Who Rules the World

EP47 - Human Rights: Who Needs Them? (Spoiler: Everyone.) With Kajsa Ollongren, EU Special Representative for Human Rights Apr 15, 2026 00:25:24 Some people fight for human rights in the streets. Others do it in the negotiating room. This week, we meet one of the latter. Join Veronika and Lars for a fascinating conversation with Kajsa Ollongren, the EU's Special Representative for Human Rights. From the death penalty to climate justice, gender equality to migration — her mandate touches the defining challenges of our era, and she's working

EP46 - Art, War, and Advocacy: Ramika's Journey and Life for Women in Afghanistan Apr 7, 2026 00:17:33 Today's guest is someone whose life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of policy to change lives. Ramika Khabiri grew up in Kabul amid decades of conflict, and from an early age she found her voice through art and music — using both as tools to speak out against violence toward women. That instinct to advocate would go on to define her entire career

EP45 - Talks with Ukrainian Youth Delegates: situation in Ukraine and Youth engagement in Peace Negotiations Feb 20, 2026 00:33:32 In this episode, Lars spoke with the Ukrainian Youth Delegates, Vitalina Shevchenko and Yan Erl Ruzhytskyi, about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its profound impact on young people. In this conversation, they share their perspectives on how the war has affected youth across the country, and how young Ukrainians are showing resilience and leadership even in times of conflict. Vitalina

EP44 -From Giulia to Lars and Veronika: EU Youth Delegates in the Room Dec 19, 2025 00:24:19 This is a very special episode, as it marks Giulia's last conversation on this platform as the EU Youth Delegate to the UN (2023-2025). Welcoming her successors, Veronika Novotna and Lars Westra (2025-2026), they delve into a deep conversation about what it means to be an EU Youth Delegate to the UN, the ups and downs of the mandate, sharing insightful recommendations. Veronika and Lars will take

Ep43 - Collab with LONDON CALLING Ep 26 - From London to New York: Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate, quizzes EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano Dec 2, 2025 00:09:16 In a special co-production with the Who Rules the World? Podcast, created and produced by EU Delegation in New York, Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the UN, presents this month’s episode of London Calling EU. Lars attended the EU Delegation to the UK’s Annual Youth Dialogue event held this year in Newcastle University, where he caught up with the EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano. Ambassador

Ep42 - EU Commissioner Micallef in the hot seat: Empowering Youth Nov 24, 2025 00:18:57 In this episode we re-visit to the Opening or High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly 80th Session in New York. EU Youth Delegate Veronika Novotna had a conversation with Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. EU Commissioner Micallef’s mission is to work on creating more space in the society for young people to be influential, and

EP41 - Talks with EU Commissioner Sikela on Europe’s Global Role: Building Bridges in a Changing World Oct 23, 2025 00:19:27 We devote this episode to the mark celebratory UN@80 - UN Day - 24 October. During the High-Level Week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, we had a talk with the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, who devoted some time to youth in his busy schedule. In his role, Commissioner Síkela is responsible for ensuring that the EU builds long-term, mutually beneficial par

Ep40 - UN USG Melissa Fleming: UN@80 and the Importance of Multilateralism Sep 4, 2025 00:21:16 We devote the special Europe Day episode to the 80th Anniversary of the United Nation. This year we also celebrate 75th years of Schuman Declaration the foundation of the European Union. It is a great moment to reflect on what multilateralism truly means today and how we can reconnect people, especially youth, with the institutions that are meant to serve them. We are honoured to have UN’s own, US

EP39 - Talks with Erik Martins - Pride and Protection: Defending LGBTQI+ Rights Through Art and Advocacy Aug 4, 2025 00:23:03 This episode highlights the experience and perspective of LGBTQI+ human rights defenders, with a focus on the intersections of activism, mental health, and the power of the performative arts in raising awareness about the LGBTQI+ Community. Erik’s work as a psychologist and cultural facilitator offers a unique lens into how artistic expression can become a tool for resilience, resistance, and comm

