The first half of 2026 has been an active and inspiring time for Global Visions.
We have continued our work of creating spaces for critical reflection and dialogue on some of the most pressing global challenges of our time. In this first newsletter of the year, we share highlights from our recent activities and look ahead to what is coming next.
Podcast: Human Rights in a Changing World
We recently published a two-part podcast series on human rights as part of our Visions of a Better World podcast.
Together with Professor Reetta Toivanen and Postdoctoral Researcher Tuija Kasa (University of Helsinki), we explored both the foundations of human rights and the growing challenges they face today. The discussions addressed questions of inequality, political pressures on human rights systems, and the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Both Reetta and Tuija have previously contributed to Global Visions’ work. Tuija joined us earlier in our podcast series for an episode on democracy, and Reetta has participated in our State of the World 2024 event as well as our panel on artificial intelligence in 2024. These discussions are available on our YouTube channel, and Tuija’s earlier podcast episode can be found on our podcast platforms.
You can listen to the latest episode here
Whose Future? Global Visions in a Contested World
On 25 February 2026, we co-organized a panel discussion Whose Future? Global Visions in a Contested World together with the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR) at Think Corner in Helsinki. You can watch the full discussion on our YouTube channel.
The event invited participants to reflect on the state of the world in 2026 and to consider what shifting global power dynamics mean for societies most affected by global inequality. A central theme of the discussion was the idea of a multipolar world: who defines global problems and solutions, and whether emerging power configurations open space for new actors or reproduce existing hierarchies.
Our panelists—Walden Bello, Robtel Neajai Pailey, and Bonn Juego—brought perspectives from across the Global South, connecting large-scale global transformations to everyday realities such as livelihoods, migration, public services, and political participation.
The discussion also examined what remains absent from dominant narratives, and where possibilities for agency, solidarity, and alternative futures may lie.
Earlier this spring, we released a two-part episode of the Visions of a Better World Podcast titled “Was ‘Another World Possible’? 1990s Optimism and the Fate of Transformative Politics.” In the first episode, “From 1990s Optimism to Authoritarian Capitalism,” philosopher Thomas Wallgren and Professor Emerita of Futures Research Sirkka Heinonen reflect on the political optimism of the post–Cold War era and ask what became of the belief that “another world is possible.” Drawing on perspectives from transformative politics and futures research, the discussion explores the legacy of the World Social Forum, the rise of authoritarian capitalism, and the importance of hope, imagination, and democratic participation in shaping more just and sustainable futures.
In June we were happy to be re-united with our partners at Home Street Home. We had the pleasure of supporting and participating in Together – Yhdessä, a vibrant community event organized by Home Street Home in Pori. Families, children, young people, and community members came together at Kirjurinluoto to enjoy music, dance, workshops, and activities while exploring themes of global responsibility, sustainable development, equality, wellbeing, and community.
Before the summer break, we were delighted to welcome back returning podcast guest and long-time Global Visions collaborator Professor Heikki Patomäki (University of Helsinki), who joined Dr. Konsta Kotilainen (University of Helsinki) for a two-part conversation on the future of global economic governance. Drawing on their contributions to the recent open-access volume Deweaponizing Interdependence: Bringing the Idea of International Clearing Union into the Twenty-First Century, the conversation explores how the current international monetary system shapes global instability, economic inequalities, and geopolitical tensions. Together, we discuss the concept of weaponized economic interdependence, the limits of monetary hegemony, and the idea of a Global Clearing Union as a potential framework for a more stable, cooperative, and equitable international economic order. The two episodes invite listeners to reflect on the relationship between global governance, peace, and economic justice, and on how new institutional arrangements could contribute to addressing some of the defining global challenges of our time. You can listen to the episode here.
Thank you to our Volunteers
We were also very pleased to have our volunteers Ella and Teo participate in and represent Global Visions at both the panel discussion and Development Days 2026.
The event was part of the pre-conference programme of Development Days 2026, celebrating FSDR’s 40th anniversary. A recording of the discussion is available on our YouTube channel. In June, our volunteer Janita also represented Global Visions at the Together – Yhdessä community event in Pori, helping to engage participants in conversations on global responsibility, equality, wellbeing, and sustainable development.
A warm thank you to Ella, Teo, and Janita for their valuable contributions and for representing Global Visions with such enthusiasm and commitment.
Looking ahead
We will continue our work throughout the year with two upcoming events planned for October and our annual State of the World event in December 2026. More information will be shared soon.
Thank you for being part of our community and for engaging with our work.
Warm regards,
The Global Visions team
