From Ukraine to Sudan to the Middle East, the world is caught in a web of protracted conflicts—but who has the credibility to mediate peace, and what does true diplomatic leadership look like in times of crisis?

In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Diana Villiers Negroponte, renowned historian, diplomat, and author, to explore the hard truths and hopeful possibilities of international mediation. Drawing on her deep experience—including her work alongside Ambassador John Negroponte and her scholarship on Cold War diplomacy—Dr. Negroponte unpacks how trust is forged in fractured societies and what it takes to resolve even the most intractable conflicts.

They discuss the viability of mediation in the Russia-Ukraine war, the escalating violence across the Middle East, and the power vacuum fueling Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe. She also reflects on the enduring relevance of James A. Baker’s diplomatic style, evolving U.S.-Russia dynamics, and the essential qualities of modern diplomatic leadership.

As the world searches for stability, this conversation is both a reality check and a call to remain hopeful about diplomacy’s role in building a more peaceful future.

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As digital transformation reshapes the landscape of national defense, the U.S. Navy stands at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies to enhance operational readiness and strategic decision-making.

In this episode, GJIA sits down with Justin Fanelli, Chief Architect at the Department of the Navy, to explore how the Navy is navigating the complex balance between innovation and mission-critical reliability. They discuss the Department’s top priorities in leveraging AI, data systems, and quantum computing—while overcoming the bureaucratic and technical hurdles that often challenge public sector innovation.

Justin also shares insights from his work on the first one-stop data enterprise for Defense Healthcare, revolutionizing both clinical outcomes and research capabilities.

For anyone aspiring to lead innovation within government or military sectors, this conversation offers a rare inside look at how the Navy is shaping the future of digital transformation—and what technologies will define the next decade of national security.

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In this interview, Guillermo Ordorica, Mexico’s Ambassador to Qatar since 2022, discusses the growing economic and cultural ties between Mexico and Qatar. Ambassador Ordorica highlights significant milestones, including Mexico’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and introducing a halal certification program to facilitate meat exports. He also addresses plans for the 2026 Year of Culture, opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, and Mexico’s role as a strategic trade gateway. This conversation offers insights into the evolving partnership and its implications for both nations in the years ahead.

Guillermo Ordorica joined the Mexican Foreign Service as a career member in 1993. After achieving the rank of minister in October 2015, he was appointed Ambassador by the President of Mexico on April 26, 2017. He currently serves as the Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar.

He holds a PhD in Political Science from the National School of Political Science and Public Administration (Romania), a Master’s Degree in National Security from the Mexican Navy’s Centro de Estudios Superiores Navales, a Master’s Degree in Sub-Saharan African Studies from El Colegio de México, and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

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Indonesia has played a pivotal role in shaping ASEAN’s regional strategy, demonstrating leadership in addressing critical issues such as maritime security and climate resilience. By balancing strategic partnerships and championing regional unity, Indonesia continues to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In this episode, Ali Unar sat down with The Honorable Sade Bimantra, Indonesia’s Charge d’Affaires, to discuss Indonesia’s leadership within ASEAN and its broader global strategy. They explore how Indonesia upholds unity while taking decisive actions, its evolving partnerships with the U.S. and China, and its long-term vision for 2050.

The Honorable Sade Bimantra also discusses Indonesia’s approach to economic development, emphasizing workforce initiatives to retain top talent and attract foreign investment.

Since stepping into his role as Charge d’Affaires, The Honorable Sade Bimantra has prioritized strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic influence, fostering economic growth, and ensuring regional stability while positioning Indonesia as a global leader in the decades to come.

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"Education is in crisis—a crisis of performance, a crisis of resources, and hence, the whole trajectory of society is in crisis." – Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

GPE has transformed global education funding, ensuring that children in over 90 countries—especially in low-income and fragile states—receive access to quality learning opportunities. From mobilizing $11 billion in education financing to pioneering innovative funding models, GPE continues to adapt to the evolving global education landscape.

In this thought-provoking episode, Ali Unar from GJIA sat down with Laura Frigenti, who shared her strategic vision for tackling the education crisis. They explore how sustainable financing can be achieved in rapidly growing populations, the role of developed nations in closing the funding gap, and how GPE tailors its strategies to fragile and crisis-affected regions.

Frigenti also discusses the intersection of education and climate resilience, emphasizing the power of education as a tool for adaptation in vulnerable communities. She also discusses GPE’s push to equip students with 21st-century skills, ensuring that learners gain the competencies needed for the future workforce beyond basic literacy.

Since stepping into her role as CEO, Frigenti has prioritized expanding partnerships, scaling innovation, and exploring new financing models to drive sustainable change.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Luis Benveniste, the World Bank's global director for education, shares his visionary insights on the intersection of education, innovation, and international stability. From leveraging education as a geopolitical tool to fostering entrepreneurial thinking, we explore bold strategies to disrupt cycles of poverty and create equity in education.

Dr. Benveniste offers candid takes on the promise and pitfalls of AI in classrooms, the role of EdTech in reaching underserved communities, and the transformative initiatives global leaders must prioritize in the next decade. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or innovator, this conversation will inspire new ways to prepare students for a future that doesn't yet exist.

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How will a second Trump Administration affect Latin American–U.S. relations? How will Trump's tariffs harm the Americas' economies? In this episode, GJIA speaks with Dr. Benjamin Gedan, the director of the Latin America program at the Wilson Center, to discuss what a second Trump presidency will mean for foreign policy toward Latin America.

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Since 1964, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has aimed to prevent further fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. Today, UNFICYP peacekeeping forces include over 800 personnel from 14 countries. In this episode, GJIA sits down with Marios Antoniou, a peace educator in Cyprus, to discuss his work promoting a culture of peace in his divided homeland.

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