EP38 - CSW69-Beijing+30-Youth Jun 2, 2025 00:14:34 In this episode of Who Rules the World?, hosted by the EU Delegation to the United Nations, we're diving into one of the most important events for gender equality this year: the 69th Commission on the Status of Women, or CSW69, and the 30-year anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Three decades after world leaders gathered in Beijing to set an ambitious agenda for women's

Episode 37 - Youth Policy Dialogue with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas Apr 16, 2025 00:09:12 On 6 March, 2025, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas hosted her first Youth Policy Dialogue on EU Foreign Policy. This event was organised in response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's request to hold a Youth Policy Dialogue within the first 100 days of the mandate and then annually. Youth Policy Dialogues are designed to provide young people with a platform to s

EP36-Women’s Lives and Career Paths: Talks with the EU Gender and Diversity Ambassador Stella Ronner-Grubačić Mar 24, 2025 00:15:03 Today’s episode of Who Rules the World?, hosted by the EU Delegation to the United Nations’ Youth Delegate Giulia Tariello, delves into a topic of women’s career and leadership roles. Our guest is Stella Ronner-Grubačić, EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity, who attended the UN Commission of Status of Women 69th Session, held from 10-21 March in NYC. Being in the lead of the Gender Equality Amba

Ep 35 - Girls in STEM: A Talk with Eleonora Svanberg Mathematical Physics PhD Student Feb 6, 2025 00:20:58 In today’s episode of Who Rules the World?, host Giulia Tariello European Union Youth Delegate, talks with Eleonora Svanberg, an inspiring woman reshaping the narrative around women and girls in STEM. Eleonora is a half-Swedish, half-Persian writer, speaker, founder, and advocate, currently pursuing a PhD in mathematical physics at the University of Oxford. Beyond her groundbreaking academic pursu

Episode 34 - On Human Rights Day, Let’s Talk About Women’s Reproductive Rights! Dec 9, 2024 00:13:30 On Human Rights Day, which brings the #16DaysofActivism to end gender-based violence to a close, we want to talk loudly about Women’s Reproductive Rights! Today’s episode of Who Rules the World?, hosted by the EU Youth Delegate Giulia Tariello, delves into a topic that sits at the heart of health, equality, and human rights: women’s reproductive rights. Our guest is Adina Nivukoski, Finland's UN Y

EPISODE 33 - 1000 Days of War - Ukrainian Youth Resilience Nov 13, 2024 00:15:08 This is a take-over of EU Talks video series ( European Union at United Nations - on YouTube) by EU Youth Delegate Giulia Tariello. Giulia has two guests Mariia Kotsiurba, Ukrainian Youth Delegate to the UN 2024-2025. Mariia is a youth worker and project manager at the NGO «Development and Initiative», Master of International Law with a specialization in human rights protection, alumna of FLEX, CU

Episode 32 - Global Gateway Event - Talks with EU YSB Members Yen, Malaysia and Mirakova, Uzbekistan Nov 12, 2024 00:18:12 In this episode EU Youth Delegate and Who Rules the World? host Giulia focuses on the Youth Sound Board (YSB) members, EU Youth Engagement initiatives, the Action Days, and the upcoming Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event "Engage, Empower, Connect". Pak-Yen is a Global YSB member from Malaysia. She heads outreach and collaboration at the United Nations Association Malaysia and also serves as t

Episode 31 - Talks on Youth Engagement with Niel Swanepoel, EU YSB Member from Namibia Oct 10, 2024 00:24:16 The new episode features Niel Swanepoel, a Namibian youth activist and digital policy expert currently serving on the EU-Namibia Youth Sounding Board, and studying international relations in Washington, DC. Previously, Niel served as a South African Youth Delegate to the G20, developing youth-focused policy recommendations for G20 Heads of State. Giulia and Niel discuss EU Youth Engagement initiat

Episode 30-Tell Your Story-Unlock the Future! Interview with Paul Siniga Aug 1, 2024 00:32:22 This podcast episode highlights the significance of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future, especially for youth. It also announces the new edition of the EU global campaign #OurVoiceOurFuture. Young people worldwide are invited to participate in the social media challenge My Voice, My Future, becoming co-authors of a global narrative advocating for a better future. Their collective voices, shared u

