On the 100th anniversary of the League of Nations' 1925 Resolution on the Collaboration of the Press in the Organisation of Peace, we talk with Professor Kaarle Nordenstreng to explore how media, moral disarmament, and broadcasting shaped interwar internationalism and later global media debates.

Professor Nordenstreng shares his thoughts on his research on the 1925 Resolution and the developments that led up to the 1936 International Convention on the Use of Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace. He connects these landmarks to the first mass media declaration by UNESCO in 1978. He also recounts highlights from his career from his early involvement in radio to interviewing Carl Jung in 1961, and speaking at the UN in 1982, and reflects on the continuing challenges of journalistic ethics, disarmament, and multilateralism today.

The episode connects past media diplomacy to today’s challenges, urging renewed focus on media ethics, international cooperation, and the power of journalism to shape public opinion for peace.

Resources: Ask a Librarian! Ask an Archivist!

Communicating the League of Nations: Contributions to a Transnational Communication History of the League of Nations in the Inter-War Period (1920–1938).  United Nations Historical Series. 2024.  https://doi.org/10.18356/9789213589274

Kaarle Nordenstreng’s home page https://sites.tuni.fi/kaarle/

Publications available via the homepage related to the episode:

Nordenstreng, K. and Seppä, T. The League of Nations and the Mass Media: Rediscovery of a Forgotten Story. Paper presented at the XV Conference of the International Association for Mass Communication Research IAMCR, New Delhi, August 1986. (17 pp.) 

The New World Information and Communication Order: Testimony of an Actor. In Frank Deppe, Wolfgang Meixner & Günter Pallaver (eds.), Widerworte. Philosophie Politik Kommunikation. Festschrift für Jörg Becker. Innsbruck: Innsbruck University Press, 2011, 227-237.

Revisiting 45 Years of History in Communication Policies (with Juan Somavia). Media Development, Vol. LXVII, 2/2021, 5-10.

Does communication research and education take peace seriously? Panel presentation in IAMCR Conference Plenary “The contribution of academia to peace-building: Critique, creativity and activism” in Lyon, 11 July 2023.

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Guest: Professor Kaarle Nordenstreng

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

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Francesco Pisano, Director of the UN Library & Archives Geneva, reflects on the transformative power of knowledge, and the role of the Library & Archives in democratizing access to knowledge. He discusses projects like the Total Digital Access to the League of Nations, the balance between humans and machines, and how knowledge-led leadership can strengthen multilateral cooperation.

As he prepares to step down from his 32-year UN career, Francesco Pisano emphasizes optimism, hope, and the responsibility of international civil servants to persist in doing the hard work of building wiser decisions for the future.

Francesco says, "There is work to do. The system needs to get down to work, hard work."

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Archives platform: https://archives.ungeneva.org/lontad 

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Francesco Pisano https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/discover-institute/francesco-pisano 

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

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

In this insightful episode, we are honored to host Mr. Martin Chungong, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and a leading voice in global parliamentary diplomacy. With over forty years of experience, Mr. Chungong shares his perspectives on the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges, fostering international cooperation, and promoting peace.

We delve into the significance of the upcoming Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in a world in turmoil, exploring its role in bringing top legislators together to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and health emergencies. Mr. Chungong also sheds light on the IPU's efforts to advance gender equality, youth participation, and interfaith dialogue, emphasizing the organization's commitment to an inclusive, collaborative approach.

Join us as we explore how the IPU is redefining parliamentary diplomacy, integrating scientific research, and setting the stage for effective solutions to modern global dilemmas. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how parliaments can be a pivotal force in shaping a more democratic and harmonious world.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments: https://www.ipu.org/

Parline: global data on National Parliaments: https://data.ipu.org/

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Martin Chungong, Secretary General, IPU

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

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Welcome to the latest episode of The Next Page, where we explore the fascinating domain of "well-beingology" with Roberto De Vogli, Associate Professor at the University of Padua and Visiting Professor at the University of London. Roberto de Vogli delves into the social determinants of health to uncover how a transdisciplinary approach can enhance our understanding of well-being.

Throughout the episode, we explore how well-being extends beyond health, addressing the complex interplay of factors including socioeconomic conditions, political contexts, and environmental influences. Discover how these elements are biologically embedded in our lives, impacting not only our present but also the future.

De Vogli also illuminates the evolving challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the necessity for a cooperative, global approach to safeguard future generations. Gain insights into the concept of a well-being economy and the promise it holds for sustainable development.

Join us for this enlightening conversation as we seek to redefine the pursuit of happiness in a world facing unprecedented challenges and explore the potential pathways towards a positive social transformation.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

De Vogli, R. (2013). Progress or Collapse: The Crises of Market Greed. Routledge. 

De Vogli, R. (2024). Managing and Preventing Pandemics: Lessons From COVID-19 (1st ed.). Routledge.

De Vogli, R., (2025) Selective Empathy: The West Through the Gaze of Gaza. Studies in Critical Social Sciences, Volume: 348. Brill. Not yet published.

Fioramonti, L., Coscieme, L., Costanza, R., Kubiszewski, I., Trebeck, K., Wallis, S., ... & De Vogli, R. (2022). Wellbeing economy: an effective paradigm to mainstream post-growth policies?. Ecological Economics, 192, 107261.

Simms, A. (2013). Cancel the apocalypse: The new path to prosperity. Hachette UK.

Newell, P., & Simms, A. (2020). How Did We Do That? Histories and Political Economies of Rapid and Just Transitions. New Political Economy, 26(6), 907–922.

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Roberto De Vogli

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

Recorded online with apologies for the sound quality

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

In this enlightening episode of "The Next Page," we are joined by Nilufer Oral, member of the International Law Commission and expert in climate law and ocean governance. We take a deep dive into the intricate relationship between climate change, the oceans, and international law. Niloufar shares her journey from focusing on navigation and marine protection to her involvement in pivotal climate change negotiations, including the Paris Agreement.

Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of integrating climate change considerations with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and learn about the critical new report of the International Law Commission’s study group on sea level rise. The conversation also explores the economic and humanitarian implications of ocean acidification and the migration challenges posed by rising sea levels, urging a coordinated international response.

Engaging and thought-provoking, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how legal frameworks are evolving to address the pressing challenges climate change poses to our oceans and global society.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

ILC Reports

https://legal.un.org/ilc/guide/8_9.shtml#ilcrep

UNCLOS

https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htm

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Guest: Nilufer Oral

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

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Join us for the special episode in partnership with UN Women to commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This conversation on gender equality in diplomacy features insights from the Director of UN Women in Geneva, Sofia Calltorp, and Dr. Sarah Chehab, a Senior Research Fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Chehab shares the journey of founding the Women in Diplomacy Research Program and provides the stark statistics on gender representation from the Women in Diplomacy Index. With compelling data, Dr. Chehab discusses the pressing need to bridge the gap in senior diplomatic roles and sparks discussion on the importance of feminist foreign policy.

Also joining the conversation, Sofia Calltorp, Director of UN Women in Geneva, shares her extensive experience in diplomacy and humanitarian affairs. She offers insights into UN Women's global efforts and highlights key developments in gender-responsive foreign policies.

This episode navigates through the challenges and triumphs of women's representation in diplomacy, emphasizing the crucial role of gender equality in achieving sustainable and inclusive peace and governance on a global scale. Tune in for an engaging dialogue on the future of diplomacy and the critical steps needed to ensure equal representation for all.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Women in Diplomacy research programme, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy:

https://www.agda.ac.ae/research/publications-multimedia-events/women-in-diplomacy

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Guests:

Dr. Sara Chehab, Senior Researcher, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, United Arab Emirates

Ms. Sofia Calltorp, Director, UN Women Geneva

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

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

In this episode, we explore the world of parliamentary diplomacy with our special guest, Ambassador Anda Filip, Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations at the Interparliamentary Union (IPU). Ambassador Filip, an experienced diplomat, shares insights about her career journey and the pivotal role IPU plays in fostering global cooperation through its work which helps bridge international and national levels, and the democracy gap in international affairs.

We explore the importance of the upcoming Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and how it serves as a platform for addressing pressing global issues by providing a unique forum for high-level engagement and dialogue among parliamentary leaders from around the world.

As we celebrate International Day of Women in Diplomacy in June, Ambassador Filip also highlights the critical challenges and advancements in gender equality within parliaments, celebrating success stories from around the world and underscoring the barriers women continue to face in politics.

Join us as Ambassador Filip offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of IPU's relationship with the United Nations, the power of parliamentary diplomacy in conflict resolution, and the inspiring initiatives that are paving the way for inclusive governance globally.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

IPU: https://www.ipu.org/

Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, 29-31 July 2025 https://www.ipu.org/event/sixth-world-conference-speakers-parliament

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Guest: Ambassador Anda Filip

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

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Join us as we celebrate International Archives Week on the theme of Archives for Everyone, with our latest news from the Library & Archives. 

Discover how these archives related to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were preserved and recognized for their global importance, including the original drafts and influential changes inspired by key figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Hansa Mehta.

The episode also sheds light on the role played by Geneva in hosting these pivotal documents and addresses the broader context of preserving institutional memory for future generations, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding both historical and contemporary archival collections.

UN Archives Geneva online catalogue: www.archives.ungeneva.org

UNARMS online catalogue in New York: www.search.archives.un.org

Where to listen to this episode 

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Guest: Danielle Hughes, Archivist, UN Geneva

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

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

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

Where to listen to this episode 

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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