Who Rules the World

Today's guest is someone whose life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of policy to change lives.

Ramika Khabiri grew up in Kabul amid decades of conflict, and from an early age she found her voice through art and music — using both as tools to speak out against violence toward women. That instinct to advocate would go on to define her entire career.

To hear more about Ramika's journey and what Afghanistan women and girls are going through in 21st century listen to the full episode.

In this episode, Lars spoke with the Ukrainian Youth Delegates, Vitalina Shevchenko and Yan Erl Ruzhytskyi, about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its profound impact on young people. In this conversation, they share their perspectives on how the war has affected youth across the country, and how young Ukrainians are showing resilience and leadership even in times of conflict. Vitalina discusses the outcomes of her regional consultations with youth before coming to New York, while Yan reflects on the importance of intergenerational dialogue in rebuilding trust and fostering lasting peace. Together, they also introduce the Youth Manifesto for Peace, launched during UNGA80 with the call for greater youth participation in peace negotiations. The episode explores why including youth voices at the negotiation table is essential for achieving durable peace, and what priorities young Ukrainians would bring if given that opportunity. Tune in to hear how Vitalina and Yan represent the strength and hope of their generation in the face of war, and how they envision youth shaping the future of peace in Ukraine.

This is a very special episode, as it marks Giulia's last conversation on this platform as the EU Youth Delegate to the UN (2023-2025). Welcoming her successors, Veronika Novotna and Lars Westra (2025-2026), they delve into a deep conversation about what it means to be an EU Youth Delegate to the UN, the ups and downs of the mandate, sharing insightful recommendations. Veronika and Lars will take the lead on this amazing journey at the United Nations and will bring you into the insightful conversations of the Who Rules the World Podcast.

In a special co-production with the Who Rules the World? Podcast, created and produced by EU Delegation in New York, Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the UN, presents this month’s episode of London Calling EU. Lars attended the EU Delegation to the UK’s Annual Youth Dialogue event held this year in Newcastle University, where he caught up with the EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano. Ambassador Serrano, who was in fact the first EU Ambassador to the UN, spoke to Lars about the importance of youth voices in multilateralism and why youth should get in contact with different cultures/environments. At an important juncture in EU-UK Youth relations, the importance of keeping channels open with the youth is more important than ever.

In this episode we re-visit to the Opening or High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly 80th Session in New York. EU Youth Delegate Veronika Novotna had a conversation with Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. EU Commissioner Micallef’s mission is to work on creating more space in the society for young people to be influential, and with more responsibility in the European societies. The main question is how can this be achieved when international institutions still struggle to take youth voices seriously? Another important question is why arn’t youth representatives consitlted and invloved in policy decision making processes? Veronika also asked EU Commissioner Micallef how can politicians and youth work together to achieve meaningful youth participation in global and local level. Children’s rights are also part of the converstation. Th hear what other issues Veronika riased with Commissioner Micallef listen to the full episode!