Discussion on the effectiveness of the United Nations and its role in solving global challenges. Interview with U.S. ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Priorities for the UN General Assembly meetings, progress and challenges in achieving sustainable development goals, devastating conditions at the Chad Sudan border, recent interactions between Russian and North Korean leaders, US support for Ukraine, and concerns raised by Ukrainian politicians.
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Quick takeaways
The United Nations is facing paralysis due to Russia's veto power, complicating America's efforts to maintain international peace.
Globally, there is a slow progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need for countries to recommit and work together to accelerate progress.
Deep dives
Rebuilding Ukraine and Working Towards Modernization
Despite the devastating headlines from Ukraine, there is excitement for a new Ukraine that comes back even stronger. The focus is not on rebuilding, but on creating a new modernization system. The podcast aims to highlight the efforts of government officials, economic development professionals, and business leaders who are helping Ukraine during its time of crisis and working towards a better future.
Challenges in Maintaining International Peace
The United Nations has been in a difficult situation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine 19 months ago. Russia's refusal to admit the invasion has caused a dilemma for the UN, as it grapples with how to respond to a major violation of the UN charter. With Russia's veto power as a permanent member of the Security Council, the UN is facing paralysis. This complicates America's efforts to work through the UN and maintain international peace.
Efforts Towards Sustainable Development Goals
The podcast discusses the slow progress being made globally towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Currently, only about 12% of the goals are on track. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic conditions have hindered progress. The podcast emphasizes the need for countries to recommit to the SDGs and work together to accelerate progress. It also acknowledges the importance of incorporating the SDGs into policies guiding international investments. The US reaffirms its commitment to the SDGs and continues to work towards their realization.
The United Nations today is often criticized for being ineffective, even paralyzed, a far cry from what Winston Churchill once referred to as the “only hope of the world.” Is that true? Can it still serve as an effective tool for solving today’s global challenges?
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She joins Ravi Agrawal ahead of the United Nations General Assembly this week to discuss the Biden administration's priorities.