Welcome to the ALN Academy Talks! In this session, we delve into the topic of genocide cases under the Convention for the Prevention of Genocide. Our discussion covers recent and historic cases, the legal frameworks, and the motivations behind countries bringing these cases forward.

Disclaimer:
This conversation was recorded before the ICJ ruled against provisional measures on the Nicaragua v Germany case on 30 April: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/193/193-20240430-sum-01-00-en.pdf

This conversation was recorded before South Africa filed its newest request for provisional measures and before the Court delivered its order on 24 May: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240524-ord-01-00-en.pdf

Introduction and Panel
o Aisha Abdallah: Director of ALN Academy, specializing in disputes.
o Angeline Welsh: Barrister at Essex Court Chambers, expert in international arbitration.
o Professor Marco Milanovic: Head of Public International Law at the University of Reading, with extensive experience in international criminal law.

Discussion Highlights
o South Africa vs. Israel: Recent case concerning the conflict in Palestine and Gaza.
o Historical Cases: Gambia vs. Myanmar regarding the Rohingya crisis, and the Yugoslavia cases involving Bosnia and Croatia against Serbia.
o Geographical and Jurisdictional Aspects: Why countries like South Africa and Gambia, far from the conflict zones, bring these cases. The concept of "ergo omnes" obligations allowing states to act in the interest of the international community.
o Definition of Genocide: Narrowly defined under the Genocide Convention, focusing on the intent to destroy a group, making it distinct from other crimes.
o Political Motivations: While the court doesn't interrogate political motives, states often have political reasons for filing these cases.
o Procedural Stages: Detailed explanation of the stages in ICJ proceedings, including provisional measures and the long-term process of reaching a final judgment.

Insights and Analysis
o Legal and Political Nuances: The interplay between legal arguments and political contexts in international litigation.
o Effectiveness of Provisional Measures: The significance of interim relief and its impact on international relations and conflict situations.
o Reporting Mechanisms: How the ICJ monitors compliance with its orders through confidential reports from respondent states.

🌍 Gracious Growth: A Conversation with Professor Paolo Taticchi

In this episode, Professor Paolo Taticchi, a renowned expert in Strategy and Sustainability sits with Aisha Abdallah and shares invaluable insights into corporate sustainability.

Professor Taticchi explains the shift from traditional CSR paradigms to the contemporary focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. He draws examples from the transformative journey of energy giant Enel to demonstrate how businesses can navigate towards sustainability, capitalizing on market opportunities while addressing pressing environmental and social concerns. The conversation discusses challenges such as transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
He further sheds light on the global momentum propelling sustainability initiatives, driven by market dynamics and innovative business models. Central to the discourse is the concept of "gracious growth," urging companies to prioritize holistic success encompassing financial prosperity and the well-being of stakeholders.

Professor Taticchi offers pragmatic advice for businesses to embed sustainability as a strategic imperative, transcending compliance-driven strategies and embracing the inherent opportunities in sustainable transformation. This thought-provoking exchange unravels the multifaceted dimensions of sustainability and underscores the urgent need for businesses to adapt and flourish in today's rapidly evolving global landscape.

Watch the full interview:https://youtu.be/7Zi4kM09GBw?feature=shared
Listen to the episode here (Available on all podcast platforms @ALN Academy):https://www.buzzsprout.com/1739846/15032299

🎙️ Speakers:

• Professor Paolo Taticchi: Professor in Strategy and Sustainability & School Deputy Director, UCL School of Management
• Aisha Abdallah: Director, ALN Academy

In this interview, Prof. Luis Franceschi and Aisha Abdallah delve into the pressing issues surrounding the state of democracy worldwide.

Drawing from an in-depth analysis, they examine the weaknesses plaguing electoral systems and processes across the globe, shedding light on prevalent issues such as voter apathy, corruption, voter suppression, and electoral interference. They explore the factors contributing to declining voter participation and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.

The discussion also scrutinizes the impact of undermining the international rules-based order on democracy and good governance, questioning the effectiveness of international organizations in upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.

Prof. Franceschi and Aisha Abdallah offer nuanced perspectives on the role of military coups as a perceived solution when democracies fail, highlighting the potential consequences and the enduring importance of the fight for democratic governance.

As the world gears up for a series of elections in 2024, the interview assesses the readiness of nations to ensure free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes amidst modern challenges, including cybersecurity threats.

Furthermore, the interview provides actionable insights for individuals, states, and international organizations to promote sound democratic governance, emphasizing the crucial roles they can play in fostering transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Join this thought-provoking conversation as we explore the complexities of the global democracy crisis and the path forward towards strengthening democratic values and practices worldwide.