Visions of a Better World is a podcast series produced and hosted by Global Visions association. The series brings together people to discuss themes, ideas and theories regarding the mission of making the world a better place.
Global Visions is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland with the purpose of bringing people and organisations together and developing ideas aimed at building a better world.
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In this special episode, we explore the challenges and possibilities facing the Global South in 2025 and beyond. Our guests bring expertise in global development, political economy, anti-racism, and social justice to the discussion: Professor Franklin Obeng-Odoom – Professor of Global Development Studies at the University of Helsinki, specializing in political economy, urban development, and environmental justice. Dr. Bonn Juego – Political economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä, as well as Chair of the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR), focusing on global inequalities and economic alternatives. Dr. Faith Mkwesha – Researcher at the University of Turku and founder of SahWira Africa International (SAWI), a nonprofit advocating for women’s and children’s rights, anti-racism, and decolonial perspectives. Learn more: https://sahwira-africa.org. We begin by examining pressing concerns for the Global South, including the flaws of neoliberal development models, the dangers of global insularity, and the role of intersectionality in building global solidarity. Dr. Mkwesha introduces the African philosophy of Ubuntu—which emphasizes interconnectedness and collective well-being—as a framework for fostering global responsibility and cooperation. In the second half, we shift our focus to future visions, asking: What does an ideal world for the Global South look like by 2050? What alternative economic models could prioritize local needs and autonomy? How can governments, international organizations, and individuals take action to ensure a more just and sustainable future? Join us as we critically unpack the structural challenges facing the Global South while imagining radical possibilities for transformation—from economic justice to anti-racism, from intersectionality to Ubuntu. Suggested Reading: Obeng-Odoom, F. (2025). Book Review: Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy by Zainab Usman. The Review of Black Political Economy, 0(0).https://doi.org/10.1177/00346446251315935. Global Visions is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland with the purpose of bringing people and organisations together and developing ideas aimed at building a better world. Follow and learn more: Instagram: globalvisionsry Bluesky: globalvisions.bsky.social TikTok: globalvisionsry Linkedin: Global Visions See our panels on YouTube: GlobalVisionsry More information: www.globalvisions.fi/en The episodes hosts: Astrid Aminoff and Max Tallberg Our music is licensed from Premium Beat.
In this special episode, we explore the challenges and possibilities facing the Global South in 2025 and beyond. Our guests bring expertise in global development, political economy, anti-racism, and social justice to the discussion: Professor Franklin Obeng-Odoom – Professor of Global Development Studies at the University of Helsinki, specializing in political economy, urban development, and environmental justice. Dr. Bonn Juego – Political economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä, as well as Chair of the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR), focusing on global inequalities and economic alternatives. Dr. Faith Mkwesha – Researcher at the University of Turku and founder of SahWira Africa International (SAWI), a nonprofit advocating for women’s and children’s rights, anti-racism, and decolonial perspectives. Learn more: https://sahwira-africa.org. We begin by examining pressing concerns for the Global South, including the flaws of neoliberal development models, the dangers of global insularity, and the role of intersectionality in building global solidarity. Dr. Mkwesha introduces the African philosophy of Ubuntu—which emphasizes interconnectedness and collective well-being—as a framework for fostering global responsibility and cooperation. In the second half, we shift our focus to future visions, asking: What does an ideal world for the Global South look like by 2050? What alternative economic models could prioritize local needs and autonomy? How can governments, international organizations, and individuals take action to ensure a more just and sustainable future? Join us as we critically unpack the structural challenges facing the Global South while imagining radical possibilities for transformation—from economic justice to anti-racism, from intersectionality to Ubuntu. Suggested Reading: Obeng-Odoom, F. (2025). Book Review: Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy by Zainab Usman. The Review of Black Political Economy, 0(0).https://doi.org/10.1177/00346446251315935. Global Visions is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland with the purpose of bringing people and organisations together and developing ideas aimed at building a better world. Follow and learn more: Instagram: globalvisionsry Bluesky: globalvisions.bsky.social TikTok: globalvisionsry Linkedin: Global Visions See our panels on YouTube: GlobalVisionsry More information: www.globalvisions.fi/en The episodes hosts: Astrid Aminoff and Max Tallberg Our music is licensed from Premium Beat.
