Francesco Pisano, Director of the UN Library & Archives Geneva, reflects on the transformative power of knowledge, and the role of the Library & Archives in democratizing access to knowledge. He discusses projects like the Total Digital Access to the League of Nations, the balance between humans and machines, and how knowledge-led leadership can strengthen multilateral cooperation.

As he prepares to step down from his 32-year UN career, Francesco Pisano emphasizes optimism, hope, and the responsibility of international civil servants to persist in doing the hard work of building wiser decisions for the future.

Francesco says, "There is work to do. The system needs to get down to work, hard work."

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

Archives platform: https://archives.ungeneva.org/lontad

Where to listen to this episode

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/

Content

Guest: Francesco Pisano https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/discover-institute/francesco-pisano

Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva

In this insightful episode, we are honored to host Mr. Martin Chungong, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and a leading voice in global parliamentary diplomacy. With over forty years of experience, Mr. Chungong shares his perspectives on the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges, fostering international cooperation, and promoting peace.

We delve into the significance of the upcoming Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in a world in turmoil, exploring its role in bringing top legislators together to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and health emergencies. Mr. Chungong also sheds light on the IPU's efforts to advance gender equality, youth participation, and interfaith dialogue, emphasizing the organization's commitment to an inclusive, collaborative approach.

Join us as we explore how the IPU is redefining parliamentary diplomacy, integrating scientific research, and setting the stage for effective solutions to modern global dilemmas. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how parliaments can be a pivotal force in shaping a more democratic and harmonious world.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments: https://www.ipu.org/

Parline: global data on National Parliaments: https://data.ipu.org/

Where to listen to this episode

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/D_IRzeA-a08

Content

Guest: Martin Chungong, Secretary General, IPU

Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva

Welcome to the latest episode of The Next Page, where we explore the fascinating domain of "well-beingology" with Roberto De Vogli, Associate Professor at the University of Padua and Visiting Professor at the University of London. Roberto de Vogli delves into the social determinants of health to uncover how a transdisciplinary approach can enhance our understanding of well-being.

Throughout the episode, we explore how well-being extends beyond health, addressing the complex interplay of factors including socioeconomic conditions, political contexts, and environmental influences. Discover how these elements are biologically embedded in our lives, impacting not only our present but also the future.

De Vogli also illuminates the evolving challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the necessity for a cooperative, global approach to safeguard future generations. Gain insights into the concept of a well-being economy and the promise it holds for sustainable development.

Join us for this enlightening conversation as we seek to redefine the pursuit of happiness in a world facing unprecedented challenges and explore the potential pathways towards a positive social transformation.

Resources: Ask a Librarian!

De Vogli, R. (2013). Progress or Collapse: The Crises of Market Greed. Routledge.

De Vogli, R. (2024). Managing and Preventing Pandemics: Lessons From COVID-19 (1st ed.). Routledge.

De Vogli, R., (2025) Selective Empathy: The West Through the Gaze of Gaza. Studies in Critical Social Sciences, Volume: 348. Brill. Not yet published.

Fioramonti, L., Coscieme, L., Costanza, R., Kubiszewski, I., Trebeck, K., Wallis, S., ... & De Vogli, R. (2022). Wellbeing economy: an effective paradigm to mainstream post-growth policies?. Ecological Economics, 192, 107261.

Simms, A. (2013). Cancel the apocalypse: The new path to prosperity. Hachette UK.

Newell, P., & Simms, A. (2020). How Did We Do That? Histories and Political Economies of Rapid and Just Transitions. New Political Economy, 26(6), 907–922.

Where to listen to this episode

• Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/

Content

Guest: Roberto De Vogli

Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva

Recorded online with apologies for the sound quality

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva