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Host Landry Signé sits down with global leaders and stakeholders to reflect on the United Nations’ work at the heart of global peace,lasting growth,multilateral cooperation,and institutional reform during the historic 80th General Assembly. This is the first episode of a three-part series reporting from the sidelines of UNGA.
Participants:
* nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
* Raymond gilpin, Chief Economist and Head of Strategy, United Nations Development Program, Regional Bureau for Africa
* Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, United Nations Department of economic and Social Affairs
* Rasata Rafaravavitafika, (Former) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Madagascar (Note: On September 29, 2025, Madagascar’s president dissolved the government, dismissing all government ministers. At the time of recording, ambassador Rasata rafaravavitafika was Minister of Foreign Affairs.)
SIGNÉ: Hello, I am Landry Signé, senior fellow in the Global Economy and Development Program and the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution. This week, I’m coming to you from the United Nations Headquarters and other venues in New York, in the middle of the 80th U.N. General Assembly,known as UNGA.
Here at the Brookings Foresight Africa podcast, I engage with distinguished leaders in policy, business, academia, and civil society to share their unique insights and innovative solutions to Africa’s challenges while highlighting opportunities to advance engagement between Africa and the global community.You can learn more about this show and our work at Brookings dot edu slash foresight Africa podcast.
this week’s episode is the first of a three-part series reporting live from UNGA. Naturally, we could not miss the opportunity to bring you an exclusive look at the world’s top political summit, featuring everyone from top diplomats and heads of state, to rising and established stars in business and civil society. This year’s Assembly was organized with the theme “Better together,” reflecting the present sentiment that we are in a time where the case for multilateral global governance needs renewed defence.
My guests on this episode include executives at the top of the united Nations hierarchy and influential global, continental, and national institutions who provide candid assessments of the UN’s role in the world in 2025 and how they are positioning the organization to adapt to the next 80 years.
Stay tuned for their specific recommendations and reflections, and to here how the UN is navigating crucial changes that affect every facet of global cooperation, from peace and security, human rights, and humanitarian response to education, health, economic development, and the surroundings.
HANIF: My name is Navid Hanif. I am the Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development at the UN department of Economic and Social Affairs.
SIGNÉ: I am delighted to have you join me during the 80th UNGA, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your insight with our audience. ASG, after 80 years of the united Nations, what do you see as the organization’s most enduring achievements, and how should these be built upon for the future?
HANIF: The United Nations over the last 80 years has brought 193 countries together, built trust among them, and brought them together to find solutions to common and shared challenges. Its not only climate change, loss of biodiversity, it is also about fighting poverty; giving life of dignity for all; creating conditions where people can enjoy their human rights; and then a moral voice on this global stage to promote peace and security, to promote disarmament.
And UN has given people hope, a shared vision for a future where no one will be left behind, and that is UN’s endur
The Imperative of Multilateralism: Perspectives from the 78th UN General Assembly
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly underscored a critical message: global challenges demand multilateral solutions. Experts and leaders consistently emphasized that nations cannot effectively address issues like pandemics, economic crises, or climate change in isolation.
As one speaker noted, the notion of solving problems alone – even in areas like job creation – is insufficient without international cooperation. Opportunities for trade, managed migration, and knowledge sharing are vital components of a prosperous multilateral system, allowing countries to learn from each other and foster youth development. This system is also crucial for navigating crises, such as the current global debt burden, with forums like the G20 and the United Nations providing platforms for collective action.
Representing the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Nardos Bekele-Thomas echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to revitalize multilateralism, which she felt had been threatened in recent years. She stressed the importance of solidarity and recognizing the common threats facing the world, including climate change and migration.Bekele-Thomas argued for addressing the root causes of migration, while also acknowledging its inherent nature as a long-standing human phenomenon. She called for collaboration between the private sector, policymakers, and development partners, bridging the gap between the Global north and south, to reaffirm commitment to multilateralism.
Bekele-Thomas further emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in global efforts, not merely as a recipient of aid, but as a key contributor to global success.She pointed to Africa’s wealth of resources essential for a just transition to a sustainable future, stating that “every ingredient that this world needs for its transition is found in Africa.”
Brookings Podcast Acknowledgements
this podcast is a production of Brookings, a non-profit public policy organization committed to independent research and policy solutions.The production team and supporting staff are vital to bringing insightful discussions to listeners. This document details the individuals and teams acknowledged for their contributions.
Production Team
The core production team responsible for the creation and delivery of this podcast includes:
- Fred Dews: Producer
- nichole Grossman: Associate Producer
- Dafe Oputu: Associate Producer
- Nicole Ntungire: Associate Producer
- Gastón Reboredo: Audio Engineer
- Izzy taylor: senior Communications Coordinator in brookings Global
Creative and promotional Support
Beyond the core production team, several individuals and departments contribute to the podcast’s success:
- Shavanthi Mendis: Designed the podcast artwork.
- Brookings Global: Provides additional promotional support.
- Office of Communications at Brookings: Offers further promotional assistance.
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About Brookings
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Key Takeaways
- the podcast is a production of the non-profit public policy organization, Brookings.
- A dedicated production team handles the podcast’s creation and delivery.
- Creative and promotional support comes from various Brookings departments and individuals.
- Listener feedback is welcomed via email at feedback@brookings.edu.
This acknowledgement reflects the collaborative effort required to produce a high-quality podcast.brookings continues to value the contributions of all involved and welcomes ongoing feedback from its audience.