Bonus Episode | Interview: Ian Richards, UNCTAD | Digital Transformation of Government Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Fall 2025Subscribe to be in the guest list of our upcoming events, wine tastings, tea tastings, and to discover the art of diplomacy through the art de la table.Do you want to advertise on THE BRIEF? Hit reply to this email, and consider becoming a paid subscriber for special invitations to events.Paris Design WeekTill the 18th of September you can peek and peruse some very fine design pieces that are on show at galleries and showrooms in Paris. The 6eme and the 7eme arrondissements are where most galleries and showrooms are.So if you are in Paris this week take a moment to escape from the hurly-burly of French politics uncertainties, and a general strike that might leave you stranded at the Seine shores. Hopefully that happens at the Quai du Louvre or Quai Voltaire to feast your eyes while you wait for you UBER (if you can find one).Here are some addresses that you should not miss.Frank Baulme Fine Arts, 1 Quai VoltaireAfter many years as a collector of Old Master paintings and drawings, Franck Baulme began working as an art dealer in 2008.In 2014, he opened his gallery at 1 Quai Voltaire in Paris, in the Hôtel de Tessé, an 18th-century private mansion facing the Louvre. There, he presents paintings and drawings from the 16th to the 19th century, mainly French, Italian, Flemish, and Dutch.Since the gallery’s opening many museums around the world have enriched their collections through major acquisitions with F. Baulme Fine Arts.This has been the case for the Musée du Louvre, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Musée Fabre in Montpellier, the Musée de la Vie Romantique, the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans, the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the National Gallery in Washington, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among many others. Source: F. Baulme Fine ArtsTOLIXThe eponymous chair that graced school rooms for decades makes an entrance, with new ownership that is keen on elevating the brand and has launched a collaboration with Manufacture de Digoin, both are based in Bourgogne, and their collab is on view at the TOLIX showroom in Saint-Germain des Pres, for Paris Design Week.MANUFACTURE DE DIGOIN & TOLIXSince 1875, the Manufacture de Digoin crafts stoneware ceramics. Now under new leadership it continues its tradition of savoir-faire with a new aesthetic minimalist and strong on earthy and natural world colours.In view at the TOLIX showroom:200, Boulevard Saint Germain 75007 Parishttp://www.manufacturededigoin.comAtoms for PeaceIAEA: Rafael Grossi Brokers an Agreement with Iran for Inspections on their Nuclear Capabilities and Safeguard ObligationsListen to the statement by IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi on his meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister in Cairo to discuss resuming inspections and reports on the latest incidents in the country. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

In this editionIan Richards on Digital Government This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

In this editionIan Richards on Digital Government This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

UNICEF and Microsoft Partner-upThe UN Brief interviewed Mac Glovinsky to speak about the Learning Passport, a partnership with Microsoft and Cambridge University to accelerate onboarding of children and adolescents in the digital economy, through educational tools.Glovinsky is the Principal Global Program Manager of the Learning Passport, and is based at the UN headquarters in New York. The Learning Passport is an educational tool that allows for learning on-and-offline. They have rolled-out at post-conflict areas, and in developing countries, helping children to continue their education and allowing them to carry their curriculum wherever they are, as they will eventually move out of refugee camps and thanks to these tools will be able to continue their studies at the appropriate grade level.These are one of the many ways that new technologies are supporting the continuity of education in what are very trying situations for these children and their families.We cover emerging technologies and how they impact international cooperation. Subscribe to The UN Brief for exclusive interviews with UN officials, diplomats, business leaders and academics for insights in the digital transformation of multilateral organizations, and the emerging technologies that are impacting international cooperation.Subscribers have:1. Early access to exclusive content, videos and podcasts, with insights and analysis of current affairs topics.2. Invitation to talks (virtual now) with the key players in Foreign Policy and Tech.3. Participation in round-tables on the future of multilateralism.4. A monthly update, closed to members-only, video call to discuss trends with diplomats, academics, government, and tech leaders.And much more to come in the coming months. Stay tuned. Looking forward to interacting with you all,Maya PlentzEditor in ChiefSubscribe to our newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

