As part of the UNU Macau #DialogueSeries, we are pleased to share the full episode of our conversation with Ms. Angela Kane — former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), and Vice President of the International Institute for Peace.
In this episode, Ms. Kane draws on nearly four decades of service at the United Nations to offer candid reflections on some of today’s most pressing global challenges. She examines the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, warning of the risks posed when AI development is driven largely by data and industries in the Global North while perspectives from the Global South remain underrepresented. Highlighting the need for effective international governance, Ms. Kane underscores that voluntary commitments by private actors are not enough — accountability, inclusivity, and global cooperation are essential if technology is to serve humanity as a whole.
Beyond questions of governance, Ms. Kane turns her attention to the younger generation, offering thoughtful advice at a moment marked by economic uncertainty, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Acknowledging the weight many young people carry today, she encourages optimism, recalibrated expectations, and the pursuit of meaning not only in careers but also in community, family, and the small joys of everyday life.
This conversation highlights the urgent need to bridge technology, governance, and human resilience in the pursuit of a more just and sustainable future. Tune in to the full episode for in-depth perspectives from one of the UN’s most seasoned leaders, and stay engaged with the #DialogueSeries as we continue to spotlight global voices shaping the ethical use of digital technologies for sustainable development.