed the UN system over decades.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/research/research-projects/humanities/the-invisible-history-of-the-united-nations-and-the-global-south-invisihist#tab-1

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Guest: Alanna O’Malley, Associate professor, Leiden University Institute for History

Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Production and editing: Amy Smith

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

In this enlightening episode recorded in October 2024, we were joined by Ioana Popp, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of UNaccountable, to delve into the dynamic world of relational accountability within the UN system. Discover how this Geneva-based organization aims to revolutionize multilateralism by exploring innovative solutions for enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of international organizations.

We discuss the critical role of relational accountability, what it would mean for the UN, and how it could complement the new Pact for the Future. Learn about the challenges of maintaining accountability in such a complex organizational ecosystem and the strategies UNaccountable employs to address these challenges.

Furthermore, we explore the groundbreaking potential of AI in facilitating a more efficient multilateral system, enabling stakeholders to access vital information quickly and accurately. Ioana shares insights into how AI-driven solutions can empower diplomats and organizations to make informed decisions and foster a more transparent and effective UN system.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

UNaccountable website: https://UN-accountable.ch/

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Ioana Popp, Founder and Executive Director, UNaccountable

Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Production and editing: Amy Smith

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Dans cet épisode, nous avons la grande chance d'accueillir Françoise Thébaud, professeure émérite d’histoire contemporaine à l’université d’Avignon, qui a publié de nombreux travaux sur l’histoire des femmes et du genre. Elle nous rejoint pour discuter de l’histoire de la place des femmes et des féminismes dans le multilatéralisme, en se basant sur deux de ses ouvrages : Les féminismes. Une histoire mondiale, 19e-20e siècle (codirigé avec Yannick Ripa) et Une traversée du siècle – Marguerite Thibert, femme engagée et fonctionnaire internationale.

Françoise Thébaud nous offre une plongée fascinante dans l’évolution des mouvements féministes à travers le monde et leur intégration au sein des organisations internationales, depuis la fin de la Première Guerre mondiale jusqu'en 1970. Elle nous fait explorer comment les femmes ont trouvé leur place dans ces institutions multilatérales, à la fois comme militantes et fonctionnaires, ainsi que les défis qu’elles ont dû surmonter pour faire avancer la cause de l'égalité des sexes à l'échelle mondiale.

In this enlightening episode in French, we delve into the historical journey of feminism and its influence on multilateralism, as seen through the lens of Françoise Thébaut, Emeritus Professor of contemporary history at the University of Avignon. Drawing from her works, "Les Féminismes,Une histoire mondiale, 19e-20e siècle" and "Une Traversée du siècle, Marguerite Thibert," we explore the diverse feminist movements from the post-French Revolution era to modern times.

We discuss the integration of feminists into international organizations from the end of World War I until 1970, highlighting significant contributions and challenges faced by women within these structures. Special attention is given to key issues like women's rights, social justice, and the historiography of gender history.

Through the biography of Marguerite Thibert, a trailblazing feminist and international civil servant, we uncover pivotal moments in the advocacy for gender equality. Her story illustrates the complex interactions between feminism, socialism, and peace movements across the 20th century.

As we look towards the future, Thébault invites us to reflect on the ongoing evolution of feminism amidst contemporary global challenges like climate change and migration. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring fight for gender equality and the transformative potential of feminist ideals in building a better world.

Ressources : Ask a Librarian!

Les féminismes : une histoire mondiale 19e-20e siècles / sous la direction de Yannick Ripa, Françoise Thébaud. Paris : Textuel; 2024. https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41UNOG_INST/s5qper/alma991002543869602391

Une traversée du siècle : Marguerite Thibert, une femme engagée et fonctionnaire internationale / Françoise Thébaud. Paris : Belin; 2017. https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41UNOG_INST/s5qper/alma991002298366902391

Dépasser la guerre froide ? Marguerite Thibert et la création du Bureau de liaison (1960) / Françoise Thébaud. Clio. Femmes, Genre, Histoire, 2023, p. 235‑249. https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41UNOG_INST/1uhj92k/cdi_cleo_primary_oai_revues_org_clio_23612

Liste des publications de Françoise Thébaud : https://mnemosyne-asso.com/mnemosyne/annuaire/francoise-thebaud/

Exemple d’un dossier d’archives de la Société des Nations contenant une copie de la « Pétition internationale pour le Désarmement général » approuvée par le Comité du Désarmement créé par les Organisations Féminines Internationales (1931-1932) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/correspondence-with-the-disarmament-committee-of-the-womens-international-organisations

Exemple d’un document officiel de la Société des Nations sur la question de la nationalité des femmes mariées (1935) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/nationalite-et-statut-de-la-femme-exposes-des-organisations-internationales-feminines-supplement

Archives en ligne de la Ligue internationale des femmes pour la paix et la liberté (1915-1978) : https://archives.ungeneva.org/womens-international-league-for-peace-and-freedom

Où écouter cet épisode  

Contenu     

Invitée : Françoise Thébaud

Hôte : Hermine Diebolt 

Réalisation : Amy Smith  

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva   

Welcome back to The Next Page and to a new series for 2025. Join us as we start the year with Daniel Perell, a representative of the Baha'i International Community to the UN, to discuss the pivotal role of civil society in shaping the Summit for the Future. In this energizing conversation, Daniel shares insights on multilateralism, the impact of normative frameworks, and the evolution of values such as trust, solidarity, and justice within global governance.

Explore how the discussions surrounding the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations are reshaping our approach to international cooperation. Daniel delves into the analysis of key terms in UN documents, highlighting the emerging focus on intergenerational solidarity and the necessity of trust and trustworthiness in multilateral institutions.

Discover the influence of civil society in these processes and how collective agency can drive change in local and global contexts. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how the principles of interdependence and cooperation can guide us towards a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Embracing Interdependence: Foundations for a World in Transition: A statement of the Bahá’í International Community on the occasion of the United Nations Summit of the Future https://www.bic.org/statements/embracing-interdependence-foundations-world-transition

Thoughts on a New Year: Is our Vision of Progress Really Progress? | Bahá’í International Community

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Daniel Perell, Baha’i International Community Representative to the United Nations

Host: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva