UN representative in the hot seat with local podcast presenter
The Irish Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geraldine Byrne Nason, is set to appear on a locally produced podcast. The Irish diplomat, who formerly held the post of Ambassador to France and Monaco, and worked as the Second Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, will appear on the Sustainable Sleepover Club podcast episode released this week.
Ms Byrne Nason sits on the UN Security Council on behalf of Ireland since January 2021, when the country entered its two-year term. She is also the Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Ireland.
The Sustainable Sleepover Club is a podcast, presented and developed by Mitchelstown young climate and equality activist, Amy O’Brien.
The episode will focus on the diplomat’s role with regards to sustainability, gender equality, climate change and women’s issues in Afghanistan, amongst others. In October, Ms Byrne Nason stated that Ireland’s position on the UN Security Council was one of neutrality, and that the country was “not for sale” and that “we have an independent and unique voice.”
EMPATHY NEEDED IN POLITICS
Amy O’Brien, co-founder and co-presenter of the podcast, spoke to TheAvondhu about the impact of featuring such a respected and high-level figure on a podcast that is aimed at young people, particularly as it relates to women.
“I think a big takeaway for me was that, despite the power, money and other forces that can corrupt politics, there are strong figures like her standing up for human dignity, human rights and peace.
“In the conversation afterwards we discussed the importance of empathy and listening in politics as well as in our own lives. So often we, particularly as a female and a young person, are told that emotions are a sign of weakness and aren’t diplomatic. But we are part of this podcast because we care, we care about nature, people and equity. The fact that we need more empathy and understanding in politics is something I learned, particularly in this episode.”
The Sustainable Sleepover Club is a biweekly podcast that features a guest interview, and an open discussion on a given sustainable goal and how to practically attain that goal. This episode was the first in the series to be recorded and aired live, on 26th November, and took place in The Metropole Hotel in Cork.
COP26 - ‘JUSTICE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR’
The Sustainable Development Goals, around which the podcast is based, are a blueprint for ending poverty and inequality globally, while developing climate change strategies and awareness. Ms O’Brien previously attend the COP26 protests in Glasgow, and reflected on her experience.
“I’ve learned a lot about ‘revolutionary love’ from a climate justice activist from the Phillipines, Mitzi Jonelle Tan. It’s the concept that we fight for climate justice because of love, and that it is such a strong driving force. For the love of our ancestors, for future generations, for our friends, family, nature and other activists. But I didn’t truly understand that until I was surrounded by hope, joy and love on the marching streets of Glasgow with thousands roaring for a better world.
“The biggest impression I have after COP26 is hope, because of the action we are talking, because we won’t give up, and because of the love that will sustain this movement. It’s the kind of love worth fighting for, because justice is worth fighting for, we are worth fighting for.”
The podcast episode is available from this Thursday, December 16th on most podcast platforms, and more information can be found on Instagram and Twitter.