Multilateralism UNpacked

In this episode of Multilateralism Unpacked, UNU-CPR’s Head of Communications, Jack Durrell, speaks with Senior Researcher Michael Franczak, sharing insights from his experience at COP30 in Belém.Their conversation explores why COP 30 felt substantially different from previous summits – marked by the acknowledgement of a 1.5°C overshoot, shrinking aid budgets and Europe’s energy and security pressures.While meaningful advances emerged on trade, adaptation and subnational leadership, the absence of

In this episode ofMultilateralism Unpacked, Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, Head of Anticipatory Action and Innovation at UNU-CPR, speaks withLaurent Gisel, Head of the Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), about one of the most urgent challenges in global governance: the rise of AI-enabled autonomous weapons.Military investment in AI is accelerating, and systems capable of independently selecting and attacking targets are already being developed

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become one of the most transformative technologies of our time. From reshaping industries and labour markets to influencing education, healthcare and security, AI is increasingly embedded in every part of our societies.Although there is increasing convergence on the risks and opportunities associated with AI, policy solutions are diverse and fragmented, with standards, sectoral regulations and strategies varying from country to country. In response, the

As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, questions about its agility and relevance have taken centre stage. In Episode 4 of Multilateralism UNpacked, UNU-CPR Director Dr. David Passarelli speaks with journalist, academic and UNU-CPR Fellow Dr. Adam McCauley about the need for international organizations to adapt and evolve in the face of deep geopolitical flux and rising scepticism toward multilateral cooperation. Drawing on lessons from organizational theory and his experience in

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were launched ten years ago. But their implementation over the past decade has been uneven and evidence suggests we are unlikely to achieve the goals by the 2030 deadline. In episode 3 of Multilateralism UNpacked Dr.NicoleGoldin and Dr. Jack Durrell explore the factors behind this lack of progress and how we can now accelerate implementation of the SDGs. The conversation also reflects on relevant discussions at two recent UN conferences - the 4thInternational

President Lula of Brazil has called COP30 the “Turnaround COP” – warning that it may represent our last chance to avoid an irreversible rupture in the climate system. In episode 2 of Multilateralism UNpacked, UNU-CPR Director, David Passarelli, speaks to the COP30 President, Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, a veteran Brazilian climate diplomat who will guide negotiations inBelém. Recorded at a workshop organized by a new UNU-CPR project – theGlobal Governance Innovation Platform– the

Dr. Jack Durrell, Head of Communications at UNU-CPR, speaks toDr. Nicole Goldin, Head of the Centre's Equitable Development research pillar, on key takeaways from the recent IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington, DC. Dr. Goldin shares insights on recent economic headwinds, the funding crisis and how the development sector can adapt through cooperation, domestic resource mobilization and innovation. Looking toward pivotal moments on the international agenda, such as this month's Fourth