#6 - Irene Khan

#6 - Irene Khan

Author: Brussels Institute for Geopolitics October 24, 2025 Duration: 32:48

In this episode, we hand over the mic to Dr Irene Khan, an internationally recognized leading voice in the defence of human rights, gender equality, and social justice. She is currently the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, becoming the first woman to hold the position. 


Khan has been a leader on some of the most pressing issues of our time, as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, where she served for over two decades; at Amnesty International, its first female Secretary General; and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), which she led from 2012 to 2019.

Speaking with hosts Christine Mhundwa and Elisa Díaz Gras, Dr Khan enlightens us on complex issues such as digital regulation, human rights and Europe's role in shaping global tech governance. Dr Khan highlights the weaponisation and commodification of freedom of expression, noting how some governments and companies promote only certain types of speech, undermining democratic values. 


The goal for Europe, she asserts, should be to 'create a system that is going to operate well no matter which part of the world you are in, when it comes to digital technology', adopting a truly global approach. She believes that 'this is an opportunity for Europe to play a leadership role, but it has to be an inclusive leadership role. We are not going back to Colonialism 2.0. Europe needs to recognize that is has partners on the other side - equal partners.'


Christine Mhundwa is a seasoned journalist and host of Deutsche Welle’s daily Africa news show, brings her deep expertise in political reporting, having covered key developments across southern Africa. 


Elisa Díaz Gras has over 20 years of experience in diplomacy and international affairs, and is the Head of the Global South Programme at BIG.

Handing Over the Mic is a podcast by the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, produced with the support of the European Cultural Foundation.


Production and Distribution

Episodes are available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and are also featured on the homepages of BIG and our partner, the European Cultural Foundation.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


There's a particular conversation about Europe that often happens within its own borders, filled with familiar debates and internal critiques. Handing over the Mic, from the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, deliberately steps away from that echo chamber. Instead, hosts Elisa Diaz Gras, Margaux Cassan, and Christine Mhundwa create a space where the microphone is passed to influential thinkers, artists, diplomats, and political voices from the Global South. The core question is simple yet profoundly revealing: how is Europe seen from the outside? This podcast explores the narratives, historical legacies, and contemporary perceptions that shape these external viewpoints, moving beyond a simple analysis of policy to understand the deeper cultural and philosophical impressions. Each episode is a dialogue that challenges assumptions, examining not just Europe's present political role but also the stories told about its past and the possibilities imagined for its future. By centering these often-overlooked perspectives, the series constructs a more complex, global portrait of a continent in constant negotiation with the world it has engaged with for centuries. You'll hear nuanced conversations that weave together strands of society, culture, and science, all through a geopolitical lens that prioritizes listening over telling. This is a necessary series for anyone interested in the true weight of Europe's place in the world, as reflected in the eyes of those observing it from other shores.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 9

Handing over the Mic
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