Leaders Week kicks off this week with a High-level Meeting on Monday commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations under the theme ‘The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism.’ To mark this occasion, ASPI has produced this podcast episode and with special guests to discuss the importance and relevance of the United Nations at 75.

Lisa Sharland speaks with Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mitch Fifield about what Leaders Week will look like this year and Australia’s priorities in the 75th UN General Assembly. The Ambassador also offers some anecdotes from his time in the post so far.

Brendan Nicholson speaks to Dr Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Permanent Representative to the UN, and current member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament. They discuss the importance of the UN as countries are increasingly inward-focused and how the UN can maintain relevance and better reflect the current global power dynamics.

Genevieve Feely chats with Dr Courtney Fung, Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong and Associate Fellow with the Chatham House Asia-Pacific Programme. They discuss the potential challenges of a virtual UN General Assembly, the increased competition for senior positions at the UN and opportunities for reform.