Samuel Zbogar, ambassador of Slovenia to the UN, leads the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month. In an interview, he tells PassBlue that his country will use its signature debate, on Sept. 25, to ask Council members to reflect on how their countries can work more for peace rather than war. A daunting challenge, he admits. The country is back in the Council for the first time since 1999. Tweet at us @pass_blue GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, Sierra Leone's envoy to the UN, says his country's presidency of the Security Council this August will focus on Council reform and making the case for a permanent seat for the African continent. Tweet at us @pass_blue GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

As UN Security Council rotating president for July, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia says that the West is using the "Kyiv regime" as "puppets" to fight the war in Ukraine and that there will be "certain political consequences" for doing so. Nebenzia was speaking to the media on July 1 as he detailed his country's agenda in the Council for the next four weeks. Besides the topic of Ukraine, he fielded questions on the budding closeness between North Korea and Russia, including the gift of a luxury car. Tweet at us @pass_blue GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Joonkook Hwang, the ambassador of South Korea to the UN, says his country will highlight the threats of cyberspace to global peace and security. This is a new topic for the Security Council agenda, so why does it matter to the East Asian nation? Find out in this month's episode of UNSCripted. Tweet at us @pass_blue GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Welcome to a special episode of PassBlue podcast series UNSCripted. I’m Jessica Le Masurier, and I’m joined by Hala Rharrit, the Arabic language spokesperson for the Mideast-North Africa region for the United States State Department who recently resigned in protest over US policy on the war in Gaza. (The text part of the interview has been edited for clarity.)

Mozambique's permanent representative to the Security Council, Pedro Comissário, says that vetoes, divergent priorities and other imperfections can severely limit the productive work of the UN's crucial peacemaking body. On this episode of UNScripted, we find out what Comissário plans to do as rotating president in May, despite these challenges, such as reinforcing international law on protecting civilians. Tweet at us @pass_blue GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Vanessa Frazier, Malta’s envoy to the UN, explains why the new Ramadan ceasefire isn't holding in Gaza and says that her country is counting on the ICC to hurry up its inquiry into whether war crimes are being carried out in the enclave. GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Japan's dual focus for its UN Security Council presidency – preventing conflicts as well as nuclear disarmament – align with its foreign policy and history of nuclear disasters but as it leads the Council for this month, Ambassador Yamazaki says the Security Council is struggling with its main job of building peace and preventing violent disputes. Seton Hull link: www.shu.edu/diplomacy/visiting.html GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

The UN CHARTER: A Question of Faith “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” SAN FRANCISCO -- Our third and final episode of the podcast series “Act of Creation” is ready for your ears. It’s a fitting end to a great journey. Episode 1 looks at the years leading up to the famous San Francisco Conference of 1945, when the Charter was signed and the United Nations was born; the episode then moves up to the Conference’s opening day on April 24. Episode 2 dives into the Conference itself, showing the intense diplomatic maneuvering as well as the ambitious intentions that were needed to turn the Charter into a reality. Now, in Episode 3, we start on the day the Charter was signed and celebrated, June 26, 1945, and then take listeners decade by decade into the Charter’s future. In this episode, Stephen Schlesinger, the American historian and author of the book “Act of Creation: The Founding of the United Nations,” does a stellar job of telling that story, spinning through the decades. We see more examples of international drama and exceptional leadership as well as their opposite. You’ll hear the ideas and voices of such figures as Eleanor Roosevelt, Kofi Annan, Harry Truman and Dag Hammarskjold. They weave and bob in the large, deep mental space created by Schlesinger’s brilliant point of view, both wickedly intelligent and often surprisingly poignant. Perhaps most movingly for me, and at first unexpected, is hearing the aural unfolding of humanity’s profoundest values. The story of the founding of the UN, besides being riveting, entertaining and filled with vivid personalities, parades these values at the only moment in time –arguably-- where the entire world was paying attention: the end of World War II. These values and ideals may seem naïve to some listeners now, but when you hear them echoing loudly from the past, the words by St. Paul in our title may seem stubbornly wise and solidly reasonable. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Our hope is that this final episode provides resonance to these words and demonstrates the persistent power of ideals not yet realized: a clarion call for all of us to get to work. Many thanks to Schlesinger for sharing these tales with such good will and tremendous smarts, and to Dulcie Leimbach, a founder, with Barbara Crossette, of PassBlue and the executive producer of this series, for her insights, encouragement and patience! Two truth warriors fighting the fight every day, it’s been my honor and great pleasure to have been able to work alongside them for these last couple years. Thanks to all for listening. We look forward to your feedback: [email protected]. DAN BECKER, producer and composer

Guyana may not not want a permanent seat in the UN Security Council but it definitely wants a ceasefire in Gaza "as soon as possible." As rotating president for February, the country's ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, tells PassBlue that another top priority for the month is impressing on the world how climate change affects food security and, ultimately, global peace. She also touches on Guyana's territorial disputes with Venezuela. Seton Hull link: www.shu.edu/diplomacy/visiting.html GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

France, a permanent member of the Security Council, is president of the body in January. Ambassador Nicolas de de Rivière says his country will headline Gaza this month, where the number of civilian casualties incurred by Israel's "broad and massive military operation" is "way way too high." Tweet at us @pass_blue Seton Hull link: www.shu.edu/diplomacy/visiting.html GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

As Ecuador’ assumes the leadership of the United Nations Security Council this month, the country wants to focus on the broader peace and security issues in the Mideast rather than the Israel-Hamas war, even as it devastates civilians in the Gaza strip. Listen to our podcast to find out what it hopes to do about transnational organized crimes in Latin America and UN peacekeeping in the Central Africa region. Tweet at us @pass_blue Seton Hull link: www.shu.edu/diplomacy/visiting.html GC tv link: www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

In this episode, we meet a family who fled Xinjiang Province, or what they prefer to call East Turkestan, to the US and are now teaching a new generation in the diaspora about Uyghur language and culture. We also meet a New York City restaurateur who is keeping Uyghur cuisine alive. Tweet at us @pass_blue Seton Hull link: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/visiting.html GC tv link: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Brazil recently won a sixth term in the Human Rights Council. Before the election, we spoke to the country’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Norberto Moretti, on the country’s candidacy. We also talked about the reversal of deforestation in the Amazon and the lack of debate on migration in the UN Security Council. With context provided by Prof. Gustavo Macedo at Ibmec in Sao Paulo. Seton Hall: https://www.shu.edu/ Global Connection Television: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

If you want to join the European Union, make sure you are at peace with Athens. But Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s envoy to the UN and rotating president of the UN Security Council for September, is unperturbed about possible obstacles Greece may put in Albania's way, regardless of certain disputes. PassBlue interviewed Hoxha and Engjellushe Morina, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, for this month's episode of UN-Scripted. We discuss how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has helped Albania stand out in the Security Council in its two-year term as well as the country's push to join the EU. Hoxha also declares what he can't wait to do in December, when his country's stint is up in the Council. Tell us what you think of this episode @Pass_Blue Seton Hall Advert: https://www.shu.edu/ Global Connection Television: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

As the US takes over the Security Council, famine and human rights are the banner themes for August. We chat with foreign affairs analyst Jeffrey Laurenti about the Black Sea Grain deal, perennial Israel and Palestine fracas and Afghanistan’s foreign reserves. Laurenti, who is American, says Israel’s extreme right-wing government is alienating its Jewish support in the US. Would that be enough to push the Biden camp to be firm with its longtime ally in the Mideast? Tweet us at Pass_Blue to share your views. Seton Hall Link: https://www.shu.edu/ GC Tv link: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Our latest episode of “Act of Creation” takes listeners deep into conversation with Stephen Schlesinger, author of the book of the same name, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this September and chronicles the birth of the United Nations through the signing of the UN Charter. That is arguably the moment when the UN was born, at the end of a two-month conclave that began on April 25, 1945, most famously referred to as the San Francisco Conference. The second episode of our three-part series moves from the human flavor of the first episode, where we put the conference into historical context, setting the atmosphere, the quality of the air that was being breathed in at the time. World War II was still underway, Hiroshima was only a few months away and United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was by far the most central figure to the creation of the UN than most listeners realized.

With UK’s presidency of the Security Council underway, PassBlue used its interview with Ambassador James Kariuki, the country’s deputy permanent representative, to ask about one of the most controversial pieces of UK foreign policy – a bill that could allow British government ministers to ignore injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights to suspend deportation of illegal migrants. We also heard directly from the ambassador why the UK and the United States blocked the airing of Russia’s Arria formula meeting in April. The meetings are an informal way for Council members to brief one another and the world via UN WebTV. China and Russia have also blocked the broadcasting of these informal meetings. We would like to know from you, the listener, if Council members should be allowed to block the broadcast of any Arria-style meeting. Please tweet us @pass_blue We were also joined by Evelyn Leopold, a veteran journalist now retired from Reuters who has reported in Africa and been stationed at the UN for two decades. She discussed the peace stalemate in Sudan. Finally, we continued our search for culpability over the Council’s inability to reinstate the transitional government of Sudan or sanction the fighting generals after the coup of 2022. Seton Hull link: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/visiting.html GC tv link: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

In March, the Taliban opened a consul in the UAE. There are two possible results proffered by Dr. Mira Al Hussein, a Mideast expert, on the move: the militants gain international legitimacy or the US could be tempted to bolster the Taliban to attack Iran. Both parties have clashed over water rights this year. On this episode of UN-Scripted, we also reflect on how well the UAE has been at building economic relationships globally, as it leaves its military interventionist policy of the post-Arab Spring days behind. Global Connections Television https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/ PassBlue on Twitter @pass_blue

On April 26, the Security Council held a historic meeting on the use of Veto power. At that meeting, an initiative by France and Mexico to stop Council members from using veto in cases of atrocities was re-echoed. Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl, Switzerland’s first Security Council president, told PassBlue her country is actively pushing for the motion to become a resolution. Will it happen? So far, only two permanent council members support the initiative, which will be ten years in the making by 2025. Ambassador Baeriswyl also told PassBlue why Switzerland joined the EU in sanctioning Russia and gave a tale of caution on developments in Sudan.

This is the first part of our three part podcast series about the founding of the United Nations, featuring Stephen Schlesinger, author of the book "Act of Creation." The series was created by Dan Becker, a composer, educator and board member of UNA-USA in San Francisco. It is focused through the prism of the San Francisco Conference, where for two months beginning on April 25, 1945, the UN Charter was hammered out and signed on June 26 1945. It's important to emphasize that this historical story is not only fascinating in its own right, but it's especially relevant to events occurring right now. There are big lessons to learn here, lessons about leadership, about isolationism, and about the power of an educated general public.

Stephen Schlesinger, Fellow at the Century Foundation New York, author, International Affairs analyst, and a few other caps, told PassBlue why the multilateral system is best served with Russian in it. At the end, dealing with erring Permanent council members, a position all five have occupied in history, comes down to moral suasion.

Sitting president of the Security Council, Pedro Comissario chatted with PassBlue on Feb. 24, 24 hours after abstaining again on a UN resolution demanding Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine. He said that certain Western countries, including the US and UK, did the same on Resolution 1514, outlawing colonialism, but he denied that historic ties with the Soviet Union have any bearing on Mozambique's foreign policy today. Ryan Cummings at the Center for Strategic and International Studies differs. And as Mozambique battles a cholera outbreak triggered by tropical storm-induced floods, Comissario shares his painful brush with global warming. Enjoy our 25 minutes of consenting and dissenting views on Mozambique’s foreign policy in this episode of UN-Scripted. Seton Hull ad: https://www.shu.edu/ Global Connections Television ad:https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Remember Atlantis? The mythical city gobbled up by the ocean? This is happening to islands and villages in the Pacific. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Malta's emissary to the UN and president of the UN Security Council for February, tells PassBlue that international law has no cover for the rights of islanders who could lose their home to the water in our lifetime. Malta will raise the matter of rising sea levels to the Council on Feb. 14. We also discuss with the ambassador the tetchy topic of irregular migration in the Mediterranean as well as her love for judo. All in UN-Scripted. Seton Hall Ad:https://www.shu.edu/ Global Connections Television:https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

North Korea pushed pacifist Japan to the edge in 2022, launching over 90 cruise and ballistic missiles, several of them landing in Japanese waters. Tokyo responded in kind, announcing a security strategy that would see it become the ninth-most militarized economy in half a decade. The Japanese are also wary of possible Chinese threats. Journalists at Japan’s press briefing earlier in the month wanted to know if Japan would discuss North Korea in the Council. One reporter was concerned about Japan’s intent to “counterstrike” in apparent renunciation of Article 9 of its constitution. Naoko Kumagai, director of the Japan Chair at the University for Peace, told PassBlue that the new security blueprint is “exclusively for defense.” This episode of Un-Scripted is a recap of Japan’s plans for the month, with analysis from Professor Kumagai. We would bring you an exclusive interview with the ambassador at the end of the week. GCTV ad: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/ Seton Hall ad:https://www.shu.edu/

India has raised its oil purchases from Russia from about 0% at the beginning OF THE Year to an estimated 22% in October. As a large consumer, its buying from Russia is freeing up the market for other buyers, keeping oil prices down. On the 60th episode of UN-Scripted, we speak to the country’s first female permanent representative, Ruchira Kamboj. She says India has the sovereign right to meet the energy needs of its 1.34 billion citizens. We also speak to Shyama Venkateswar, a public policy expert and member of New York City’s Commission on Gender Equity. She wants India, who agreed to phase out coal in the global climate change agreements, to make implementing the Loss and Damage Fund part of its mandate this month.

Ghana takes the presidency of the UN Security Council at a deep time of uncertainty. Russia has just suspended its role in the only concession it has offered since Putin invaded Ukraine, the Black Sea grain deal, upsetting the UN and the rest of the diplomatic community. Ambassador Harold Agyeman talks about whether Western sanctions on Russia have hurt Global South economies, but he says it's the war itself that is affecting individuals globally. Agyeman also discusses the future of Ecowas, the regional group in West Africa; Ghana’s fossil drive in a heating climate; and life in New York. We are also joined by Azamati Ebenezer, a scholar studying for his Ph.D. in international relations at Oxford. Seton Hall: https://www.shu.edu/ GCTV: https://www.globalconnectionstelevision.com/

Gabon is in Central Africa, one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. One month to COP27, in Egypt, we speak to the country’s ambassador to the UN, Michel Xavier Biang. Africa, he says, needs outside financing to adapt to the hot earth, which is 0.4 degrees from the "at least" 1.5 degrees target agreed in the Paris climate pact. In this episode, we are also joined by Abdoulaye Ndiaye, an economics professor at New York University. Ndiaye wants African leaders to raise more private and multilateral capital without policy strings. Some of the money would have to come from the $100 billion annual fund agreed in Copenhagen and promised to developing countries by richer ones. But observers say the monies are not coming in. Ambassador Biang tells us what African diplomats hope to get from COP27 and he calls for dialog to end the war in Ukraine, despite Putin’s belligerence.

France leads the presidency of the Council this month, while down the hall at the UN, world leaders will gather for the General Assembly's annual high-level debate. We talk with French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière about Western sanctions on Russia, global fixation on Africa and enduring problems with the Council's "P5" veto power. We are also joined by Ashish Pradhan, the International Crisis Group’s senior UN analyst. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

As Council president in August, China wants to keep the UN body "cool" -- literally and figuratively -- by navigating the fine line of maintaining its closeness to Russia while not souring relations too much with the West, discussing global "security" without mentioning any of its own human-rights problems and regional territorial claims and championing a no-tie look and distributing Chinese fans to Council ambassadors amid limited air-conditioning in UN headquarters . We are joined by Richard Gowan, the UN director of the International Crisis Group, a nonprofit organization. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

As Brazil assumes the presidency in July, we talk with Ambassador Ronaldo Costa about his country's foreign policy priorities this month and how President Jair Bolsonaro's inflammatory rhetoric has affected its diplomacy at the UN. We also ask Costa and Adriana Abdenur, a climate change and policy expert based in Rio, about the shrinking Amazon rainforest. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Albania is a small, Sunni Majority country that has successfully kept religion out of its politics and allowed the practice of other faiths besides Islam. It is also a country scarred by invasions, autocracy and institutional breakdowns. But the NATO member and EU-hopeful has risen to become a strong voice in the Balkans. Its elected two-year term in the UN Security Council began in January, and in June, it is Council president, bringing a former communist voice that is strongly opposed to Putin’s war in Ukraine. On today's show, we talk with Albanian Permanent Representative Ferit Hoxha as well as Agon Maliqi, an expert on the Balkans and a pro-democracy activist. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

The United States assumes the Security Council presidency in May, as it also leads efforts to continue to isolate Russia in the UN for its war in Ukraine. On this episode, we hear from US envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield about the country's signature events in the Council, and chat with Thomas G. Weiss, leading American academic on the UN and Presidential Professor of Political Science and Director Emeritus of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected]. ----- With the world ravaged by wars, infectious disease and climate change, we need to ask, what do we want the world to look like in 2030? The New School’s Julien J. Studley Graduate Programs in International Affairs will prepare you to use your career to create a more just world order. Based in New York City, these master’s degree programs will give you deep insight into global issues such as conflicts, migration, human rights, development and media, as well as the skills you’ll need to work in these areas. The programs also offer an International Field Program, UN Summer Study and student-team consultancies with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. To find out more, visit: www.newschool.edu/international-affairs.

