Video Description:
Professor Jeffrey Sachs delivers a speech and Q&A at 6pm in the Debating Chamber on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.
Jeffrey gives a short speech about “whether there can ever truly be a liberal international order?” followed by a few questions from Speakers Officer Alex Mitchell and then further questions from members of the audience.
PROFESSOR JEFFREY D. SACHS
Jeffrey D. Sachs is University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, where he directed the Earth Institute from 2002 until 2016.
He is also President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Co-Chair of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development, academician of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican, and Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Honorary Distinguished Professor at Sunway University.
He has been Special Advisor to three United Nations Secretaries-General, and currently serves as an SDG Advocate under Secretary General António Guterres.
He spent over twenty years as a professor at Harvard University, where he received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. Sachs has received 42 honorary doctorates, and his recent awards include the 2022 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, the Legion of Honor by decree of the President of the Republic of France, and the Order of the Cross from the President of Estonia.
His most recent books are The Ages of Globalization: Geography, Technology, and Institutions (2020) and Ethics in Action for Sustainable Development (2022).
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:23 - Can There Ever Truly Be A Liberal international Order?
- 14:48 - Jeffrey Sachs in conversation with Alex Mitchell
- 39:02 - Audience Q&A
Generated Summary:
Introduction of the Guest
- Tonight's guest is Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned university professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
- He previously directed the Earth Institute from 2002 until 2016 and has served as a special adviser to three United Nations Secretary Generals.
- Currently, he is a Sustainable Development Goals Advocate under UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and has received 42 honorary doctorates.
- His recent accolades include the 2022 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and the Order of the Cross from the President of Estonia.
- He begins his talk with a speech addressing the possibility of a liberal international order.
Discussion on International Order
- Professor Sachs discusses the current dangerous period of global change and the lack of prudent leadership among contemporary politicians.
- He emphasizes that the world is interconnected, making the old notions of competition and conflict obsolete.
- The dangers of nuclear conflicts among powers threaten global survival, urging a shift in perspective from competition to cooperation.
- He cites President John F. Kennedy's warning about the potential to end human life and poverty, highlighting the urgent need for new ideas in international relations.
- Sachs critiques outdated ideas from historical figures like Thomas Malthus and the subsequent misinterpretations that have led to social Darwinism and justifications for conflict.
Analysis of Current Political Climate
- Sachs argues that the current geopolitical narrative, particularly regarding U.S. relations with Russia and China, is fundamentally flawed and based on misconceptions.
- He asserts that Russia does not seek to expand its territory and that the war narratives presented in Western media are misleading.
- The professor criticizes the portrayal of the U.S. as a benevolent leader, arguing instead that it often acts in ways that exacerbate tensions.
- He stresses the need for a peaceful, cooperative international order that prioritizes human rights and sustainable development over military might.
- Sachs believes that the United Nations can still fulfill its purpose if reformed to reduce the power of vetoes held by great powers.
Foreign Aid and Development Assistance
- Sachs reflects on the decline of foreign aid discussions in Western nations since 2008, particularly in the UK, where it has been reduced to 0.5% of GDP.
- He attributes this decline to changing political climates and the perception that foreign aid is less relevant compared to domestic issues.
- He emphasizes the importance of foreign aid in alleviating poverty and supporting development in struggling nations, arguing that it is a moral imperative for wealthier countries.
- Sachs draws on his experiences working in Bolivia to illustrate the positive impacts of debt relief and development assistance on stabilizing economies.
- He advocates for a renewed commitment to international development efforts, highlighting the potential benefits for global stability and prosperity.
Critique of American Foreign Policy
- Sachs discusses the entrenched nature of American foreign policy and its historical context, emphasizing the influence of military and security interests.
- He critiques the American political system for its lack of genuine democratic engagement in decisions related to war and peace.
- Sachs points out that the U.S. has engaged in numerous conflicts based on flawed justifications and warns against the dangers of militarized diplomacy.
- He expresses concern over the narratives surrounding conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, which he believes are constructed to justify U.S. intervention.
- Sachs calls for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy to prioritize diplomacy and cooperation over military confrontation.
The Role of Public Opinion and Future Directions
- Sachs highlights the role of public opinion in shaping foreign policy, noting a shift in sentiment against current military engagements.
- He believes that rising awareness of the consequences of U.S. actions abroad could lead to significant changes in policy direction.
- Sachs advocates for a collaborative approach involving international bodies to address global conflicts, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine.
- He proposes a two-state solution based on international law, calling for the recognition of Palestine alongside Israel.
- The professor expresses hope for a future where the U.S. can act as a facilitator for peace rather than a source of conflict.
Conclusion and Audience Engagement
- Sachs concludes his talk by reiterating the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of global issues and the necessity for cooperation.
- He opens the floor to audience questions, inviting dialogue on the topics discussed and emphasizing the need for collective solutions.
- The audience engages with Sachs, reflecting on the implications of his arguments for contemporary international relations.
- Throughout the discussion, Sachs maintains a focus on promoting peace, sustainable development, and a reformed approach to foreign policy.
- The session concludes with a call for action towards a more equitable and peaceful global order.
About Channel:
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