Episode 29 - Conversation with EU Ambassador Vesna Batistić Kos to Council of Europe Jul 30, 2024 00:31:52 In this episode EU Youth Delegate Lukas Svana is in conversation with Ambassador Vesna Batistić Kos about the Council of Europe and European Union. Ambassador Vesna Batistić Kos is the head of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. She is the representative of the EU vis-a-vis the Council of Europe and represents the EU in the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe decisi

Episode 28 - UN Youth Office Jul 17, 2024 00:19:31 This episode of Who Rules the World? Podcast is devoted to the newly established UN Youth Office. Lukas talks to our guest from the UN Youth Office, Programme Management Officer for Youth Engagement Romeral Ortiz Quintillà. Romeral Ortiz Quintillà has over 10 years of experience in youth strategies focusing on program and project design, implementation, and monitoring. She has worked at country, r

Episode 27 - Tomás Fenati’s World: Influencing and Educating Youth via Social Media Jun 12, 2024 00:21:23 This episode of the "Who Rules the World?" podcast features a dynamic discussion with Tomás Fenati, a successful content creator from Buenos Aires, Argentina and #OurVoiceOurFuture champion. The episode aims to explore how Tomás leverages social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to educate and inspire a global audience on topics such as history, politics, economics, and LGBTIQ+ ri

Episode 26 - EU Youth Delegates‘ Online Q&A Session May 23, 2024 00:15:40 In this episode Lukas and Giulia answer the questions that the followers of their social media accounts have asked. They discuss how they became EU Youth Delegates, what were/are the challenges and how does their experience feel now in comparison to their expectations before they started. Why is youth representation in the international organizations important?

Episode 25-A Talk with Oliver Röpke, European Economic & Social Committee President: Youth & Beyond Apr 18, 2024 00:19:29 In this episode, Giulia and Lukas are finding out more about President Röpke's work with youth and beyond. President Röpke has been championing youth in all his activities, setting up Youth Group inside the EESC, implementing the EU Youth Test, as well as including youth at the table when discussion topics of importance for them (i.e. EESC had a youth delegate joining our EESC Delegation to COP28)

Episode 24 - How to be a Trainee with the EU Delegation the UN in New York Mar 26, 2024 00:11:35 n this episode, Giulia and Lukas interviewed the Trainees at the European Union Delegation Audrey Gourdein and Gijs Van Doorn. They are finding out details about their application and selection process, about their work at the Delegation, their general experience, and why they believe that it is important to apply, reflecting on the important role of the European Union in the United Nations. This

Episode 23-EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli: #UnionofEquality-Empowerment of Women & Girls Mar 14, 2024 00:19:21 In this episode Giulia and Lukas have a special guest, Helena Dalli first European Commissioner for Equality. They will discuss the priorities of United Nations second largest annual gathering – Commission on Status of Women (CSW68) with this years’ theme being “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty”; European regulations a

Episode 22 - Francisco Vera’s World: The Youngest Climate Activist and Educator Feb 8, 2024 00:23:55 EU Youth Delegates Giulia and Lukas talk with one of the youngest climate and environment activists around: Francisco Vera from Columbia. Francisco has been a climate activist since the age of six, now 14yo; he has founded and developed a network of school students implementing environment education in their schools. He has published the book “Que es el cambio climático”, now also translated into

Episode 21 - Young Activist and Visionary Marian Murunga: How to Encourage Youth? Jan 31, 2024 00:25:04 In this episode of the Who Rules the World? podcast, Giulia talks with Marian Abukayo Murunga, a young woman, co-founder and executive director of the Border Hub, a women-led NGO in Kenya. Marian is also a member of EU Youth Sounding Board. You will hear about how she become and activist, about her experience in implementing projects around women, girls and young people. She speaks about her role

Episode 20 - Laith Al Barmawi’s World and Empowering the Youth of Jordan Dec 21, 2023 00:20:31 In this episode of the Who Rules the World? podcast, Lukas and Giulia talk to Laith Al Barmawi, who is a youth and social activist from Jordan. Laith has been working with local and global organizations to empower youth in the entrepreneurial and environmental sectors, in addition to his studies as an Energy Engineer. He is an active member at Global Shapers Community and is always keen on creatin

Episode 19 - Youth in Today’s Belarus: What are their Rights? Dec 5, 2023 00:23:41 In this episode of the Who Rules the World? podcast, Lukas talks with president of the free Belorusian national youth council RADA and advisor on Youth Policy and Students to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Marharyta (Margo) Vorykhava. From January 2024 she is a member of the Advisory Council on Youth of Council of Europe. She received the award Young Woman of Europe 2O23. To mark 10 December, Human Rig

Episode 18 - Ukranian Youth and European Values Nov 8, 2023 00:16:12 In this episode of the second season of the Who Rules the World? podcast, hosted by Giulia and Lukas, you will hear the impressive story of Kyrylo Demchenko, Ukrainian Youth Delegate, and how the Ukrainian youth is showing an admirable strength in the fight for common European values.

Episode 17 - A Chat with EU Ambassador Olof Skoog: UN, Youth and Beyond Oct 12, 2023 00:14:33 Guest: Ambassador Olof Skoog, Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations, New York. This episode of a new season of the podcast Who Runs the World? is hosted by Giulia and Lukas, EU Youth Delegates. The special guest, the Ambassador of the European Delegation to the United Nations Olof Skoog talks about EU during UN General Assembly opening week, EU and involvement of youth in the

Episode 16 - Welcoming the New Youth Delegates Sep 13, 2023 00:23:00 Guests: Giulia Tariello and Lukas Svana, the New EU Youth Delegates. This episode of the Who Rules the World podcast is special. In this episode, Lucija and Nadia welcome and introduce the newly elected EU Youth Delegates and hosts of the podcast, and say goodbye to their mandate and to the podcast as its hosts. Lucija, Nadia, Giulia and Lukas speak about the EU YD program, the priorities of the

Episode 15 - Scaling up Anticipatory Action to Stem the Tide of Growing Hunger Jul 19, 2023 00:21:57 Guest: Paul Skoczylas, Deputy Director, World Food Programme New York. More than 80 percent of the world’s most food-insecure people are being hit by extreme weather and other stresses such as land degradation and pest infestation. In 2021, climate extremes were the predominant driver for acute hunger in 8 countries, affecting 23.5 million people. The World Food Programme, the world’s largest huma

Episode 14 - Pride Month and the Acceptance in the World Jun 28, 2023 00:09:52 Guest: Kryštof Stupka, Former Czech UN Youth Delegate. In the Pride month episode, Nadia focuses, with her interlocutor Kryštof Stupka, on the current outlooks of the LGBTIQ community and their acceptance in the world. Kryštof speaks about his perspective of the topic and how does his activism contribute to securing LGBTIQ rights as human rights. They also discuss how to be more engaged and suppor

Episode 13 - Ricardo Pineda's World and Scaling up Climate Adaptation on the Way to COP28 May 30, 2023 00:26:44 Guest: Ricardo Pineda, Director and Co-founder Sustenta Honduras, one of the largest youth-led organizations in the region working on adaptation and capacity building towards climate change. The climate conference COP28 seeks to scale up climate adaptation, and will play a key role in the UNFCCC negotiations, at the end of 2023. On issues like these, youth must have their say and play their role.

Episode 12 - Decent Work and UN Youth Forum May 16, 2023 00:24:37 Guest: Johanna Lichtschlag, UN Youth Delegate Germany and Hung Ly, UN Youth Delegate Finland. Decent work is a fundamental human right and the focus of SDG 8, and yet, young people around the world continue to face significant barriers to finding and securing decent employment opportunities. The topic of this WRW episode is the issue of ensuring decent jobs for young people as a key component of a

Episode 11 - Multilateralism with Richard Gowan, UN Director for ICG Apr 25, 2023 00:19:51 Guest: Richard Gowan, UN Director, International Crisis Group. As we are marking the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace on 24 April and Europe Day on 9 May, in this episode Lucija and Nadia are exploring the meaning of the word ’multilateralism’ together with their guest Richard Gowan, UN Director, International Crisis Group. They also discuss EU’s role in the multilatera