On this edition:* A weekend in Bourgogne.* Discover the history of Cremant de Bourgogne.* Sustainability in wine production. THE BRIEF is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.Bourgogne in the SpotlightPondering what to do during the sweltering days of Summer in Geneva? No vacation time left? I suggest you go visit Bourgogne and discover its many food and wine offers. It is paradise for very affordable high-quality wines to wines for special occasions and to, above all, educating your senses.Did you know that Bourgogne wines that can be kept for several years are also a good investment? As an asset class Burgundy wines beat some traditional categories, not to say the investment in pleasure, as the British wine critic Steven Spurrier used to say. “Fine wine is also an investment in pleasure.”We had the pleasure of visiting three wine producers from the region last month.Keep your eyes pricked for the stories and interviews with the winemakers that are representing the best of sustainability and quality from the region at a global scale.Wines from Bourgogne are becoming better known in Brazil, this past month the BIVB, the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins de Bourgogne, visited Brazil for the first time.Their latest research shows growing exports to the region, in fine restaurants, and by the recommendations of experts in gastronomy. Pairing the delightful Cremant de Bourgogne with Brazilian exquisite seafood and prime-cut barbecues is becoming a thing, with importers realizing the price/quality value and its potential with consumers and restaurateurs alike.In a country where prosecco and champagne reign supreme, given its tropical weather, as a refreshing, celebratory drink, and increasingly in cocktails by renowned bartenders at the Copacabana Palace and Fasano’s (the French architect Philippe Starck designed luxury hotel) Cremant de Bourgogne has already a market in Brazil expecting bubbly happiness drinks, that just needs to be developed to gain market share.One of our visits was to the Maison Louis Picamelot.We interviewed Louis Picamelot’s grandson, now producer and CEO of the Maison, Philippe Chautard. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Subscribe for news on the UN and international organisations, and how emerging tech is changing the paradigms. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Presented by EVO Fitness GenevaGet THE BRIEF special May offer with promo code 9NY Sign up here.7-Day Free Trial – No Commitment & No Joining FeeFind out more about EVO Fitness philosophy.A great place to work out, open 7 days from 6 AM to 11 PM.UN Supports Digital Transformation of GovernmentsWatch my interview with Ian Richards, UN Digital ServicesUN digital governance platform designed to simplify government services and make them more accessible is deployed in 20 countries. Platform helps civil servants with limited IT knowledge create digital online services.It enables easy process creation for government transactions (e.g., business registration) and allows users to:* Create digital forms* Set document upload requirements* Connect to payment platforms* Map approval processes* Automate certificate issuanceIn Benin, for example, business registration process now takes 2-3 hours and can be completed via mobile phone, which resulted in the number of registered businesses tripling since implementation.The platform is currently deployed in about 20 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, with the goal of making government services more efficient and user-friendly.UN to Cut Posts, Relocate Services in Major Overhaul Ahead of 80th AnniversaryAs the United Nations approaches the 80th anniversary of its founding charter, Secretary-General António Guterres has unveiled a sweeping reform initiative aimed at reshaping the Organization to better meet today’s global challenges — and do so more efficiently.At the heart of the UN80 Initiative is a bold push to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and cut costs — including through workforce reductions and relocating staff away from high-cost duty stations like New York and Geneva. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Presented by EVO Fitness GenevaGet THE BRIEF special May offer with promo code 9NY Sign up here.7-Day Free Trial – No Commitment & No Joining FeeFind out more about EVO Fitness philosophy.A great place to work out, open 7 days from 6 AM to 11 PM.UN Ministerial Reaffirms Multilateral Commitment Amid Global FractureThe 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial, held in Berlin from 13–14 May, convened by the German government and attended by representatives from over 130 UN Member States and partner organizations.Peacekeeping missions, once symbols of collective resolve, now operate under increasingly constrained mandates, diminished legitimacy in host countries, and growing exposure to asymmetric threats.Germany pledged €82 million in new commitments while encouraging others to match ambition with substance. “We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness,” said Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, echoing what has become a leitmotif in Western diplomatic discourse: local ownership, global partnership.Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized innovation, announcing German investment in renewable energy for field operations, medical drones, and counter-IED technologies. While 74 countries made formal pledges—including 88 military and police units and support for women, peace and security initiatives—the subtext of the conference revealed fissures in political will and coherence. The geographic and political diversity of the pledging states obscures the uneven distribution of actual deployment. It is countries from the Global South—Bangladesh, Rwanda, Nepal—that continue to provide the bulk of troops, while the industrialized North often positions itself as financier and advisor.Meanwhile, the thematic emphasis on technological modernization and “data-driven peacekeeping” betrays an uncomfortable truth: the impulse to technocratize peacekeeping may be a response to deeper political paralysis. Rather than confront the structural drivers