In April, the UK leads a Security Council that is inevitably prevented from taking meaningful action on Ukraine by Russia's veto. We are joined by UK Deputy Permanent Representative James Kariuki, who shares how the UK aims to minimize Russia's misinformation in the Council and the UK's signature events this month, on ending sexual violence in wars and on getting Covid-19 vaccines in conflict zones. We also chat with Mark Seddon, director of the Centre for UN Studies at the University of Buckingham in England, who suggests how Britain could help promote a ceasefire in Ukraine. Welcome to our new co-host and co-producer, Damilola Banjo! Damilola joins us from Columbia's Journalism School. She previously worked for the BBC in her home country, Nigeria. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected]. ----- With the world ravaged by wars, infectious disease and climate change, we need to ask, what do we want the world to look like in 2030? The New School’s Julien J. Studley Graduate Programs in International Affairs will prepare you to use your career to create a more just world order. Based in New York City, these master’s degree programs will give you deep insight into global issues such as conflicts, migration, human rights, development and media, as well as the skills you’ll need to work in these areas. The programs also offer an International Field Program, UN Summer Study and student-team consultancies with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. To find out more, visit: www.newschool.edu/international-affairs.

The United Arab Emirates assumes the Security Council presidency in March at a time when the body finds itself powerless to overcome Russia's veto and take any real action on Ukraine. We talk with Emirati Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh as well as Dr. Sanam Vakil, Deputy Head of Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa Program, about the UAE's foreign policy priorities as Council president, its abstention on the recent vote to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the relationship among the women ambassadors on the Council. This was co-host and co-producer Stéphanie Fillion's last episode of UN-Scripted. We wish her good luck in her future endeavors. You can keep up with Stéphanie on Twitter, @fillionsteph10. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you interested in joining a community of policy influencers working toward positive change? Consider Seton Hall University’s results-driven executive graduate programs in international affairs. You can customize your studies through research in regional areas and specializations -- including conflict management, global health security and more. As a graduate candidate, you can leverage a collaborative and dynamic professional platform that includes 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, AND discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible. Study full or part-time, online, or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

As Russia assumes the Security Council presidency in February, international tensions are high over the country's military buildup at the Ukraine border. On this episode, we look at how Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea could offer insights into the Council's ability -- or inability -- to address the current crisis and whether China will choose a side: the West or Russia? We talk with Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy, who shares the country's plans for the Council this month; as well as Kadri Liik, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and Russia expert; Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis group in New York; and Sven Jürgenson, Estonia’s ambassador to the UN. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Norway’s New Year's resolutions are to make an indelible mark during its only Security Council presidency of its 2021-22 term while monitoring emerging and existing conflicts that threaten international peace and security. We talk with Ambassador Mona Juul, whose pivotal role in the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization was recently portrayed in the HBO movie "Oslo." We also chat with Niels Nagelhus Schia, senior research fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Niger ends its two-year term in the UN Security Council as president of the body for a second time. A lot has changed in the world, in the Sahel region of Africa and in Niger since the country joined the Council in January 2020. On today's show, we review Niger's tenure with UN Ambassador Abdou Abarry and expert Michael Shurkin, Director of Global Programs at 14 North Strategies, a Dakar-based consulting firm. On our radar for the month: a long-awaited climate resolution to be possibly tabled and the G5 Sahel force once more in the spotlight. Just as you rely on UN-Scripted to learn about the Security Council's agenda every month, we rely on your donations to fund our work. Give to PassBlue before 12/31 and your donation is doubled! Help us reach our fundraising goal of $35,000 by clicking here: www.newsforgood.org/organizations/passblue Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Mexico is at the helm of the Security Council in November for its only presidency in its two-year term. The county is prioritizing international issues of great domestic concern: small arms and migration. We talk with Mexican Deputy Permanent Representatives Alicia Buenrostro and Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo, as well as the country’s Political Coordinator, Enrique Ochoa. We also hear from Andrew Rudman, the director of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute. Give before 12/31 and your donation is doubled! Click: https://www.newsforgood.org/organizations/passblue Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? Is it your dream to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges? Consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate programs in international affairs. Attend a webinar to find out how you can specialize in up to 13 research areas, including conflict management, international law and human rights, foreign policy analysis and more. As a graduate candidate you’ll have the benefit of 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible – it can be taken full-time or part-time, online or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a graduate programs webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue.

As president of the Security Council in October, Kenya is leading the Council on its first international trip since the pandemic began, to Mali and Niger. Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani joins us to discuss his country’s priorities for the month, including counterterrorism, small-arms weapons, and women, peace and security. We also speak with Dr. Geoffrey Lugano, a lecturer at Kenyatta University, based in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? Is it your dream to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges? Consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate programs in international affairs. Attend a webinar to find out how you can specialize in up to 13 research areas, including conflict management, international law and human rights, foreign policy analysis and more. As a graduate candidate you’ll have the benefit of 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible – it can be taken full-time or part-time, online or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a graduate programs webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

It is that time of year again: The UN General Assembly's meeting with world leaders returns in a hybrid format after being virtual last year. Which heads of state and government are coming? What should you watch for? We've got your guide to the 76th UNGA session. We speak with Nigerian Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, who was the 74th president of the General Assembly, about what to expect. We also spoke with Estonia’s Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets. Disclaimer: Following the publication of this podcast, the President of the General Assembly has specified that the United Nations honor system for vaccination and Covid-19 testing remains in place for UNGA, and that UN authorities won't verify vaccination status upon entering the United Nations Headquarters. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? Is it your dream to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges? Consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate programs in international affairs. Attend a webinar to find out how you can specialize in up to 13 research areas, including conflict management, international law and human rights, foreign policy analysis and more. As a graduate candidate you’ll have the benefit of 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. The program is flexible – it can be taken full-time or part-time, online or at the New Jersey campus just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a graduate programs webinar, visit www.shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Ireland takes over the presidency of the Security Council in September with Afghanistan still in crisis. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason discusses her country's commitment to Afghan women and girls as the Taliban assume control of the country, and she shares her plans for the month with the UN General Assembly high-level week fast approaching. We are also joined by Rory Montgomery of the Royal Irish Academy, a former diplomat. MUSIC CREDIT: 'Morrison's Jig,' a traditional Irish folk song, is named for Irish-American fiddler James Morrison, who recorded it in the 1930's. The original composer is unknown. A jig is a lively Irish folk dance. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

As India assumes the Security Council presidency in August, it seeks to show the world that it deserves a permanent seat at the horseshoe table. On this episode, we are joined by Indian Ambassador to the UN, T.S. Tirumurti, as well as foreign policy expert Mohamed Zeeshan. Zeeshan is a staff writer at the Diplomat, a foreign affairs publication, and has written a book called, "Flying Blind: India’s Quest for Global Leadership." Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you thinking of a career working for the United Nations or its agencies around the world? Is it your dream to serve in your country’s foreign ministry, but you don’t know where to start? We may have the answer. The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the UK offers a Masters Degree in United Nations and Diplomatic Studies. The degree can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two. Graduates will gain a firm grounding in the work of the WHO, UN peacekeeping operations and the UN’s sustainable development goals. They will also learn about global political communication, develop negotiating skills and write a dissertation on a UN-related topic of their choice. In addition to a high-level guest speakers program, they will have access to mentors with first-hand experience in the UN, such as program director Mark Seddon, a former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and a former UN Correspondent for al Jazeera English TV, and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN Deputy Secretary General. Applications for Fall and January 2022 are now open. To find out more about the program, visit: www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/…omatic-studies ----- Global Dispatches is the longest-running independent world news podcast, publishing twice a week since 2013. It's hosted by veteran journalist Mark Leon Goldberg , editor of UN Dispatch, who conducts thoughtful interviews with policy makers, think tankers and experts around the world. The Guardian calls it a "podcast to make you smarter." Global Dispatches covers issues ranging from conflicts and crises in Africa and the Middle East to long term trends in global development and the latest geo-political intrigues at the United Nations. If you like PassBlue you will certainly like "Global Dispatches." You can find Global Dispatches on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

