Inside Geneva: Pandemics and Climate Change, Can Multilateralism Still Work? Hosted by SWI swissinfo.ch | Release Date: May 27, 2025

In this compelling episode of Inside Geneva, host Imogen Foulkes delves into the pressing issues of global pandemics and climate change, exploring whether multilateralism can effectively address these interconnected crises. Through insightful interviews with former UN Human Rights Commissioner Zayd Rad Al Hussein and environmental journalist Piet Schwartzstein, the episode examines the strides and setbacks in international cooperation amid rising populist sentiments and nationalistic policies.

1. The New Pandemic Treaty: A Milestone for Global Health Cooperation

The episode opens with the recent adoption of a landmark resolution by member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at enhancing preparedness and response to future pandemics. Imogen Foulkes introduces the significance of this achievement, highlighting its role in unifying nations towards a common health security framework.

Zayd Rad Al Hussein, a key figure in the treaty's negotiation, emphasizes its critical importance:

“[00:33] It is a major step forward. I mean, just imagine if we failed... we'd go back to a point much further back.”

Rad Al Hussein warns of the dire consequences if the treaty fails, underscoring the necessity of robust international collaboration to prevent catastrophic pandemics.

2. Navigating Sovereignty and Global Governance

A central theme discussed is the tension between national sovereignty and the need for a coordinated global response. Rad Al Hussein draws an analogy to a football game, where a referee is essential to maintain order:

“[02:18] You need to give up sovereignty if you're going to have a system that works... that's what we need to do in the international system.”

He argues that relinquishing certain aspects of sovereignty is imperative for effective global governance, especially in managing transboundary health threats.

3. Behind the Scenes of Treaty Negotiations

Rad Al Hussein provides an insider's perspective on the intricate negotiations that led to the treaty's adoption. He describes the retreats organized to foster dialogue among negotiators, particularly bridging gaps between the Global South and high-income countries:

“[07:45] Yes, we hosted about nine retreats... we were able to bring the African group and Group four equity with the high-income countries.” ([07:45])

These efforts were pivotal in addressing contentious issues like pathogen access and benefit sharing, ensuring that data sharing would be reciprocated with equitable access to medical resources.

4. Climate Change: Escalating Threats and Multilateral Response

Shifting focus, the episode features Piet Schwartzstein, an environmental journalist and author, who explores the deepening crisis of climate change and its role in exacerbating global violence and instability. Schwartzstein highlights how climate stress acts as a catalyst, intensifying existing societal fissures such as inequality, misinformation, corruption, and state brutality.

“[02:59] The best characterization of climate change's contribution to violence globally is it's basically applying tremendous pressure to whatever place or society's existing weaknesses are.” ([02:59])

He shares poignant examples, including the plight of coastal farmers in Bangladesh whose livelihoods are destroyed by rising sea levels, forcing them into perilous occupations like pirate-infested fishing—thereby fueling local violence and insecurity.

5. The Impact of US Withdrawal from Climate Efforts

The discussion turns to the repercussions of major nations, notably the United States, retreating from climate commitments. Schwartzstein critiques the administration's efforts to eliminate climate discourse and funding, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty that hampers global progress.

“[19:41] We need significantly greater levels of ambition than we were seeing even before Trump's reelection in November...” ([19:41])

Despite some positive developments, such as reduced emission rates and proactive measures at state and city levels within the US, Schwartzstein maintains a cautious outlook, asserting that current efforts are insufficient to avert the most severe consequences of global warming.

6. Misinformation and Public Perception in Climate Action

Addressing the pervasive challenge of misinformation, Schwartzstein discusses the difficulty in combating climate denial and disinformation. He notes that while a vast majority globally recognize the reality of climate change and desire action, political leaders, especially in the US, remain highly susceptible to misinformation, undermining collective efforts.

“[26:57] The trouble is, I think, that so many of our elected leaders, particularly in the US, have proven extra susceptible to misinformation and disinformation.” ([26:57])

Schwartzstein suggests that climate distressing events, such as extreme weather patterns, are crucial in galvanizing public demand for meaningful climate initiatives, despite the inherent delays and challenges.

7. The Future of Multilateralism Amidst Rising Challenges

Concluding the episode, Rad Al Hussein expresses a somber outlook on the future of multilateralism in light of increasing populist trends and the erosion of international cooperative frameworks. He underscores the essential role of consensus-building and the need for a collective commitment to overcome global threats.

“[15:01] You need to give up sovereignty in many of these respects if you're going to have a system that works... Anarchy is the next stop on our journey.” ([15:01])

He warns that without a renewed dedication to multilateral principles, the world risks descending into disorder, jeopardizing humanity's long-term survival and the integrity of the fragile biosphere.

Conclusion: A Call for Renewed Global Cooperation

Inside Geneva poignantly underscores the intertwined nature of global health and environmental crises, advocating for strengthened multilateralism as the linchpin in addressing these existential threats. Through the expert analyses of Rad Al Hussein and Schwartzstein, the episode illuminates both the progress made and the formidable obstacles that lie ahead in forging a unified global response.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Inside Geneva" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not tuned in. For more in-depth exploration, listeners are encouraged to access the full episode through SwisInfo.