The Interview

Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli who endured 484 days as a hostage of Hamas, shares his harrowing journey of captivity. He recounts the extreme violence and dire conditions he faced in Gaza, shedding light on the psychological toll of his experience. Siegel emphasizes the urgent need for the remaining hostages to be freed and advocates for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. Despite the trauma, he expresses a hopeful vision for peace, drawing from his own painful ordeal and the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict.

In this engaging conversation, Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister elected in 2024, discusses his first year in office and the critical need for strong international relationships. He addresses accusations of neglecting domestic issues while defending his alliances with world leaders. Starmer shares personal reflections on navigating political challenges amidst global conflicts, balancing family life with public service, and the emotional toll of personal tragedy. He also sheds light on his pragmatic approach to policy changes and the ongoing journey of leading the Labour party.

In this insightful discussion, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister and seasoned diplomat, dives into the current state of Iran’s nuclear program amidst recent conflicts with Israel. He argues that attempts at regime change are futile and emphasizes the necessity for genuine diplomatic engagement with the U.S. Takht-Ravanchi also addresses Iran's uranium enrichment activities, framing them within a context of rights and realities under international treaties. With a focus on rebuilding trust, he reflects on the fragile ceasefire and the hope for future negotiations.

Philippe Kehren, CEO of Solvay, leads the charge to decrease Europe's reliance on Chinese rare earth metals critical for technology. He discusses Solvay's role in enhancing local mining and recycling efforts, aiming for sustainable supply chains. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for EU regulations that incentivize local sourcing and production. Kehren also highlights the environmental advantages of recycling these materials. As Europe sets ambitious sustainability goals for 2030, his insights shed light on the path forward in securing a reliable supply.

In a revealing discussion, Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space and former Prime Minister of Lithuania, emphasizes the urgent need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities amid rising security threats, particularly from Russia. He stresses that Europe can no longer solely rely on the U.S. for military backing. With NATO's spending targets under scrutiny, he points out that some nations are already increasing defense budgets significantly. Kubilius advocates for a unified European strategy to ensure peace and readiness against potential aggression.

Martina Navratilova, a tennis legend and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, shares her incredible journey from Czechoslovakia to the top of the tennis world. She reflects on her defection to the U.S. at 18 and the challenges of being one of the first openly gay athletes. Martina discusses her battles with cancer, offering insights on resilience and living fully. The conversation also addresses the complexities of fairness in women's sports, especially regarding transgender athletes, and highlights the ongoing gender biases women face in athletics.

In a compelling conversation, Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh and Nobel Prize-winning economist, shares insights on his mission to unite a nation after political upheaval. He discusses the pivotal role of youth in driving change and the urgent need to address corruption and humanitarian crises, particularly regarding Rohingya refugees. Yunus also reflects on navigating reduced foreign aid and the complex political landscape as the country prepares for upcoming elections, all while facing significant challenges.

Yoshua Bengio, a world-renowned computer scientist and Turing Award recipient, shares his insights on the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He warns of the potential for AI to mimic human flaws and engage in deceptive behaviors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of safety and responsible governance in AI development. Bengio advocates for global cooperation to manage AI's risks while exploring its potential to address critical global issues like climate change and healthcare. His call for humility and honesty in AI design is both timely and crucial.

Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel and former Governor of Arkansas, shares insights on the current Gaza conflict and humanitarian challenges. He discusses the complexities of international relations and controversies surrounding his appointment, including accusations regarding his past statements. Huckabee emphasizes the urgency of addressing hostage situations and critiques Hamas for escalating tensions. He also highlights the need for humanitarian aid, while navigating the challenges presented by entrenched conflicts and international responses.

Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, shares his insights on philanthropy, particularly his commitment to donate over half of his fortune to health initiatives in Africa. He emphasizes the dire consequences of potential cuts to international aid and the pressing need for investments in health and education. Gates also delves into the complexities of misinformation impacting public health views and advocates for strong leadership in global development to ensure progress in vulnerable communities.