France takes over the presidency of the Security Council at a major turning point in its foreign policy: it has announced it is scaling down its long military presence in West Africa. Also this month: France hosts the final Generation Equality Forum, in Paris. We talk to French Deputy Permanent Representative Nathalie Broadhurst and a French political scientist, Franck Petiteville, of Sciences Po University, about what the change of the military mission means for France, the Sahel region and President Macron's political future. We also discuss France's commitment to gender equality at home and abroad. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you thinking of a career working for the United Nations or its agencies around the world? Is it your dream to serve in your country’s foreign ministry, but you don’t know where to start? We may have the answer. The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the UK offers a Masters Degree in United Nations and Diplomatic Studies. The degree can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two. Graduates will gain a firm grounding in the work of the WHO, UN peacekeeping operations and the UN’s sustainable development goals. They will also learn about global political communication, develop negotiating skills and write a dissertation on a UN-related topic of their choice. In addition to a high-level guest speakers program, they will have access to mentors with first-hand experience in the UN, such as program director Mark Seddon, a former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and a former UN Correspondent for al Jazeera English TV, and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN Deputy Secretary General. Applications for Fall and January 2022 are now open. To find out more about the program, visit: www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/united-nations-and-diplomatic-studies ----- Global Dispatches is the longest-running independent world news podcast, publishing twice a week since 2013. It's hosted by veteran journalist Mark Leon Goldberg , editor of UN Dispatch, who conducts thoughtful interviews with policy makers, think tankers and experts around the world. The Guardian calls it a "podcast to make you smarter." Global Dispatches covers issues ranging from conflicts and crises in Africa and the Middle East to long term trends in global development and the latest geo-political intrigues at the United Nations. If you like PassBlue you will certainly like "Global Dispatches." You can find Global Dispatches on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

On this episode, we have a very special guest: Eva-Maria Liimets, Estonia's foreign minister, as well as Estonian ambassador to the UN, Sven Jurgenson, who assumes the Security Council presidency in June. Estonia is the only country in the world that is not a monarchy that is led by a woman president and a woman prime minister. We discuss how women have assumed top roles in Estonia's government, its agenda for the month of June and the winding up of the UN secretary-general selection process. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? As you set new goals for 2021 and beyond, consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate program in international affairs. Attending a webinar is the perfect way to learn how you can customize your studies by specializing your research in areas such as global health security, conflict management, and more. As a graduate candidate, you would receive access to 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. And the program is flexible: you can study full-time or part-time, and online or on campus in New Jersey, just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected]. ----- Diplomatic Immunity is a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University in Washington DC. The Institute aims to understand the work of diplomats around the world by talking with U.S. ambassadors, former deputy secretaries of state, disinformation experts, and Middle East scholars, and more. They tackle topics in diplomatic history, explore emerging diplomatic challenges, and connect academics and policymakers in search of solutions to the issues facing diplomats and national security decision makers today. Check out their 6 part mini-series on diplomacy and the tenth anniversary of the Arab Spring. The show features intergenerational conversations between U.S. diplomats and activists, scholars, and thinkers from across the Arab world. Follow them on Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and find Diplomatic Immunity wherever you listen to podcasts.

China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for May, trying to control the narrative around the Covid-19 pandemic, Myanmar and human rights all in one month, in a packed agenda. In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Rosemary Foot, an Oxford professor who has recently published a book titled "China, the UN, and Human Protection: Beliefs, Power, Image." We also talk with Peter Irwin, a program officer at the Uighurs Human Rights Project, a nonprofit defending the persecuted Muslim-minority Uighurs in the province of Xinjiang, China. And stay tuned for a surprising May 17 session on "emerging technologies," which China has mysteriously dropped into the calendar. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? As you set new goals for 2021 and beyond, consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate program in international affairs. Attending a webinar is the perfect way to learn how you can customize your studies by specializing your research in areas such as global health security, conflict management, and more. As a graduate candidate, you would receive access to 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. And the program is flexible: you can study full-time or part-time, and online or on campus in New Jersey, just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

As Vietnam assumes the UN Security Council presidency, harsh crackdowns by the Myanmar military continue in the country after the Feb. 1 coup d’état. And since Vietnam presented itself as a "bridge builder" when it joined the Council in January 2020, its ability to bring the 14 other members together on specifically preventing further atrocities in Myanmar will be rigorously tested this month. We talk about the challenges with Vietnam’s ambassador to the UN, Dang Dinh Quy, and experts Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran from the Wilson Center in Washington and Kyle Springer from the Perth USAsia Center, a think tank in Australia.

The newly arrived American ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, hits the ground sprinting as she assumes the presidency of the Security Council in March. On today's episode, we speak with retired Ambassador Ruth A. Davis, one of the ambassador's longtime mentors; Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign and Senior Vice President at the United Nations Foundation; and Mark Ballard, reporter for the Louisiana newspaper The Advocate, who has written an extensive profile of the ambassador. MUSIC CREDIT: 'Zodico Stomp' by Clifton Chenier, the Grammy-award winning 'King of Zydeco' (1955). Zydeco is a music genre that blends blues, R&B, French accordion music, and music indigenous to the Louisiana Creoles and the Native American people of Louisiana. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? As you set new goals for 2021 and beyond, consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate program in international affairs. Attending a webinar is the perfect way to learn how you can customize your studies by specializing your research in areas such as global health security, conflict management, and more. As a graduate candidate, you would receive access to 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. And the program is flexible: you can study full-time or part-time, and online or on campus in New Jersey, just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Britain assumes the Security Council in February with a new ambassador: Permanent Representative Barbara Woodward, who was most recently her country's ambassador to China. In this episode, she shares how her new job compares with working in Beijing and how staying fit helps her get through tense diplomatic negotiations, wherever she lives. Richard Gowan, a UN expert at the International Crisis Group and a popular, witty commentator in UN circles in New York, joins us on the show. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you searching for a meaningful way to further your career in international development? As you set new goals for 2021 and beyond, consider Seton Hall University’s executive graduate program in international affairs. Attending a webinar is the perfect way to learn how you can customize your studies by specializing your research in areas such as global health security, conflict management, and more. As a graduate candidate, you would receive access to 1-on-1 faculty mentorship, career workshops, international seminars, and discussions with global leaders on campus, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in Washington, D.C. And the program is flexible: you can study full-time or part-time, and online or on campus in New Jersey, just 14 miles from New York City. To learn more or sign up for a webinar, visit shu.edu/passblue. ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

It has been 10 years since the Arab Spring, which started in Tunisia in 2011 and forced the exile of its president and strongman, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Now, a democratic Tunisia assumes the UN Security Council rotating presidency in January as an elected member. To discuss Tunisia's priorities and diplomatic strategy, we are joined by Tunisia’s ambassador to the UN, Tarek Ladeb, and Youssef Cherif, director of Columbia University’s Global Center in Tunis and a political analyst specializing in North Africa. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you thinking of career working for the United Nations or its agencies around the World? Is it your dream to serve in your country’s foreign ministry, but you don’t know where to start? The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the UK is offering a new fully online Masters in United Nations Studies. The degree can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two. There’s no need to apply for a visa. And the fees are more affordable than the traditional residential master’s degree, which also remains open to potential new students. Graduates will gain a firm grounding in the work of the WHO, UN peacekeeping operations and the UN’s sustainable development goals. They will also learn about global political communication, develop negotiating skills through role-playing exercises, and write a dissertation on a UN-related topic of their choice. Along the way, they’ll have access to mentors with first-hand experience in the UN, such as program director Mark Seddon, a former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN Deputy Secretary General. Applications for January and Fall 2021 are now open. To find out more about the program, click here: www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/united-nations-and-diplomatic-studies ---- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

