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

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/

Content

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. GenSouth is a programme designed to bring together academics and think tank researchers from the Global South, aged between 25 and 35, to engage in discussions about the multilateralism of the future and to develop actionable, ambitious recommendations.

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!

Where to listen to this episode

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/

Content

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

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/dhGG4TNgUL8

Content

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

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jk2X-bUMqdA

Content

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

• Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/HwHfPVUC6M4

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. Tune in to uncover how these invisible histories shape the current and future landscape of global governance. And stay tuned for more on this topic following the publication of Dr. O'Malley's new book on this topic.

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

Where to listen to this episode

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/ndZE5Bn92Hw

Content

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

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH-u4f_i-WA

Content

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