of conflict—economic inequality, climate displacement, neocolonial resource extraction—the international community risks outsourcing peace to algorithms and AI-powered surveillance.Berlin was also a staging ground for long-standing, unresolved debates: How to reform command structures to avoid past failures in Mali, the DRC, and South Sudan? How to ensure accountability in cases of abuse by peacekeepers? How to harmonize competing interests within the Security Council? Eleven states pledged action on accountability and conduct, including support for victims of sexual exploitation, but mechanisms for independent oversight remain weak.Furthermore, the commitments to “strategic communications” and countering disinformation reflect a growing awareness that peacekeeping missions are not merely military deployments but contested narratives in the information sphere. Yet the risk remains that this concern for “information integrity” may prioritize reputation management over transparency and local engagement.The Berlin Ministerial was laden with symbolism: it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year mark since the 2015 Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping. But anniversaries can conceal as much as they reveal. Today, over 61,000 military and police peacekeepers are deployed across 11 missions—often in settings where the UN is simultaneously viewed as indispensable and insufficient.Whether the Berlin pledges mark a renaissance or merely a rhetorical reaffirmation depends not on declarations made in conference halls, but on the lived realities in places like Abyei, Beni, or Gao. Peacekeeping, once imagined as the moral arm of a rules-based order, now treads a narrow path between relevance and retreat.The next chapter, as always, will be written in the field. And for that, political courage—not just strategic planning—remains in shortest supply.Cabo Verde at a Crossroads: Resilient Recovery or Structural Dependence?A small island developing state in the Atlantic with fewer than half a million inhabitants, Cabo Verde has long stood as a symbol of political stability and democratic governance in West Africa. Yet behind its pro-democracy credentials lies a fragile economy dependent on tourism, remittances, and a narrow export base. The latest Trade Policy Review by the World Trade Organization (WTO) offers a glimpse into the country’s mixed progress—a cautious recovery on the surface, with deeper structural dependencies beneath.After suffering a dramatic 20.8% contraction in GDP in 2020, Cabo Verde posted an impressive 15.8% rebound in 2022, stabilizing at 5.5% in 2023. Much of this recovery is credited to the revival of international tourism, which alone brought in over USD 468 million in 2023. Remittances—constituting nearly 11% of GDP—further buoyed domestic demand.However, these gains are precarious. The country’s trade-to-GDP ratio, a telling indicator of openness and vulnerability, peaked above 105% before the pandemic, only to drop to 75% and gradually recover to 95% by 2023. The merchandise trade deficit remains steep: USD 1.76 billion in imports against just USD 383 million in exports. More than 80% of the country’s food is imported.A Narrow Base: Tourism, Re-Exports, and FishThe backbone of Cabo Verde’s economy is services, particularly tourism and transport. Strategic geography has also turned the archipelago into a logistical hub for re-exports—especially fuels and vehicles. Exports of mineral products (largely re-exports of fuels) accounted for 61% of all merchandise trade in 2023. Meanwhile, processed seafood, mostly tuna, now makes up over 84% of domestically produced exports, highlighting the country’s limited industrial and agricultural capacity.Despite repeated calls for export diversification, Cabo Verde’s export concentration index remains four times the global average, exposing it to significant external shocks.Structural Bottlenecks and Bureaucratic DragTrade facilitation has improved on paper: a foreign trade portal launched in 2023, customs costs have decreased, and legislative transparency has advanced. Still, businesses face lengthy customs clearance (averaging over six days in Praia), high import compliance costs (19% of goods value), and complex licensing systems that deter small traders.The absence of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, persistent tariff inconsistencies with WTO commitments, and cumbersome tax exemptions only deepen inefficiencies. Almost a third of surveyed firms cite customs procedures as a severe constraint—well above African and global averages.An Unequal and Concentrated EconomyWomen remain clustered in low-tech sectors with limited access to credit and trade networks, despite a 2019 parity law. Market monopolies continue to plague key sectors: one tour operator dominates the industry, and domestic flights are held by a single carrier. A newly created competition authority in 2022 has yet to dismantle these entrenched positions.State-owned enterprises remain prominent, accounting for over 17% of GDP in revenue—but also dragging public finances, with the three largest SOEs posting losses equal to a quarter of GDP in 2021.The Illusion of OpennessCabo Verde is a signatory to both the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and several WTO agreements, including the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (2024). It also enjoys preferential market access to the EU (GSP+) and the U.S. (AGOA). Yet trade under these schemes remains limited, raising doubts about the country's actual capacity to capitalize on global opportunities.The promise of integration into global digital and renewable energy markets looms large, with the government