PassBlue is a non-profit media site, and we depend on your generous donations to help us report on important stories about the UN. In December, PassBlue takes part in NewsMatch, a national matching-gift campaign that drives donations to nonprofit newsrooms. If you give today at https://www.newsmatch.org/organizations/passblue, NewsMatch doubles your donation, up to $5,000. For a nonprofit like us, this is a big deal and will help us continue to report exclusive stories at the UN throughout the year. ----- South Africa wraps up its two-year term on the Security Council as Council president in December. On this episode, the mission's Political Coordinator Marthinus van Schalkwyk and International Relations expert Dr. Sithembile Mbete give us a preview of the country's priorities for the month, and look back at its achievements over the last two years. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

“America is back”: In this episode, we detail the challenges the new White House faces to fully commit to the UN again, including rejoining all the UN entities and agreements it left, resigned from or defunded under the Trump administration, like the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization. To sort it all out, we ask three experts: Larry Johnson, a professor at Columbia Law School and a former legal affairs expert at the UN; a Franco-British climate change specialist, Paul Watkinson, who participated in the Paris accord’s negotiations; and Jordie Hannum, the head of the Better World Campaign, an organization that works to enhances the US-UN relationship. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an island nation in the Caribbean, is the smallest country ever elected to the Security Council, and this month, it assumes the Council Presidency for the first time. There is nothing conventional about the country’s ambassador, Rhonda King. On this episode, she shares with us her government’s sometimes confusing foreign policy; how getting cancer inspired her to leave her accounting career and become a writer; and how most of her top staff at the UN mission are women. Caribbean expert Jacqueline Braveboy-Wagner, a professor at the City College of New York and the City University of New York, also shares her thoughts on St. Vincent's unique foreign policy. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

The Nobel Committee awarded the World Food Program a Nobel Peace Prize this month, for 2020. This is the UN system's 12th time winning the world's highest recognition for peace, and it comes as the UN celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. PassBlue contributor Clair MacDougall shares with us how David Beasley, the Executive Director of the WFP, reacted to finding out about the win on his tour of the Sahel region of Africa, and the significance of Nobel Committee's choice amid a global pandemic and the decline of multilateralism. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Russia has a new deputy ambassador at its UN mission in New York: Anna Evstigneeva, the first woman to hold the position there. Evistgneeva, who originally hails from St. Petersburg, gives us her take on Russia's Security Council presidency this month as the Council tackles high-stakes topics such as the expiration of the arms embargo on Iran and the aftermath of a military coup in Mali. We also chat with Anton Barbashin, the editorial director of Riddle, a Russian-focused think tank, and a fellow at the Atlantic Council. Based in Moscow, Barbashin describes the glass ceilings women still face in Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

On Sept. 21, 2020, the United Nations opens the 75th General Assembly session. But this year's debate will be unlike any other. As the Covid-19 pandemic still rages and because travel restrictions remain in effect in New York City, the usual retinue of heads of state and their delegates will be mostly staying home –– sending video speeches instead. We chat with an e-diplomacy expert, Jovan Kurbalija, of the Maltese nonprofit organization Diplofoundation, about how world leaders can project themselves dynamically in the digital format; and with a NYC-based Mexican journalist, Maurizio Guerrero, on what Latin American leaders will be saying this year. To read Stéphanie's exclusive coverage of where women world leaders fall on the General Assembly speaking list, visit: https://www.passblue.com/2020/09/10/how-long-do-you-have-to-wait-to-hear-a-woman-at-the-unga-53-speakers-to-be-exact/ Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Niger assumes the Security Council presidency this month, bringing the voice of Africa’s Sahel region to the body as it and its neighbors battle terrorism and chronic instability in the region. On the show, we talk with Ambassador Abdou Abarry about the country's plans for the Council, especially as the United States triggers the snapback provision of the Iran nuclear deal, and Michael Shurkin, an American expert on West Africa for the Rand Corporation. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

As the world unites to help Lebanon recover from a blast that decimated parts of its capital on Aug. 4 and killed nearly 200 people, some powerful members of the Security Council in New York are arguing over the mandate renewal of the UN's peacekeeping mission in the country, UNIFIL. On today's show, we talk to Ambassador Amal Mudallali, the ambassador of Lebanon to the UN, about her hopes for the relief effort and the future of her country. We also interview Karim Makdisi, a professor at the American University of Beirut, who explains the dominating tensions between the US and France over the role of Unifil in Southern Lebanon. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- Are you looking for a talk show featuring leading global voices? Do you want to learn more about how international issues directly affect people locally? Global Connections Television presents the insights of global influencers at-no-cost to viewers and programmers. GCTV is independently produced, and reaches more than 70 million potential viewers worldwide each week. The show covers everything from human rights to climate change, from peace and security to empowering women and girls. It features guests such Dr. Jane Goodall, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and Peter Yarrow of “Peter, Paul and Mary.” The show also hosts expert voices from the private sector, academia, and labor and environmental movements. GCTV is available to public television media outlets, universities, and service clubs for distribution. To watch the show, visit www.globalconnectionstelevision.com. For more information, contact Bill Miller, the show’s host, at [email protected].

Indonesia assumes the Security Council presidency this month, and two big items are on its agenda: burgeoning its role as a 'bridge builder' between small and large powers on the Council, and transitioning the Council to in-person voting on Council resolutions. On today's show, we hear from Indonesian Ambassador to the UN, Dian Triansyah Djani, as well as Dr. Moch Faisal Karim, Assistant Professor in International Relations at Bina Nusantara University, located in the in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Although Indonesia is a regional power in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populated country in the world, Ambassador Djani describes his country's diplomatic style in the UN Security Council as “quiet” — an approach requiring patience and tolerance of its members. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue

It is no secret that the global economy has taken a major hit from Covid-19. While graduations from universities, colleges and other schools were canceled or moved online, there is still an entire class of young people entering the job market who are passionate about multilateralism, global development, human rights and sustainability. But how can they land a coveted, highly competitive entry-level job at the United Nations or a related agency, in a pandemic? On today's episode, we chat with Stephanie Playford, the founder of United Career Coalition, an organization that advises students and young professionals on their careers and how to get noticed by the UN bureaucracy. We also chat with Daniel Naujoks, the interim director of the International Organization and UN Studies specialization at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs ("SIPA"), as well as two job-seekers: Monica Olveira, a former Global Citizenship Fellow and Community Engagement Associate at Unicef USA, and Nigina Khaitova, a graduate of SIPA whose lifelong dream is to work at the UN. Clarification: Stephanie Playford worked as a personal assistant for Mohamed ElBaradei from 2009 to 2012, after he retired as director of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- UN-Scripted is supported by Fordham University's Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies, an innovative program dedicated exclusively to the theory and practice of international humanitarian response. Built on social justice values and humanitarian principles, this 30-credit graduate program will prepare you with the skills you need to launch or advance your career in humanitarian action. Evening and online classes are offered at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, New York, as well as at the Lincoln Center campus located in midtown-Manhattan. Applications for fall 2020 are being accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, visit fordham.edu/mshs.

Germany is regarded as one of the most powerful defenders of multilateralism in the world right now and has largely resisted the current global wave of populism and isolationism. But Chancellor Angela Merkel, the face of Germany since 2005, is retiring in 2021. What role will the country play on the world stage without her? As Germany begins its last presidency of the Security Council in its two-year term in July, Ambassador Christoph Heusgen shares his plans for the month and his vision for Germany's future, promising that its light will not fade at the UN and in Europe. We also chat with Patrick Rosenow, editor-in-chief of the German Review on the UN, who knows his facts and figures on Germany in the UN. In July, he says that Germany’s ambition for the UN to appoint a special envoy on climate change and security will be important to watch. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- UN-Scripted is supported by Fordham University's Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies, an innovative program dedicated exclusively to the theory and practice of international humanitarian response. Built on social justice values and humanitarian principles, this 30-credit graduate program will prepare you with the skills you need to launch or advance your career in humanitarian action. Evening and online classes are offered at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, New York, as well as at the Lincoln Center campus located in midtown-Manhattan. Applications for fall 2020 are being accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, visit fordham.edu/mshs.

