UN talk with Ambassador Bob Rae: Challenges, democracy, and the way forward

March 04, 2025 • By Amanda Sourek

International IDEA's Outreach and United Nations Liaison Officer, Amanda Sourek, talked to Ambassador Bob Rae, who serves as the 80th President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and has been the Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN since 2020.

Bob Rae discussed the role of youth in politics, the deadlock in the Security Council, the crisis in Myanmar, Russia's war against Ukraine, the 2030 Agenda, how democracy is portrayed at the UN, and the role of civil society in multilateral engagement.

Background reading

UN Charter: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter
Bob Rae’s biography: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/un-onu/new-york-rep.aspx?lang=eng
Vision and activities of Ambassador Bob Rae as the 80th President of ECOSOC: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/about-us/vision-and-activities-president

Guest

Ambassador Bob Rae, 80th President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN since 2020

View our themes

Gender and Inclusion Political Participation and Representation Democracy Assessment

About the host

Amanda Sourek - Outreach and United Nations Liaison

Outreach and United Nations Liaison

Amanda Sourek is the Outreach and United Nations Liaison Officer for International IDEA in New York. She is responsible for Member State outreach; engagement with UN processes, negotiations and…