World Leaders Gather at the U.N.
Summary
Host Kusha Navadar previews the UN General Assembly with journalist Mark Leon Goldberg, discussing the race to succeed Secretary-General Guterres and the US fiscal crisis at the UN. The episode also covers New York State's plan to eliminate the Regents exam, with Chalkbeat reporter Michael Elson Rooney explaining concerns over unclear replacements. Additionally, investigative journalist Amy Westervelt discusses Climate Week and her work exposing fossil fuel funding in academic research.
Topics discussed
Show intro: Regents exam, Climate Week, and teen driving study
UN General Assembly logistics and guest introduction
Origin of 'To Save Us From Hell' podcast title
Expectations for Secretary General Guterres' final speech
Guterres' past rhetoric on climate, AI, and inequality
How the Secretary General addresses global conflicts
The race to succeed Guterres: candidates and process
The campaign dynamics and listener call-in prompt
Brazil and US speeches and the 'Super Bowl' of diplomacy
Cynicism vs. hope: The UN's role in solving global problems
Caller discussion on Guterres' political and religious views
Notable leaders: Netanyahu, Iran, and Palestinian status
The UN ecosystem in New York City
Caller James shares memories of UN week in the 1980s
Optimism for small island states and climate solutions
Caller Craig questions the efficacy of the UN
The UN that acts: Humanitarian aid vs. political talk
The UN's current crisis: Geopolitics and fiscal issues
Impact of US funding cuts on daily UN operations
Concrete outcomes: Middle powers and pandemic preparedness
Can the UN function without US support? Closing remarks
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