Happy Birthday, UN Charter! As the United Nations turns 75, UN-Scripted looks at the past, present and future of the organization through the sharp eyes of elders and youth. In this episode, you’ll hear from former heads of states, diplomats and United Nations officials on what they believe are the UN’s greatest accomplishments and the path ahead for the organization. In this episode, you'll hear strong, controversial opinions: disillusioned UN youth delegates, elders desperate for international cooperation and pro-Asian scholars who believe the region is bound to lead the world soon. You’ll also hear from leading UN scholars who look at the key events that have shaped the United Nations since its its inception. For more information about our guests, in order of appearance: • Stephen Schlesinger, United States, Senior Fellow at the Century Foundation and former Director of the World Policy Institute at the New School; author of, among other books, “Act of Creation: The Founding of The United Nations," available here: https://www.amazon.com/Act-Creation-Founding-United-Nations/dp/0813332753 • Thomas G. Weiss, United States, Presidential Professor of Political Science at The CUNY Graduate Center and former director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at CUNY; author of numerous books on the UN. For more information: https://www.futureun.org/en/Home • Fabrizio Hochschild, Chile, Special Adviser to Secretary-General António Guterres on the Commemoration of the UN-75th Anniversary. The United Nations worldwide survey is available at: https://www.un.org/UN75 • Mary Robinson, Ireland, Former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and currently Chair of The Elders. Mary Robinson has also discussed human rights and multilateral cooperation in a post-pandemic world with fellow members of The Elders in special episodes of a new podcast series called “Finding Humanity”. The series also features interviews with frontline activists and human rights defenders working for change in their communities. Listen here: findinghumanitypodcast.com • Sir Richard Jolly, United Kingdom, Former Deputy Director of Unicef and a UN Assistant Secretary-General • Kishore Mahbubani, Singapore, Former Permanent Representative to the UN and Distinguished Fellow at the National University of Singapore. His book, "Has China Won," is available at: https://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/kishore-mahbubani/has-china-won/9781541768123/ • Carol Bellamy, United States, Former Executive Director of Unicef • Justin Yifu Lin, China, Former Chief Economist at the World Bank and Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University. • Edward Mortimer, United Kingdom, Former Director of Communications for Secretary-General Kofi Annan And our youth leaders: • Côme Girschig, France, Representative at the UN’s 2019 Youth Climate Change Summit • Yen Ba Vu, Vietnam, Law and History Student • Dr. Joannie M. Bewa, Benin, Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocate and UN Youth Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals • Sophie Arsenault, Canada, delivered a speech on behalf of Canada at the UN PassBlue’s Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @passblueUN Instagram: @passblue ----- And check out our sponsors! • The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom offers a one-year masters degree program in United Nations and Diplomatic Studies. www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/united-nations-and-diplomatic-studies • Fordham University offers a Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies via online and evening classes at Fordham's campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan. fordham.edu/mshs. • The Fletcher School at Tufts University offers a two-year Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy and a one-year master’s degree program for mid-career professionals. https://fletcher.tufts.edu

Bonjour! If you want to learn a new language to add to your list of quarantine ambitions, now may be the time to learn some very basic French — at least diplomatic French. In June, France assumes the Security Council presidency and is insisting on leading its meetings in la langue de Molière. On the show, we're joined by two longtime French diplomats: France’s current ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière, who played a key role in the negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal, and a former French ambassador to the UN and to the US,Gérard Araud. Both interviews took place in New York City. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer experts working to advance good governance and fight corruption in poor countries. Now, more than ever, health systems face major capacity challenges in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This makes many countries vulnerable to mismanagement and corruption as governments and aid agencies pursue ambitious programs to fight the disease. PTF’s rapid response programs empower local civil society groups to monitor aid distribution, ensuring that aid efficiently reaches the people who need it most and creating long lasting improvements in public health systems. To learn more about PTF’s work or to start a conversation about how to increase citizen engagement in your own projects, visit ptfund.org. ----- UN-Scripted is supported by Fordham University's Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies, an innovative program dedicated exclusively to the theory and practice of international humanitarian response. Built on social justice values and humanitarian principles, this 30-credit graduate program will prepare you with the skills you need to launch or advance your career in humanitarian action. Evening and online classes are offered at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, New York, as well as at the Lincoln Center campus located in midtown-Manhattan. Applications for fall 2020 are being accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, visit fordham.edu/mshs.

Dr. Jillann Farmer has managed her share of crises as United Nations medical director, such as the Ebola outbreak in 2014 in West Africa and the Syrian chemical attacks that occurred in the country soon after that epidemic. Last winter, Dr. Farmer was ready to move on to a new job after 7 years at the UN to return to her native Australia, when the coronavirus pandemic quickly incapacitated New York City, putting the thousands of UN employees working at the Headquarters at risk. In this exclusive interview, from Australia, Dr. Farmer shares her perspective on the UN's preparedness and response to the pandemic, particularly in New York City, the epicenter of the virus in the United States. As she says, the crisis forced the UN medical team to contend with the biggest emergency response they has ever known, right at home. Links: PassBlue's website: www.passblue.com PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer experts working to advance good governance and fight corruption in poor countries. Now, more than ever, health systems face major capacity challenges in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This makes many countries vulnerable to mismanagement and corruption as governments and aid agencies pursue ambitious programs to fight the disease. PTF’s rapid response programs empower local civil society groups to monitor aid distribution, ensuring that aid efficiently reaches the people who need it most and creating long lasting improvements in public health systems. To learn more about PTF’s work or to start a conversation about how to increase citizen engagement in your own projects, visit ptfund.org. ----- UN-Scripted is supported by Fordham University's Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies, an innovative program dedicated exclusively to the theory and practice of international humanitarian response. Built on social justice values and humanitarian principles, this 30-credit graduate program will prepare you with the skills you need to launch or advance your career in humanitarian action. Evening and online classes are offered at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, New York, as well as at the Lincoln Center campus located in midtown-Manhattan. Applications for fall 2020 are being accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, visit fordham.edu/mshs.

In May, Estonia assumes the UN Security Council presidency for the first time ever, bringing with it global expertise in cybersecurity and digital governance, just when the world seems to need it most. On this episode, we are joined by Estonian Permanent Representative Sven Jorgensen, who has been representing Estonia abroad even before it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and Lauri Malksoo, an international law expert and professor at the University of Tartu, in Estonia. Links: PassBlue's live coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic at the UN: www.passblue.com/2020/03/15/the-u…s-rages-updates/ PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN ----- Are you thinking of career working for the United Nations or its agencies around the World? Is it your dream to serve in your country’s foreign ministry, but you don’t know where to start? The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom is now offering a new, one-year masters degree program: in United Nations and Diplomatic Studies. Applications for Fall 2020 and January 2021 are now open. Graduates will gain a firm grounding in diplomacy, international and regional organizations, causes of conflict, and strategies for conflict resolution. They’ll also learn about global political communication, and have access to mentors with first hand experience in the UN system, such as program director Mark Seddon, a former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN Deputy Secretary General. The University of Buckingham is located in a historic English town, close to London, and is a popular choice for students from across the globe. To find out more about the program, visit: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/united-nations-and-diplomatic-studies

The coronavirus pandemic could change dynamics in the global political landscape that seemed unchangeable only last month. Will sanctions regimes be one of its victims? Many parties in the international community are debating whether to loosen sanctions in certain countries to help them fight the pandemic, but critics say that bad actors are using the pandemic as political opportunism to lift sanctions. On today's show, we welcome two experts: Hilal Elver, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food who is currently quarantined in the seaside Turkish town of Bodrum, and Loraine Rickard-Martin, a UN consultant specializing in international sanctions and a co-author of "The Evolution of UN Sanctions." Editor's note: we asked Ukrainian Permanent Representative Sergiy Kyslytsya on the show to discuss his letter to the UN secretary-general criticizing the Russian-led coalition at the UN calling for loosening sanctions. He did not follow up on many requests for comment. Links: PassBlue's live coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic at the UN: www.passblue.com/2020/03/15/the-u…s-rages-updates/ PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue Facebook: @PassBlueUN ----- Are you thinking of career working for the United Nations or its agencies around the World? Is it your dream to serve in your country’s foreign ministry, but you don’t know where to start? The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom is now offering a new, one-year masters degree program: in United Nations and Diplomatic Studies. Applications for Fall 2020 and January 2021 are now open. Graduates will gain a firm grounding in diplomacy, international and regional organizations, causes of conflict, and strategies for conflict resolution. They’ll also learn about global political communication, and have access to mentors with first hand experience in the UN system, such as program director Mark Seddon, a former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN Deputy Secretary General. The University of Buckingham is located in a historic English town, close to London, and is a popular choice for students from across the globe. To find out more about the program, visit: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/united-nations-and-diplomatic-studies

