Science advice & science diplomacy in an era of technological and geopolitical disruption

In early 2025, the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science released a new conceptual framework for science diplomacy—an update to the widely used 2010 model. Their report, Science and Diplomacy in an Era of Disruption, argues that today’s profound technological and geopolitical shifts require a more dynamic understanding of how science and diplomacy shape one another. As emerging technologies gain strategic importance and global tensions complicate collaboration, the relationship between scientific knowledge and diplomatic decision‑making has never been more critical. To explore this new moment—and what it means for science advice, international cooperation, and the future of global governance—we’re joined by two leading voices in the field: Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Québec and President of the International Network for Governmental Advice. , and Mathieu Ouimet, representing the Réseau francophone international en conseil scientifique. Together, they help us unpack the 2025 framework, the boundaries between science advice and science diplomacy, the challenges of trust and independence, and the implications of emerging technologies like AI.

Welcome to a special edition of the Geneva Graduate Institute’s In Conversation With podcast series. In this series, we’ll be exploring a range of critical issues shaping Africa’s future, with more episodes to come as we continue to dive into this important topic.This series offers in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the continent today.Hosted by Eric Degila, Professor of Practice of International Relations, Interdisciplinary Programmes and Visiting Faculty in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the Geneva Graduate Institute, this series examines Africa’s most pressing challenges, from social justice to economic development, and African contributions in the reshaping of a new world order, through conversations with leaders, policymakers, and experts.In this inaugural episode, the special guest is His Excellency Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).With his extensive background in global governance, His Excellency Houngbo offers a unique perspective on labour rights, economic inequality, and social justice—critical topics not only for Africa but also for the global community.This episode addresses the global understanding of social justice within the African context, how labor rights and economic inequality intersect, the impact of the informal economy, and the urgent need to tackle youth unemployment.Additionally, the discussion covers the ILO’s collaboration with African governments and Africa’s role in reshaping global governance, following recent discussions at the UN Summit of the Future.Listen in for valuable insights into how Africa can navigate its path toward social justice and economic inclusion

In this episode of In Conversation With, we are honored to host Professor Gandhi, a distinguished historian and scholar. Join us as we delve into the current state of democracy worldwide, examining whether it is truly in retreat as some argue, or if there are signs of resilience and hope. Professor Gandhi shares his unique perspectives on the rise of far-right movements in Europe, the surprising outcomes of recent elections in India, and the evolving role of India on the global stage. We also explore the enduring influence of Gandhian thought on modern democracy and the power of nonviolent action in today's world. Lastly, Professor Gandhi reflects on the role of scholars beyond academia, drawing from his extensive work in both historical research and public activism. Our host for this episode is Tripurdaman Singh, a researcher with the Institute's Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy.

2024 is a decisive year for democracies around the world, as at least 40% of the world's population will head to the polls in over 50 countries. However, while elections take place, democracy cannot be taken for granted. The Democracy Report 2024, recently launched by Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) and covering 202 countries from 1789 to 2003, highlights that the level of democracy worldwide in 2023 has declined to 1985-levels.With a rising number of autocracies overshadowing democracies, consequences can be felt across all sectors from human rights to peace to economic development and climate policies. Therefore, what is the full extent of this regressive trend and how can it be countered?This discussion with Professor Staffan I. Lindberg, Director of the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg, will shed light on the key takeaways from the Democracy Report 2024 and discuss its implications for democracies worldwide.

In this episode of In Conversation With, we explore Professor Abi Saab's unique approach to the study and practice of international law and how he seamlessly merged his roles as both a scholar and a practitioner. He also imparts invaluable lessons he has passed on to his students during his distinguished academic career.

This episode features a conversation between Stuart Campo, Team Lead for Data Responsibility at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’s Centre for Humanitarian Data, Charlotte Lindsey, Chief Public Policy Officer at the CyberPeace Institute, Balthasar Staehelin, Special Envoy for Foresight and Techplomacy at the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Achim Wennmann, Director for Strategic Partnerships at the Geneva Graduate Institute. This discussion sheds light on the cyber threat landscape and its impact on the humanitarian sector, and focuses on the meaning of humanitarian protection in the digital space and the role International Geneva should play. This episode was produced in partnership with the Diplomatic Club of Geneva and the CyberPeace Institute.

This episode features a conversation between Michel Jarraud, Secretary General Emeritus at the World Meteorological Organization, Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization, Marek Harsdorff, Economist in the Green Jobs Programme at the International Labour Organization, and Joëlle Noailly, Head of Research of the Centre for International Environmental Studies and Lecturer in the Department of International Economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The new loss and damage fund announced at the UN climate talks in Sharm el-Sheikh marks a small step towards climate justice but much more is needed in order to tackle the multiple crisis induced by climate change. This discussion focuses on the challenges and opportunities for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable societies and the role that International Geneva can play. This episode was produced in partnership with the Fondation pour Genève and we invite you to have a look at their recent report entitled « International Geneva and the Climate Emergency » for further reading on the topic.

This episode features a conversation between Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Prime Minister of Italy, and Christine Lutringer, Executive Director and Senior Researcher of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy at the Geneva Graduate Institute. This discussion focuses on the challenges European democracies are currently facing and highlights concrete proposals towards building more effective ways for citizens to participate.

This episode features a conversation between Barry Eichengreen, the George C. and Helen N. Pardee Professor of Economics and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, and Rui Esteves, Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The dramatic economic and financial measures taken by the United States and its allies in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine point up the potency but also the limits of economic power. The International Monetary Fund forecasts that Russia will cause the country’s economy to contract by 9 percent in 2022. Yet there are no visible signs of this intervention inducing the Kremlin to halt its war on Ukraine or even to modify its prosecution of the war. Have Western sanctions failed? More globally, what is the future of international liberalism and economic integration given the current geopolitical context?

This episode features a conversation between Michael Sandel, the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government Theory at Harvard University, and Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute. In his latest book, The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?, Michael Sandel argues that to overcome the crises that are upending our world, we must rethink the attitudes toward success and failure that have accompanied globalisation and rising inequality. Through the years, he has built a powerful toolbox for the critical assessment of our current life and institutional choices. So how do we move from critical thinking to a constructive re-engagement and positive transformation of our world?