Curtin University was proud to host His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly for an online interview reflecting on the future of the United Nations and his priorities as President.
The interview, held in November 2023 was moderated by Adil Cader, Foreign Affairs Podcast host and Curtin Academic. Discussing the future of the United Nations, his Excellency also took time to offer advice to students seeking a career in diplomacy. Questions included in the interview were submitted by current students of Curtin University.
President Francis reflected on some of the world’s most pressing challenges the United Nations has encountered. Offering an insight on how such challenges can be managed, and the way forward. Speaking not only from the view of the United Nations, but an experienced diplomat, Global Futures will benefit from hearing first-hand how senior officials handle international challenges.
Biographies
His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly
In June 2023, Dennis Francis was elected president of the United Nations General Assembly for its seventy-eighth annual session.
President Dennis Francis has had a career spanning approximately 40 years in the Diplomatic Service of Trinidad and Tobago. Having served as Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the UN in New York, he has also held various senior positions in the United Nations and the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This includes postings in Italy, Austria, UNESCO, Canada, and the WTO.
He has co-authored the book Heads of Mission: A Handbook and is a visiting scholar at The University of the West Indies. As President of the seventh-eight UNGA, President Francis has set out four priorities for this term: Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability.
Adil Cader, Moderator
Adil Cader is an academic in the Curtin University International Relations Program. He is also the founder and host of Talking Foreign Affairs Podcast, a podcast aimed at empowering young people to play an active role in diplomacy. Mr Cader has interviewed over 30 Heads of State, Nobel Prize Laureates, and leading thought leaders from around the world, as well as moderated several panels.
Adil specialises in Australian Foreign Policy & Global Diplomacy, he holds Masters’ Degree in International Law and International Relations and has completed executive education with the Harvard Kennedy School.
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