As the Dominican Republic assumes the Security Council presidency in April, Special Envoy José Singer Weisinger is inheriting a body fundamentally changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He's presiding over "informal" video teleconference meetings and a flexible schedule from his country's capital, Santo Domingo, instead of from the Security Council chambers in New York City. Still, Singer wants the world to know one thing: "the Security Council is engaged and completely transparent." Links: PassBlue's live coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic at the UN: www.passblue.com/2020/03/15/the-u…s-rages-updates/ PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue ----- Are you thinking of career working for the United Nations or its agencies around the World? Is it your dream to serve in your country’s foreign ministry, but you don’t know where to start? The Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom is now offering a new, one-year masters degree program: in United Nations and Diplomatic Studies. Applications for Fall 2020 and January 2021 are now open. Graduates will gain a firm grounding in diplomacy, international and regional organizations, causes of conflict, and strategies for conflict resolution. They’ll also learn about global political communication, and have access to mentors with first hand experience in the UN system, such as program director Mark Seddon, a former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN Deputy Secretary General. The University of Buckingham is located in a historic English town, close to London, and is a popular choice for students from across the globe. To find out more about the program, visit: www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/united-nations-and-diplomatic-studies

**BONUS EPISODE** Will the world's war against the coronavirus stop (at least temporarily) all other wars? Secretary-General Antonio Guterres certainly hopes so. Still working in a mostly-empty UN headquarters, Guterres has made a global call for cease fires of all conflicts...with mixed results. And if Guterres gets sick himself, who is in charge of the United Nations? PassBlue reporter Laura Kirkpatrick investigated the line of succession for the top position at the UN. No one knows how long the pandemic will last, and it may be a problem for the 75th annual UN General Assembly meetings in New York in September. Norwegian Mari Skare, the Chef de Cabinet of GA President Tijani Muhammad Bande of Nigeria, shares with us how she has moved the General Assembly to remote work and what options are currently on the table for this year's UNGA. Correction: The podcast mentions a press briefing by the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the Economic and Social Council President, Mona Juul and the President of the Security Council, Zhang Jun, but previously omitted to mention that the President of the General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande was part of it and his office is the body that called the meeting. Links: PassBlue's live coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic at the UN: www.passblue.com/2020/03/15/the-u…s-rages-updates/ PassBlue's Facebook Group, where our reporters are giving updates and answering your questions: bit.ly/3a4KNX7 PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. Take your career to the next level and earn an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. It’s a 4-week intensive program taught by practicing humanitarian professionals, in locations around the world, from Kathmandu to Amman, New York to Geneva. Students will learn how facilitate dialogue and cooperation between governments and civil society, how to be more effective during humanitarian crises, and more. For more information on the upcoming program dates and locations, visit www.fordham.edu/iiha/grad and click on International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer international development specialists. They work to advance good governance in developing countries by supporting civil society organizations. PTF believes governments alone can’t be expected to stop corruption. Their latest research shows that well-designed, citizen-led programs to strengthen transparency and accountability can produce better outcomes than state-led initiatives.. PTF’s report has practical recommendations for how empowered, engaged, and professional non-government actors can advance Sustainable Development Goal 16. To read the report or learn more about PTF’s work visit ptfund.org.

On March 13, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres ordered New York-based personnel to start working from home from March 16-April 13. In this episode, we explore the question: How is working remotely affecting diplomacy? To answer it, we talked to four diplomats from four countries, all based in New York, about how their respective missions to the UN are handling the crisis: Rodrigo Carazo, the Costa Rican ambassador to the UN, Deputy Permanent Representatives Dmitry Polyanskiy of Russia and Odd-Inge Kvalheim of Norway and Mohamed Ali Jalardi, a counselor for Lebanon. And, we look at how the UN itself is transitioning from operating at the UN headquarters to...living room couches. Links: PassBlue's live coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic at the UN: https://www.passblue.com/2020/03/15/the-un-in-new-york-virtually-shuts-down-as-the-coronavirus-rages-updates/ PassBlue's Facebook Group, where our reporters are giving updates and answering your questions: https://bit.ly/3a4KNX7 PassBlue's Twitter: @pass_blue ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. Take your career to the next level and earn an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. It’s a 4-week intensive program taught by practicing humanitarian professionals, in locations around the world, from Kathmandu to Amman, New York to Geneva. Students will learn how facilitate dialogue and cooperation between governments and civil society, how to be more effective during humanitarian crises, and more. For more information on the upcoming program dates and locations, visit www.fordham.edu/iiha/grad and click on International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer international development specialists. They work to advance good governance in developing countries by supporting civil society organizations. PTF believes governments alone can’t be expected to stop corruption. Their latest research shows that well-designed, citizen-led programs to strengthen transparency and accountability can produce better outcomes than state-led initiatives.. PTF’s report has practical recommendations for how empowered, engaged, and professional non-government actors can advance Sustainable Development Goal 16. To read the report or learn more about PTF’s work visit ptfund.org.

The coronavirus -- COVID-19 -- outbreak is on everyone's minds right now, and the United Nations is no exception. As China assumes the Security Council rotating presidency for March and tries to stay focused on its top priorities, we look at how the outbreak has affected Chinese diplomacy here in New York and how it led to limiting the biggest annual women's rights meeting in the world, the Commission on the Status of Women, to just one day, on March 9. A Hong Kong-based China expert, Dr. Courtney Fung, joins us to provide her insights on China's diplomatic handling of the virus so far and the country’s long-term foreign policy strategies at the UN. ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. This summer, take your career to the next level and earn an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. It’s a 4-week intensive taught by practicing humanitarian professionals, in New York City. Students will learn how facilitate dialogue and cooperation between governments and civil society, how to be more effective during humanitarian crises, and more. The program runs from May 31st through June 27th. For more information, email [email protected]. ----- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer international development specialists. They work to advance good governance in developing countries by supporting civil society organizations. PTF believes governments alone can’t be expected to stop corruption. Their latest research shows that well-designed, citizen-led programs to strengthen transparency and accountability can produce better outcomes than state-led initiatives.. PTF’s report has practical recommendations for how empowered, engaged, and professional non-government actors can advance Sustainable Development Goal 16. To read the report or learn more about PTF’s work visit ptfund.org.

**DOUBLE FEATURE ALERT** U.S. President Trump has made good on his campaign promises to redefine America's relationship with the rest of the world – for better or for worse, depending on perspectives -- and the United Nations has in many ways been the epicenter of his "American First" policy abroad. Most recently, his peace proposal for Israel and Palestine scraps decades of UN Security Council binding resolutions on the matter and even got one ambassador recalled. But what alternative visions to end the long conflict in the Middle East have been proposed by the Democrats hoping to unseat Trump in November? In this double feature episode, Al-Araby reporter Nabil Abi Saab, from Lebanon, walks us through the complicated background to the recent proposed UN resolution reacting to Trump’s Mideast plan and visits from relevant VIPS, including Jared Kushner, to New York that reflect the fallout of the American proposal in the Security Council so far. Plus, PassBlue contributor Jeffrey Laurenti explains how American foreign policy got to the current state of isolationism versus globalism, and shares everything we know (and everything we don't but wish we did) about what the Democratic primary candidates think of the United Nations and other global organizations, as well as other top foreign policy issues. ------ Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer international development specialists. They work to advance good governance in developing countries by supporting civil society organizations. PTF believes governments alone can’t be expected to stop corruption. Their latest research shows that well-designed, citizen-led programs to strengthen transparency and accountability can produce better outcomes than state-led initiatives.. PTF’s report has practical recommendations for how empowered, engaged, and professional non-government actors can advance Sustainable Development Goal 16. To read the report or learn more about PTF’s work visit ptfund.org. ------- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. This spring, they’re offering online humanitarian training courses. Topics include cash, commodities, and services in a humanitarian response, managing or negotiating humanitarian responses, and more. Courses runs from March 16 through April 25. Or, earn an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. It’s a 4-week intensive taught by practicing humanitarian professionals, in New York City, from May 31st through June 27th. For more information, email [email protected].