Episode 10 - Power of the Ocean Apr 6, 2023 00:22:09 Guests: Gerard Tuii Anapu and maybe Nathalie Gasaro, United Nations President of General Assembly (PGA) Fellows. This episode speaks about the importance of Oceans and its power and what should be done to protect it. Gerard is focusing on his country, beautiful Samoa, and speaks about the actions taken to protect the ocean and he environment. Natalie talks about how the ocean-issues discussions i

Episode 9 - Discovering Paul Siniga’s World & Human Rights! Mar 28, 2023 00:14:43 In 9th episode, the guest is Paul Siniga, speaker of the Fourth East African Youth Parliament, Tanzanian Entrepreneur, Influencer and a champion of #OurVoiceOurFuture global campaign initiated by the Diplomatic Service of the European Union. Paul speaks about the importance of Human Rights globally, youth inclusion and keeping those in power accountable. Paul also comments on the significance of t

Episode 8 - Toxic Swimmer Mar 20, 2023 00:19:00 “The UN 2023 Water Conference in March must result in a bold Water Action Agenda that gives our world's lifeblood the commitment it deserves,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In the margins of the UN Water Conference, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 22-24 March, this episode of EU Talks focuses on Clean Water. Water is the most basic human need. The question i

Episode 7 - Let's Talk About Women! Mar 7, 2023 00:17:33 Guests: European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino and European Union Ambassador for Gender and Diversity Stella Ronner- Grubačić. In this episode, Nadia and Lucija are in conversation with the two European Union high-level officials on several issues involving women’s rights. They mention International Women’s Day, Women's rights globally & EU Action, and United Nat

Episode 6 - Discovering Jessica Mshama's World - Focus on Decent Jobs Feb 21, 2023 00:27:58 The guest of the 6th Episode is Jessica Mshama, Tanzanian Entrepreneur, CEO J Sisters Company, activist, artist and a champion of #OurVoiceOurFuture global campaign initiated by the Diplomatic Service of the European Union. Jessica speaks about her journey as a young women entrepreneur in Tanzania and explains what the campaign meant for her as a young leader. Jessica’s activism and work focus on

Episode 5 - Negotiating UN Budget: Follow the Money! Jan 25, 2023 00:29:46 Episode 5 of the Who Rules the World Podcast by EU Youth Delegates Nadia and Lucija features this time Anda Bologa, Political Attaché for the Fifth Committee (5C) at the EU Delegation to the UN. Anda talked with María Reyes Fernández, Counsellor for Fifth Committee at the Spanish Mission to the UN. This episode covers the way the UN budget is negotiated and adopted. The episode is walking listener

Episode 4 - Human Rights Day Dec 20, 2022 00:16:41 Guest: Boštjan Videmšek, Journalist, Author, European Climate Pact Ambassador in Slovenia, writer, ultra-marathon runner, climate activist, member of the President's climate advisory board. Human Rights Day is 10 December. Lucija talked to her guest about the shifts in the field of human rights - where has the world made improvements and where had human rights backslid; what were the biggest miles

Episode 3 - COP15: Global Goals and Local Impact Dec 20, 2022 00:19:09 Guest: Olivia Adhiambo, Africa policy specialist with over 10 years work across various conservation NGOs The UN Biodiversity COP15 took place in Montreal, Canada from 7 to 19 December. The conference determines the action on nature protection in the coming years. This is a challenging task, as we do not only need ambitious goals on protecting nature, but we also need global goals to be implement

Episode 2 - COP27: The Role of Youth Nov 21, 2022 00:22:39 Episode 2 of Who Rules the World podcast, recorded by Youth Delegate Nadia, is a live conversation that took place in the heart of Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt where COP27 takes place. Nadia’s interlocutor is Joshua Amponsem, who is the climate lead to the UN’s Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth and the founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization - a youth-led organization that empowers young peopl

Episode 1 - Interview w/ UN Secretary General's Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric Oct 25, 2022 00:26:22 "Who Rules the World" is a new podcast by European Union to the United Nations Youth Delegates Lucija Karnelutti and Nadia Gullestrup Christensen. In Episode 1, Lucija chats with the UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric about the importance of the UN, how can youth get involved, and how a faulty escalator can bring the UN to a halt.

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