S1E2: Michael Cilia on our Resources

“We want to show the European Commission, the Member States, that we are doing exactly what is needed, so that within the timelines we have defined to ourselves, we will be able to deserve to be around the table.”How did Albania transform from a dictatorship to a democracy? What are the challenges behind the integration of Albania to the EU? And when should we expect the country to join the EU?Ferit Hoxha is the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. He has previously served as Albanian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Portugal, Albania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and as Head of Mission to the EU.Drawing on three decades of experience in diplomacy and international organizations, he observes how his personal journey followed the one of Albania from a post-communist state to a negotiating EU candidate country. Original art cover by Lorenzo Falchi, from Nuoro, Sardegna, Italy.

“The only way to measure success in lobbying for NGOs is to see how much advocacy capacity we have been able to build, regardless of the outcome.”To which extent can lobbying serve the general interest? What does it mean in practice to lobby for "good"? And how to define whether an action is successful or not?Alberto Alemanno is a professor of Law at HEC Paris, NYU, University of Tokyo and College of Europe, and an online civic advocator. He is the founder of The Good Lobby, a non-profit organization aiming to make EU politics more welcoming for citizens to express.With extensive experience in law, academia and civic advocacy, both in the EU and beyond, he reflects on how citizens can shape the EU, make their voices heard between elections, and turn advocacy into meaningful political change.Original art cover by José De Rocco from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“What I realized when I was at WWF was that I was respected, I was received at the highest level, including Mr Juncker, but my influence was not as strong as now as a think tanker.” Where can one have the most impact while fighting for environmental protection? How does a personal experience of environmental damage foster a vocation for climate and social justice? Geneviève Pons is the President of Europe Jacques Delors, the Co-chair of Antarctica 2030, and former Director of WWF Europe.With three decades of experience across law, climate policy and advocacy both at the European Commission and in NGOs, she reflects on how to contribute to the fight against climate change and for the protection of the environment. Original art cover by William Sheepskin from Cape Town, South Africa.

“From now on we can decide to let more space in our life for others”. As quarantine separated us, it made us realize how important our relations with the others are. Wouldn’t it be the perfect time to better reconnect once this crisis is over? This is what we discussed with Sofia. Sofia Esposito is an aspiring psychologist studying in Milan, Italy whose research focuses on personal wellbeing. Original art cover by Leslie Heintz from Geneva, Switzerland.

“Let’s stop this race for miracle materials, we already have alternatives”. The purpose of objects is to solve issues. Yet, aren’t they bringing more issues than solutions nowadays? From sustainability to materialism and addictions. We asked Fabio about the future of our objects. Fabio Uberti volunteers in an open-air museum in Amsterdam and studied object design in Toulouse, France. Original art cover by Megan Whitney from Los Angeles CA, US.

“Well, I’m vegan but I really like meat. I like good things in life, you know”.The human brain loves to isolate ideas. Can we really think anything outside of its context though? A virus’ existence impacts our world in many ways, what about me? We talk about our daily impact with Alexia.Alexia Netcu lives in Nice, France and studies International Affairs and Environmental studies in Washington, D.C.Original art cover by Skylar Bartlett from Los Angeles CA, US.

“My job in the factory was to pack turkey and chicken for 7 hours at -4°C”. Mass production: is it without consequences? Do our production methods match with our ideals? Philippine talks to us about an essential production, the one of our food. Philippine Le Gall studies in Paris and has been working in a food factory in Le Mans, France during the lockdown. Original art cover by Lauren Marek from Houston TX, US.

“I don’t think consuming as much as before is the answer”. Is non-stop consumption leading us to happiness in the end? Is capitalism compatible with sustainable development and social justice? We talk about the future of our economy with Ronald. Ronald Santamaria lives in San José, Costa Rica and has studied International Administration and Business in Paris. Original art cover by Jacob Perry from Chicago IL, US.

“The future of earth lies in the mindset we choose everyday.” Nothing is lost, everything is transformed. Seems like we understood this well, transforming any ressource around us with ease. But what if the true difficulty resided in not getting lost at the end of the process? Michael Cilia is an aspiring geologist from the island of Sicily and he conducts his research in Milan, Italy. Original art cover by Isaak Hunt from Cedar City UT, US.

“I think it has proven to me it's possible to have a different way of life.” Commute, work, sleep, repeat… Wait. Is it still worth it? We discussed with Nina the countless ways of living as well as the possibility to embrace the one we really chose. Nina Steward has been working in a wwoofing community in Yelverton, UK after having studied Political sciences in Paris. Original art cover by Spencer Krell from New York City NY, US.