In this episode, we continue our discussion on Global Governance with Professor Heikki Patomäki and are also joined by Professor Teivo Teivainen from the University of Helsinki. Patomäki and Teivainen co-authored a book on this theme 20 years ago, titled A Possible World: Democratic Transformation of Global Institutions (2004). Patomäki has continued exploring this theme more recently in his book World Statehood: The Future of World Politics (2023). Teivainen has examined the power of social movements in Challenging Authoritarian Capitalism: The Transformative Power of the World Social Forum. We trace the historical roots of global governance, from cosmopolitan thinkers to post–World War II intellectuals who explored and advocated for the idea of a World State. Patomäki shares his vision for overcoming the limitations of fragmented institutions like the UN and WTO, emphasizing that reimagining global cooperation is vital to addressing existential threats such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical conflict. Professor Teivo Teivainen: A Professor of World Politics at the University of Helsinki. His current research focuses on transnational social movements, global political economy, and theories of democracy. Teivainen has received numerous awards for his work, including the Amartya Sen Prize at Yale University (2015). For more information about Professor Teivo Teivainen visit: Instagram: @teivoteivainen Website: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/teivo-lauri-teivainen Professor Heikki Patomäki: A Professor of World Politics and Global Political Economy at the University of Helsinki. His research interests include philosophy, the methodology of social sciences, economic theory, global political economy, big history, futures studies, and global justice and democracy. His latest book is World Statehood: The Future of World Politics (Springer, 2023). For more information about Professor Heikki Patomäki visit: Facebook: Heikki Patomäki Website: https://patomaki.fi/en/who/ Tune in to explore a vision for a better framework of global governance. Follow Us and Connect: Follow and learn more: Instagram: globalvisionsry Bluesky: globalvisions.bsky.social TikTok: globalvisionsry LinkedIn: Global Visions See our panels on YouTube: GlobalVisionsry More information: www.globalvisions.fi/en Our Music is Licensed from Premium beat.
In this episode, we sit down with Professor Heikki Patomäki from the University of Helsinki to discuss his latest book, World Statehood: The Future of World Politics. Patomäki explores the bold idea of a world state as a solution to the complex challenges of global governance. We trace the historical roots of global governance, from cosmopolitan thinkers to post–World War II intellectuals who explored and advocated for the idea of a World State. Patomäki shares his vision for overcoming the limitations of fragmented institutions like the UN and WTO, emphasizing that reimagining global cooperation is vital to addressing existential threats such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical conflict. World Statehood has been described as a “must-read,” with one recent review stating: “The book convincingly argues that new forms of world political community are possible, but they will only emerge as people reach a larger understanding of their belonging to the planet and not just to countries” (Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs, 2024). Tune in to gain insights into these pressing questions and explore a vision for a better framework of global governance. For more information about Professor Heikki Patomäki: Facebook: Heikki Patomäki Website: https://patomaki.fi/en/who/ Follow Us and Connect: Instagram: @globalvisionsry YouTube: GlobalVisionsry (Check out our Panel Discussions) LinkedIn: GlobalVisionsry website: www.globalvisions.fi/en Our Music is Licensed from Premium beat.
As 2024 comes to a close, we face a convergence of escalating crises—climate change, wars, geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and social upheavals. How can the international community address these interlinked challenges? What reforms or strengthening of global institutions might be needed to better navigate this complex polycrisis in 2025 and beyond? Join us for the State of the World 2024 event, featuring a lecture and panel discussion that examines today’s critical global issues and explores pathways toward a more peaceful, sustainable, and just future. We have guests from diverse fields of expertise to explore four key themes: Climate Action and Global Responsibility, Global Peace and Security, Gender Equality and Human Rights, and The Future of Global Cooperation and Leadership. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A. Guests: Senior Lecturer Risto Marjomaa (University of Helsinki), a Docent and University Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy, History and Art Studies at the University of Helsinki. His research covers the history of Africa and the Middle East, conflicts and warfare, and global history. Some of his recent work includes studies on Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, modern racism, and the role of religion in the Sudanese civil war. He has also presented talks on the influence of imperialism and colonialism on present-day conflicts. Professor Heikki Patomäki (University of Helsinki), a Professor of World Politics and Global Political Economy. His research interests include philosophy, methodology of social sciences, economic theory, global political economy, big history, futures studies, and global justice and democracy. His latest book is World Statehood: The Future of World Politics (Springer 2023). Professor Antti Kauppinen (University of Helsinki) a Professor of Practical Philosophy, specializing in ethics and metaethics. His research includes topics such as normativity, well-being, moral sentiments, and the meaning of life. He was the Principal Investigator of the Academy of Finland’s Responsible Beliefs: Why Ethics and Epistemology Need Each Other project (2019–2023) and is currently co-PI on the Kone Foundation project The Many Faces of Inquiry(2024–2028). Professor Reetta Toivanen (University of Helsinki) a Professor of Sustainability Sciences at the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). She is also the Vice-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity, and the European Narrative and currently leads its subproject on Migration and the Narratives of Europe as an “Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice”, funded by the Academy of Finland (2018–2025). The event began with a State of The World 2024 lecture by Senior Lecturer Risto Marjomaa (see our other videos for the full lecture). It was then followed by this panel discussion. Watch the full panel discussion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sULO0dy8Zvo&t=2973s Connect and Follow: Instagram: globalvisionsry YouTube: GlobalVisionsry LinkedIn: GlobalVisions www.globalvisions.fi/en