As climate pressure intensifies and food security becomes a growing global concern, modern farming is no longer a niche conversation. It is becoming a strategic necessity.

In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Mahdi Alhindawi, CEO of ENJAZPONI, about how vertical farming, hydroponics, and agricultural innovation can reshape the future of food production, especially across the Global South.

The conversation explores how soilless farming can reduce water use, expand cultivation in arid environments, and open new possibilities for climate-smart agriculture. Mahdi also shares how advances in AI, robotics, glass technology, and seed development are pushing farming into a new era, one where countries once limited by land, water, or weather may be able to build stronger food systems and even move toward surplus production.

This episode also looks at the wider ecosystem needed to make that future possible, from government support and private sector investment to youth engagement, education, and cross-border collaboration.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why vertical farming is becoming a serious solution for food security
→ How hydroponics can reduce water use and support farming in arid regions
→ Why modern farming is gaining momentum after climate change and COVID-era supply chain shocks
→ How AI, sensors, robotics, and drones are changing the future of agriculture
→ The role of glasshouse innovation and solar power in making vertical farming more efficient
→ Why seed innovation will become increasingly important for local food systems
→ How modern farming could create new opportunities for youth and future job markets
→ Why education, policy support, and public-private collaboration are critical to scaling agricultural innovation

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to modern farming, food security, and agricultural innovation
01:45 Why vertical farming matters for uncultivated and water-scarce regions
07:10 Why food security gained urgency after COVID and climate disruption
08:35 Water savings, year-round crops, and the broader benefits of hydroponics
09:20 AI, IoT, drones, and robotics in the future of farming
13:00 The race toward organic hydroponics and future export potential
15:05 How modern farming could reshape jobs and attract younger generations
20:20 Seed innovation, localization, and climate adaptation
29:35 Is vertical farming climate-smart agriculture?
33:15 The role of government, policy support, and stakeholders

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Mahdi Alhindawi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdi-alhindawi-91812649/

Escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, Israel, and regional powers are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. What began as targeted military strikes is quickly evolving into a confrontation with global implications for security, energy markets, and international diplomacy.

In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib, expert on U.S.–Gulf relations and President of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building, about what this escalating conflict means for the Middle East and the Global South.

The conversation examines the legality of preemptive strikes, the economic consequences of rising oil prices and disrupted trade routes, and the broader geopolitical tensions driving the crisis. Dr. Khatib also discusses shifting alliances, the limits of diplomacy, and how countries in the Global South are reassessing their political and economic strategies in an increasingly multipolar world.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why the current Middle East escalation has global economic consequences
→ The legal and geopolitical debates surrounding preemptive military strikes
→ How disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global trade and energy markets
→ Why oil prices are becoming a central geopolitical pressure point
→ The potential refugee and humanitarian consequences of regional instability
→ How Gulf countries are reassessing their security alliances
→ The growing push among Global South nations to reduce dependence on Western financial systems
→ Why new regional security architectures may reshape the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and the escalating Middle East crisis
01:30 The legality of the strikes and the geopolitical context
05:20 Iran’s strategy and regional escalation risks
09:40 The role of diplomacy and regional mediation
17:30 Oil prices, trade routes, and global economic consequences
21:10 Global inflation and energy shocks
24:00 Refugee risks and humanitarian implications
27:00 Global South reactions and shifting geopolitical alignments
30:30 BRICS, financial systems, and economic independence
33:20 Regional security architecture in the Middle East

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Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dania-koleilat-khatib-phd-7193527a/

Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people and over a quarter of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly. Yet its voice in global governance and international institutions often remains underrepresented.

In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Grégoire Ndjaka, CEO of the African Union of Broadcasting, about Africa’s evolving role in multilateralism and how media institutions are helping shape the continent’s global narrative.

From the African Union’s diplomatic influence to the power of Pan-African media collaboration, this conversation explores how Africa is working to strengthen its collective voice across international platforms such as the UN, G20, BRICS+, and G77. Ndjaka shares why storytelling, journalism capacity building, and digital connectivity are becoming critical tools in redefining how Africa engages with the world.

With insights on media training, digital infrastructure gaps, and the growing importance of South-South cooperation, this episode looks at how Africa is positioning itself in an increasingly multipolar world.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why Africa remains underrepresented in global institutions despite its population and UN voting power
→ How the African Union is advocating for stronger representation in global governance
→ Why African media must play a central role in telling Africa’s story to the world
→ How digital connectivity is reshaping communication and collaboration across the continent
→ The role of journalist training and capacity building in strengthening Pan-African media
→ Why cultural diversity within Africa is a strength rather than a barrier to unity
→ How South-South cooperation and platforms like BRICS+ are creating new opportunities for Africa
→ What Africa’s rising geopolitical influence could mean in a multipolar world

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Africa’s growing role in global affairs
01:30 Africa’s representation gap in global institutions
04:20 The African Union and the push for stronger global voice
07:40 Why media matters in shaping Africa’s narrative
11:00 Cultural diversity and understanding across African societies
15:20 Digital connectivity and the transformation of communication
18:30 Risks of misinformation and digital misuse
21:00 South-South cooperation and media partnerships
24:30 Training journalists and building African media capacity
27:30 BRICS+, geopolitics, and Africa’s evolving alliances
31:40 Peacekeeping, diplomacy, and Africa’s future role in multilateralism
35:00 Advice for the next generation shaping Africa’s global engagement

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Grégoire Ndjaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoire-ndjaka-b34b7614a/

African Union of Broadcasting: https://www.uar-aub.org/