Something’s going to give: Natalie Samarasinghe on reforming the United Nations in a world on the brink

UN Necessary

In this episode of UN Necessary, recorded in March and July, hosts Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell dive into the complexities of global governance and United Nations reform with Natalie Samarasinghe, outgoing global director of advocacy at the Open Society Foundations, who was previously executive director of the UN Association-UK.
Recorded amidst the bustling atmosphere of the March 2024 Global Women Leaders Voices Dialogue, in Madrid, UN Necessary’s latest conversation covers the need for a new theory of change in international relations, challenges in empowering local communities through global institutions, and an appeal to remember the UN’s role in setting universal norms while rethinking its humanitarian efforts. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of multilateralism, the critical reforms needed in the face of global challenges, and why, despite the inertia and danger of the present moment, Natalie remains optimistic about the future.