In this episode of UN Necessary, recorded in New York, hosts Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell speak with Ambassador Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former co-facilitator of the UN Declaration on Future Generations.

As the world grapples with escalating global challenges—from climate change and inequality to geopolitical instability— Ambassador Wallace offers a compelling perspective on the importance of multilateralism, the urgency of long-term thinking, and Jamaica’s leadership during the 2024 Summit of the Future.

He reflects on the complexities of negotiating future-focused commitments in a short-term political landscape and calls for a transformation in global governance that transcends electoral cycles.

Tune in to hear why the United Nations remains vital, what it means to plan for generations yet unborn, and how a shift in mindset could catalyze deeper international cooperation in a fragmented world.

In this episode of UN Necessary, recorded on 22 January 2025 in New York, hosts Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell sit down with Stephen Heintz, President and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Dr. Richard Ponzio, Director of the Global Governance, Justice, and Security Program where he also co-directs the Global Governance Innovation Network.

As the world grapples with rising geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding, and the challenge of global governance reform, our guests reflect on the outcomes of the UN's Summit of the Future and the broader trajectory of multilateralism. Heintz and Ponzio discuss the Pact for the Future, the need for a new logic in international cooperation, and the role of civil society in pushing institutional change.

From the sidelines of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, UAE, in November 2023, UN Necessary’s Daniel Perell spoke with former president of Costa Rica Carlos Andrés Alvarado Quesada on his administration’s efforts to push against societal inertia to lead Costa Rica on the path to decarbonization. Drawing inspiration from his grandparents’ generation, which abolished Costa Rica’s military, and the responsibility he feels to his family and future generations, Alvarado shares the motivations behind his bold climate policies. He discusses how tapping into human willpower and embracing the responsibility of shaping a sustainable future is key to overcoming the challenges posed by climate change.

Dan and his fellow UN Necessary host, Nudhara Yusuf, also reflect on how a conversation from almost a year ago remains relevant today—during the United Nations General Assembly opening and the recent Summit of the Future. Mr. Alvarado’s reflections range from the complexity of effecting change, highlighting the importance of empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity when tackling global crises. And his powerful analogy of humanity’s collective responsibility—likening it to pointillism, where each action contributes to a broader picture of hope and sustainability—offers a thought-provoking look at leadership, legacy, and the role we all play in creating a better world for the future.