This month, A royal family comes to the UN, and it’s not Meghan and Harry on their first North American tour after Megxit. It’s the royal family of Belgium, making their first ever appearance before the UN Security Council. But that's not the only exciting event Belgian Ambassador Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve has on the agenda for Belgium's presidency this month. In an exclusive interview, he opens up about his diplomatic experience, the European perspective on Brexit, and Belgium's top priorities in the Council. What we're watching: how US President Trump's Middle East Peace Plan plays out among the Council members as Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas the plan's architect (and President Trump's son-in-law) Jared Kushner visit the Council chambers. ------- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. This spring, they’re offering online humanitarian training courses. Topics include cash, commodities, and services in a humanitarian response, managing or negotiating humanitarian responses, and more. Courses runs from March 16 through April 25. Or, earn an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. It’s a 4-week intensive taught by practicing humanitarian professionals, in New York City, from May 31st through June 27th. For more information, email [email protected]. ------- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Partnership for Transparency, a group of volunteer international development specialists. They work to advance good governance in developing countries by supporting civil society organizations. PTF believes governments alone can’t be expected to stop corruption. Their latest research shows that well-designed, citizen-led programs to strengthen transparency and accountability can produce better outcomes than state-led initiatives.. PTF’s report has practical recommendations for how empowered, engaged, and professional non-government actors can advance Sustainable Development Goal 16. To read the report or learn more about PTF’s work visit ptfund.org.

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words "United Nations"? Melissa Fleming, UN Under Secretary General for Global Communications, spends a lot of time thinking about how people all over the world answer that question. A newcomer to UN headquarters in September, with a big agenda ahead (like the UN's 75th anniversary), Fleming wants the UN to become synonymous with positivity and real solutions. In the process, can she improve what some see as the UN's image problem? ------- Hey there! Did you know UN-Scripted is part of a publication called PassBlue? We're a women-led news site with smart, exclusive articles on the UN almost daily. You can subscribe to get our articles right in your inbox by visiting www.passblue.com. ------- Support for UN-Scripted comes from the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. This spring, they’re offering online humanitarian training courses. Topics include cash, commodities, and services in a humanitarian response, managing or negotiating humanitarian responses, and more. Courses runs from March 16 through April 25. Or, earn an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance. It’s a 4-week intensive taught by practicing humanitarian professionals, in New York City, from May 31st through June 27th. For more information, email [email protected].

As the United Nations Security Council faces rising tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East, Vietnam assumes the Council presidency this month as well as the chairmanship of the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN)for 2020. On this week's show, we chat with two experts about how Vietnam may navigate the global crisis alongside its own priorities: Noeleen Heyzer, a distinguished fellow at the University of Singapore and former diplomat and high-level UN official, and Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran, a senior editor at The Diplomat and a fellow at the Carter Center. CORRECTION: The UN ambassador from China is properly referred to as "Ambassador Zhang" because of Chinese naming conventions. Last episode, we referred to him as "Ambassador Jun," which is his first name. Special thanks to our listeners who brought this to our attention. Whether correction or comment, we'd love to hear from you! We're at @Fillionsteph10 and @CandelaKacie on Twitter.

China's investments around the globe purportedly came with "no strings attached." But many countries on the receiving end of those investments are now declining at the United Nations to denounce China's human rights record, even as its treatment of the Uighurs becomes increasingly difficult to deny. Co-host Stéphanie Fillion brings us up to speed. Also, we bring you an exclusive interview with the highest-ranking US citizen at the UN: Rosemary DiCarlo. She shares with us what it’s like to be a female Under-Secretary-General as the UN strives for gender parity in senior posts, heading a brand new UN department, and moving "across the street" from the US mission to the UN to the UN Secretariat. To read our full coverage of the UN and receive our articles in your inbox, visit www.passblue.com and subscribe.

Because the UN is located in New York City, the ambassadors don't often get to see the rest of the US, let alone experience "Southern hospitality." No more. As Security Council President this month, US Ambassador Kelly Knight Craft is taking the council "home for the holidays" to her home state of Kentucky. PassBlue Editor Dulcie Leimbach travelled to the horse capital of the world to see what's in store for the ambassadors, and learn more about Knight Craft's hometown and family history. PassBlue Contributor Irwin Arieff also joins us to discuss Knight Craft's record since taking the UN post in September.

African summits may be in vogue, and Russia’s recent summit in Sochi is no exception. PassBlue correspondent Joe Penney traveled to to the Black Sea resort to report on Russian President Vladimir Putin's pitch to African leaders: promoting a second African independence, this time financial, including offers of major developments like nuclear power. Yet, Russia is the #1 supplier of weapons to Africa, and many Russian and African delegates didn't pass up a chance to hold and pose with Kalashnikovs at the summit. Also: highlights from our exclusive interview with former Swedish foreign mister and mother of feminist foreign policy, Margot Wallstrom, on whether feminist foreign policies are here to stay.

Amid Brexit turmoil at home and a looming election, the United Kingdom has assumed the November Security Council presidency with a mission: to remind the UN of its work serving ordinary people and civilians. As the UK hosts a series of meetings about conflicts in places it previously colonized or controlled, everyone is watching to see whether, post-Brexit, the UK will stick with Europe at the UN or carve out a position all its own.

You read that correctly: tensions between Russia and the United States are overshadowing important work at the United Nations, á la the Cold War. Only this time around, Iran has joined Russia's efforts to disrupt routine committee work to protest US denials of visas to Russian and Iranian diplomats and foreign officials. Our very own Stéphanie Fillion broke the story. Also on our radar: the gap between feminists in the global North and South is widening thanks to the debate about decriminalizing sex work. PassBlue's Sonah Lee joins us to help talk through it all.

South African Ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila is not like other ambassadors: he doesn't shake hands, he does a fist bump, and instead of calling you Madam, he'll call you Sister. As a member of Nelson Mandela's party, he spent a decade in exile during Apartheid. Now, he's committed to carrying out Nelson Mandela's vision for peace in Africa by focusing his Security Council presidency on removing weapons from the hands of youth, reasserting the AU's presence on Libya, and taking the Council on a trip to Africa.

Our UN General Assembly recap with PassBlue journalists Sonah Lee and Laura Kirkpatrick, in less than 25 minutes. The divide between the "globalists" and the "patriots" defined the week. With President Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in the latter camp, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's nighttime lament of a bygone world without AI, French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the last bastions of multilateralism. Where did that leave Turkey’s President Erdogan? Somewhere in-between. Also worthy of your time: climate activist Greta Thunberg's call to action at the climate summit, and the women leaders who stood out this year.

Heads of state are descending on New York City for the 74th season of the UN General Assembly, and there is so much going on it's hard to know what to pay attention to. With help from the UN press corps and veteran New York Times UN bureau chief Barbara Crossette, we tell you who and what to watch for and remember some touchstones from past UNGA's.

From television shows like Chernobyl and Stranger Things to news coverage of in recent years of Russian interference in US elections, Americans remain ever-fascinated by Russia - but how Americans see Russia is not how Russia sees itself. In light of Russia’s September Security Council presidency, we take listeners inside Russia’s mission on the Upper East Side to find out what First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy thinks the West gets wrong about Russia - and what he thinks of life in New York City and the United States.

She calls herself a homemaker, a consultant, a philanthropist, and recently acquired the title of "ambassador." But who is Kelly Knight Craft, the incoming US ambassador to the United Nations? Our columnist Irwin Arieff poured over her financial records and associates and examined her time as ambassador to Canada. He shares what he found, as well as highlights from her confirmation hearing.

August is a traditionally slow month at the United Nations, but Ambassador Wronecka of Poland has other plans for her country's Security Council presidency. On this episode, she previews the biggest events and shares about her long diplomatic career, being a woman in a male-dominated diplomatic corp, and finding authentic Polish food in New York City.

Along the East River in Midtown's Turtle Bay neighborhood, United Nations Headquarters looms over blocks of foreign missions and hotels, restaurants and shops whose main clientele are diplomats, UN staff and visiting dignitaries. But what goes on behind the UN's tightly-guarded gates? From PassBlue, a new podcast taking listeners inside the UN to hear from the diplomats themselves and the reporters covering them. Episodes out August 2019.

In this exclusive interview with PassBlue, Ambassador Karen Pierce of the United Kingdom explains the value of fashion in diplomacy, the challenges women diplomats still face, and offers advice to both other senior women and those coming up through the ranks. For a print version of this interview, visit passblue.com.