The state of multilateralism: crisis or renaissance?

Historian Alanna O'Malley explores how Global South actors have shaped the United Nations, arguing we should view today's challenges as an opportunity for a UN 'renaissance' rather than a collapse. She highlights invisible histories, multi-alignment strategies, regional and minilateral developments, and the need for Charter reform, greater legitimacy, accountability and public engagement to renew multilateralism. Professor O'Malley reflects from a historical point of view on the upcoming process of selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General highlighting the importance that broad global perspective and public traction need to play and urges recognizing the UN as a flexible, multipurpose institution that must be retooled and better resourced to protect sovereignty, human rights and equal representation. Resources: Ask a Librarian! Where to listen to this episode Apple podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Content Guest: Professor Dr. Alanna O'Malley Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva

You can listen to The state of multilateralism: crisis or renaissance? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

The state of multilateralism: crisis or renaissance? is an episode from The Next Page by United Nations Library & Archives Geneva.

This episode is 33:47 long.

This episode was published on Feb 20, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from The Next Page when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.