aiming for 50% renewable energy production by 2030. But these ambitions contrast with ongoing infrastructure challenges and high dependency on refined oil imports.Tourism’s Double-Edged SwordTourism remains the economic engine—but also the Achilles heel. Most tourists come from Europe, and disruptions such as pandemics, climate shocks, or geopolitical instability could once again halt growth. The government’s Strategic Tourism Plan (2018–2030) seeks to address sustainability, but the sector remains ecologically intensive and socioeconomically uneven.Cabo Verde's story is one of cautious optimism. Its political stability, gradual reforms, and external partnerships offer promise. But its economic model—built on tourism, remittances, and a narrow export base—remains vulnerable. Without diversifying production, streamlining governance, and tackling monopolies, the nation risks being trapped in a cycle of dependency. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with Danish Masood, former UN official in charge of innovation and experimenting with the metaverse. How did they analyzed the peace and security landscape in conflict zones.Bringing AR/VR to the UN Security Council.Too much, too soon?Presented by EVO Fitness GenevaGet THE BRIEF special May offer with promo code 9NY Sign up here.7-Day Free Trial – No Commitment & No Joining FeeFind out more about EVO Fitness philosophy.A great place to work out, open 7 days from 6 AM to 11 PM.UN to Cut Posts, Relocate Services in Major Overhaul Ahead of 80th AnniversaryAs the United Nations approaches the 80th anniversary of its founding charter, Secretary-General António Guterres has unveiled a sweeping reform initiative aimed at reshaping the Organization to better meet today’s global challenges — and do so more efficiently.At the heart of the UN80 Initiative is a bold push to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and cut costs — including through workforce reductions and relocating staff away from high-cost duty stations like New York and Geneva.The reform is driven by three workstreams: achieving operational efficiencies, reviewing how the UN implements its mandates, and exploring structural changes across the system.Significant Personnel Cuts ExpectedIn one of the most striking announcements, the Secretary-General revealed that up to 20% of posts in the Peace and Security departments — DPPA and DPO — are expected to be eliminated. These reductions stem from efforts to merge overlapping units, eliminate duplicated functions, and consolidate similar activities across the UN system.“These are difficult but necessary decisions,” said Guterres, acknowledging the human cost of such restructuring. “Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring.”The impact will extend beyond these two departments. Every Secretariat entity has been asked to identify roles that can be moved to lower-cost locations or cut altogether, especially those not directly serving intergovernmental bodies.Consolidation of Services and OfficesThe plan also targets administrative and logistical functions. Shared IT platforms, centralized support services, and automation are key components of the new operating model.Several buildings in New York have already been vacated, with two more expected to close by 2027 — a move projected to generate substantial savings. Staff will be moved into existing premises, and future operations will likely be run from more cost-effective locations.“Relocating posts from high-cost cities is not just about budget savings — it’s about rethinking where and how we work,” said Catherine Pollard, Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, who is leading the efficiency review.Thousands of Mandates Under ReviewThe second pillar of the reform reviews how the UN implements the more than 3,600 unique mandates it has been given — not their content, but the processes behind them. The review aims to identify overlapping efforts and opportunities for simplification and synergy across the UN system.Guterres was candid: “Most of these problems are not only still with us — they have intensified. We must do better.”Long-Term ImpactWhile some reforms will be implemented as early as the 2026 revised programme budget, deeper changes — including those with structural implications — will appear in the 2027 budget proposal.“The level of reduction in the peace and security cluster should serve as a reference point across the organization,” Guterres said. Still, he emphasized the importance of preserving geographic, gender, and disability balance in staffing.A Defining MomentThe UN80 Initiative coincides with a broader push to implement the Pact for the Future and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. But its legacy may hinge on whether Member States and staff can navigate the growing pains of transformation.“Change is never easy — but it is essential,” Guterres concluded. “The success of this initiative depends on all of us living up to our shared responsibilities.”THE BRIEF is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.Where it will happen?The United Nations is preparing to substantially streamline operations in its two major headquarters, New York and Geneva, as part of the Secretary-General’s ambitious UN80 Initiative to modernize the Organization ahead of its 80th anniversary.Designed to strengthen delivery, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, the reform effort comes amid growing fiscal pressure, stagnant funding, and mounting global challenges.Key Changes Affecting New York and GenevaBoth cities — long seen as operational anchors of the UN system — will undergo targeted consolidation of personnel and services.Functions that are not directly tied to the work of Member States in intergovernmental bodies — such as the General Assembly in New York or the Human Rights Council in Geneva — are now being evaluated for relocation, reduction, or discontinuation.Initial plans include:* Elimination of up to 20% of posts in the peace and security pillar (DPPA/DPO),* Termination of leases in New York, with two more buildings expected to close by 2027,* Mandated review by all Secretariat offices in both cities to assess whether functions can be moved to lower-cost duty stations, such as Nairobi, Santiago, or Kuala Lumpur,* Structural realignment across departments, including merging overlapping units and consolidating reporting lines.Diplomatic ImpactOfficials emphasized that intergovernmental support functions will remain in place. The reductions will primarily affect back-office, administrative, or technical units.Nonetheless, diplomatic missions in New York and Geneva can expect to interface with smaller, more integrated UN teams, and may see changes in coordination channels and reporting structures.“The goal is to concentrate the diplomatic and policy interface in these two locations, while relocating support and management elsewhere,” said one senior UN official involved in the reform.Consultations and TimelineThe reforms are unfolding in phases:* Immediate efficiencies will be reflected in revised 2026 budget estimates, due in September.* Larger structural changes will be built into the 2027 programme budget.* All affected staff are being engaged through consultative mechanisms.Member States are expected to review and approve several proposals in the Fifth Committee and General Assembly plenaries over the coming months.Looking AheadGeneva and New York will remain central to UN diplomacy. However, they are being reimagined as strategic convening spaces, rather than all-purpose operational hubs.The Secretary-General framed the changes as essential to long-term sustainability and credibility:“We cannot allow the architecture of multilateralism to become outdated or inefficient. This is a moment to act with purpose — to deliver more by doing better.”The UN80 Initiative is a structural overhaul with political, operational, and budgetary consequences — especially for Member States with permanent missions in New York and Geneva.Active participation and coordinated engagement will be key in shaping what the future UN will look like — and where it will do its work.THE BRIEF is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.UN80 Initiative: Reforming for the FutureNext month marks 80 years since the signing of the United Nations Charter — a document that has guided global peace, development, and human rights since 1945.But anniversaries aren’t just for reflection. They’re a call to action.Today, the United Nations faces a complex world — one defined by conflict, economic pressure, environmental crisis, and technological upheaval. The UN80 Initiative is about making the Organization fit for the next 80 years.UN80: A Time for RenewalSo, what’s changing?The Secretary-General has launched a three-part transformation of the UN system, focusing on:* Efficiency and cost reduction,* Mandate implementation, and* Structural overhaul.This isn’t reform for reform’s sake. It’s about ensuring that resources match real needs, and that every dollar and every position counts.A major part of this transformation is streamlining the workforce — especially in high-cost duty stations like New York and Geneva. Some functions that don’t directly serve intergovernmental bodies will be relocated or phased out.Administrative consolidation, automation, and centralized IT services are on the table. So are potential layoffs and post eliminations in areas where duplication or inefficiency is identified.In fact, the Peace and Security cluster — including the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations — is expected to reduce staff by up to 20%, cutting duplication and merging overlapping functions.These are bold changes with human implications. Staff representatives are being consulted, and every decision is promised to be humane and transparent.The goal isn’t just to save money — though the budget reductions will be significant.It’s to refocus the UN on impact: on making a difference in people’s lives. Not through more reports or meetings, but through leaner, smarter operations.The UN80 Initiative will shape the next generation of multilateralism. That means structural consolidation, new business models, and clarity of mission.Because the challenges of the future won’t wait — and neither should we.This is the United Nations at a turning point — committed to doing more, by doing better. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to all the new subscribers and new followers from UNICEF, FAO, WHO, UNDP, UN Women, WIPO, UNESCO, and other agencies in the UN system in Geneva, Copenhagen, Berlin, Nairobi, Paris, and New York.And diplomats and UN officials posted in New York and around the globe, including diplomats from Norway, Italy, Ireland, US, UK, Argentine, Brazil, France, and Denmark.We are growing our readership steadily.We now also launched on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast streaming services. In addition to our newsletter on Substack.Subscribe!Also we have a new section on the newsletter: Arrivals and Departures.Please send us updates about career moves, changes in your organization, with a phone number, photo and short bio so we can contact the person in question to confirm dates and details.Support good journalism.Fact-checked.Credible sources.Subscribe to The BriefThanks for reading THE BRIEF. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theunbrief.substack.com/subscribe