Talk to Al Jazeera

Amidst challenges like poverty, protests and the impact of climate change, Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo Paes focuses on transforming the city. In his third term, he’s developing Rio as a smart city, blending technology with environmental sustainability and social integration. In response to climate change, Paes aims for as many as 40 percent "green" jobs by 2030. Reflecting on Rio’s experience i...

In a world where literature often mirrors the pulsating heart of society, Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song stands out as a beacon of emotional and narrative depth. This masterpiece delves into the complexities of human experience, weaving a story that resonates deeply with the themes of tyranny and resilience. Set against a backdrop that parallels global conflicts, Lynch portrays the struggles of a mothe...

Once a 15th-century maritime power, Portugal sparked the Age of Discovery and established a global empire. But, as the winds of change swept around the world in the 19th century, Portugal entered an era marked by decolonisation and a shift towards democratic principles in international relations. How does this history shape Portuguese diplomacy amid contemporary global conflicts like those in Gaza...

Following the Cold War’s ideological rift, East-West rivalry persists, fuelled by advances in AI, cybersecurity, telecommunications and biotechnology. Emerging from conflict, Serbia, once a war-torn nation, has left its pariah status behind. Two decades after reintegration into the international community, it focuses on science and technology to bridge global divides. Jelena Begovic, Serbia’s mini...

Social media has revolutionised our understanding and perception of wars and conflicts. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, with their real-time, unfiltered content, offer a new perspective that’s immediate and often raw. These platforms enable users worldwide to witness conflicts like the war on Gaza as they unfold, offering a variety of viewpoints that traditional media may not cover....

The United Nations, a longtime advocate for human rights through treaties and laws, faces stark realities. Despite its efforts, rights violations persist, especially in conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, where life, safety and basic needs are severely compromised. Meanwhile, emerging technologies and the climate crisis further challenge these rights. Addressing these critical issues, the...

Nine weeks into Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, the United Nations faces increasing challenges in delivering aid to the besieged and bombarded enclave. Israel’s offensive has displaced 85 percent of the population. About 1.3 million people are crammed into UN facilities there, exceeding their capacity four times over. These facilities have also been frequent targets of Israeli attacks. Additionall...

For 74 years, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, has provided healthcare, education and social services to many. Yet, the war on Gaza has severely affected UNRWA as Israeli air strikes have hit its facilities and killed at least 130 of its humanitarian workers. UNRWA’s work was recognised at the Doha Forum 2023, where we caught up with its commissioner g...

For 74 years, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, has provided healthcare, education and social services to many. Yet, the war on Gaza has severely affected the UNRWA as Israeli air strikes have hit its facilities and killed at least 130 of its humanitarian workers. The UNRWA’s work was recognised at the Doha Forum 2023, where we caught up with its commis...

In a world grappling with its geopolitics being fragmented, the East versus West competition for power is seemingly threatening to divide and polarise the global order. Russia's ability to selectively influence leaders and events in various parts of the world is vital when discussing international crises. On this special edition of Talk to Al Jazeera, we go to the Doha Forum 2023, where we connect...

Born in Senegal and raised in France, Patrice Evra rose to fame playing for Manchester United and Juventus, facing racism on and off the pitch. Later in his career, Evra revealed that he was sexually abused as a child by a schoolteacher, a secret he kept for 25 years. Now retired from football, he advocates against child sexual abuse as a UN ambassador and uses his social media presence to fight r...

Since the start of Israel's war on Gaza after Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, Iran's role has been a subject of speculation. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has denied the country's involvement but labelled the offensive a success. The conflict has killed thousands and left nearly two million displaced. After a weeklong truce, Israeli attacks recommenced, casting the spotlight...

Brazil, renowned for its cultural diversity and vast rainforests, is experiencing significant political transformation. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s return to power marked a departure from Jair Bolsonaro’s conservative government. This shift heralds a renewed focus on social welfare, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, mirroring Lula’s previous term in the 2000s. However, Brazil’s journey is m...

As the easternmost European Union member, Finland, historically neutral, pivots towards NATO in response to Russia’s Ukraine invasion, new geopolitical challenges arise: increased Russian espionage, cyberattacks and potential election interference, the Finnish government says. Additionally, a surge of asylum seekers, allegedly directed by Russia, strains stability. Amid these tensions, Finland’s $...

Following his return from strategic talks in Germany and as the war on Gaza nears its 50th day, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delves into Turkey’s role in humanitarian efforts. At a pivotal moment, he discusses Turkey’s relationship with Hamas and whether Western pressure exists. Fidan also reflects on what it would take to sever diplomatic ties with Israel completely. Turkish Foreign Minis...

Lisbon, famed for its golden sunsets and cobbled streets, stands rich in history and resilience. It has weathered earthquakes and political and economic turmoil, cultivating a strong spirit. Currently, the city navigates issues like gentrification, a housing crisis and climate threats. As Portugal’s capital evolves into a leading tech and remote-working hub, it faces the challenge of evenly distri...

As the war on Gaza escalates, the United Nations’ stark divisions delayed a resolution for three weeks. Senior human rights official Craig Mokhiber resigned, protesting against the UN’s silence on the "wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people" by the Israeli army. In his resignation, Mokhiber criticised the UN’s inaction in the face of “genocide” in the Gaza Strip. With Israel’s war on Gaza i...

It’s been 10 years since Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez died. In the years that followed, the country, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, suffered economic collapse, political chaos and a mass exodus. As Venezuelans face poverty and struggle to survive, more than 7 million have left the country in search of protection and a better life, according to the United Nations. Have foreign powers pl...

As the war on Gaza continues to escalate, the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi talks to Al Jazeera about his country’s position on the continuing ground offensive.

Navi Pillay chairs the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel. Weeks before Hamas carried out its October 7 surprise offensive in southern Israel, and Israel launched a major military operation in Gaza, Pillay released a report. It says: "The commission finds the increasingly militarised law enforcement operations of Israel and repeated attacks by Isr...

As the war on Gaza is well into its third week, many are alarmed about the impact it could have on the occupied West Bank. While Gaza is governed by Hamas, the occupied West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority, led by Fatah. Both factions want an independent Palestinian state. However, their struggle for self-determination and autonomy has substantial historical differences. But will a f...

Following Hamas's offensive in southern Israel on October 7, the Israeli army has targeted apartment blocks, hospitals, mosques and churches in Gaza, killing thousands of Palestinians. Only on October 21, 14 days into the war, a few trucks carrying food, medicine and water were allowed into the Gaza Strip. Will there be unconditional access to life-saving aid in Gaza as the conflict escalates? We...

Last year, hundreds of people in Sierra Leone took to the streets in frustration at rising inflation and economic hardship. The protests turned violent and led to deaths. Since then, President Julius Maada Bio has been re-elected, but there were accusations of widespread irregularities in the poll in June. A former coup leader in the 1990s, Bio’s first civilian term was recognised for championing...

For many, the Maldives represents the perfect Indian Ocean beach holiday destination. But beyond the five-star resorts, turquoise waters and white sand lie major geopolitical interests. The archipelago has turned into a political battleground for India and China. As preparations for president-elect Mohamed Muizzu's swearing-in ceremony on November 17 get under way, Talk to Al Jazeera travels to Ma...

Paul Kagame has ruled Rwanda for 23 years. The small, landlocked country of 13 million people has come a long way since the civil war and genocide of 1994. Rwanda’s significant progress in education, technology, healthcare and security has made the nation an African success story. But is living under Kagame’s government an African utopia? And as his influence in the region expands along with the c...