Emmanuel de Merode on 100 Years of Virunga — A Masterclass in Quiet Leadership
This might be the moment you first hear about one of the most important — and least understood — places on Earth.
Virunga National Park, nestled in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is Africa’s oldest national park and home to a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It’s also a frontline of armed conflict, poverty, and ecological destruction — and yet, a bold transformation is underway.
Emmanuel de Merode is building real-world systems change from the ground up, using hydroelectricity, microfinance, sustainable agriculture, and conservation to rebuild a war-torn economy.
As Director of Virunga, he has spent 20 years turning a war zone into a blueprint for peace and prosperity through nature. In this episode, he speaks about:
• Translating theory into electricity, jobs, cocoa, and peace
• Why peace in eastern Congo requires economic dignity
• How illegal charcoal and cocoa trades fund violence
• Creating 21,000 green jobs and Congo’s first chocolate factory
• Building the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor — the world’s largest protected tropical forest reserve
• How quiet, principled leadership can move mountains — literally
“They weren’t killing the gorillas for the meat... They were killing them because the forest had become too valuable.”
This is not just a story of conservation — it’s a masterclass in quiet leadership, moral clarity, and systemic change in one of the most fragile yet vital places on Earth.
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1:18:56
Feeding the Future: Ismahane Elouafi on Soil, Science, and Survival
In this moving and timely episode, Der Große Neustart welcomes Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research network—leading 9,000 scientists across 89 countries.
CGIAR’s research powers 60% of the world’s wheat and 50% of its rice, and for over 50 years has shaped how the world grows food—securing food systems and lifting millions out of poverty.
We speak with Dr. Elouafi about what it takes to feed 10 billion people in a world of climate shocks, shrinking biodiversity, and deep global inequality—and how science must be at the center of the solution.
She reminds us:
“Eight hundred million people go hungry today. With a 2-degree rise in temperature, that number could rise by 180 million. With a 4-degree rise? Two billion.”
🔍 Topics we explore:
- Why soil, science, and survival are inseparable
- The launch of CGIAR’s new 2025–2030 global research portfolio
- The promise of gene editing—and why it shows the need to democratize science
- Why old models can’t guide our future in a time of irreversible biodiversity loss
- The need for differentiated climate policy, with stark global disparities in consumption:
→ Americans eat 128kg of meat/year → Nigerians: 7kg, Indians: less than 1kg
- Why we must diversify beyond a handful of crops: “There are 30,000 edible plants in the world. Why are we relying on just a few?”
- How investing in women farmers unlocks food security and community transformation
Recognized by The New York Times as one of 10 women redefining leadership, Dr. Elouafi offers not only scientific clarity, but a compelling call to action—grounded in public good, equity, and dignity.
“We must design a system that benefits everyone—especially the most vulnerable.”
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1:00:40
UNCCD’s Ibrahim Thiaw: Land, Power & the Race to Restore Our Future
In this episode, Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), discusses the reality of land degradation—and the encouraging path to restoration.
🌍 Why does this matter?
40% of the world’s land is already degraded, affecting nearly half of humanity. Every year, we lose 100 million hectares—an area the size of Egypt. If we continue like this, by 2050, we will have lost land the size of South America.
Land degradation isn’t just an environmental crisis—it threatens food security, fuels migration, and drives conflict.
So, who is taking responsibility for restoring our planet’s most valuable resource?
But there is hope. From the Great Green Wall in Africa to China’s Loess Plateau transformation, solutions exist—and they are working.
🎙️ What we discuss:
✔️ The real cost of land degradation—and how 50% of global GDP depends on land and nature.
✔️ Who controls the land? The hidden power structures behind global land ownership.
✔️ Proven solutions—from regenerative agriculture to large-scale reforestation projects.
✔️ Success stories—including Africa’s Great Green Wall and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
✔️ The impact of war on land—and how ecosystems in conflict zones can be restored.
This is more than an interview—it’s both a wake-up call and a roadmap forward. The solutions are there.
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59:39
Runa Ray: Stitching Together a Fashion Revolution
"I think we need an entire revolution in the fashion industry," says Runa Ray, my first guest of 2025. And she is making it happen—as a designer, activist, and visionary.
Her journey spans the Global Peace Flag Initiative, endorsed by the United Nations and hailed as the largest art movement for peace and climate action, to presenting collections at Monte Carlo Fashion Week, the Grammy Awards, and shaping policy at the World Bank.
Through pioneering innovations like algae-based textiles, zero-stitch techniques, and plant-based dyes, Runa challenges both designers and consumers to rethink their role in the system.
She shares profound insights: witnessing coral graveyards in the Maldives, confronting the staggering waste of the fashion industry, and advocating tirelessly for an integrated ocean system.
Born in India and refined by her work with Dior and Galliano in Paris, Runa has turned couture into a powerful tool for change—blending sustainability, peacebuilding, and innovation to redefine the very purpose of fashion.
Runa is stitching together peace, sustainability, and transformation—one design at a time.
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1:11:08
Moët Hennessy: Transforming Luxury
How do you redefine luxury in a world of urgent environmental challenges? In this episode, I sit down with Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of Moët Hennessy and member of the Executive Committee of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury group.
We explore how Moët Hennessy’s 27 iconic maisons—including Veuve Clicquot, Belvedere Vodka, and Dom Pérignon, many with over 300 years of heritage—are innovating to preserve tradition while addressing the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Key Topics Covered:
The State of the Soil: "One gram of soil in your hand has as many organisms as there are humans on earth." With 40% of the world’s soil degraded, Philippe shares his vision for the World Living Soils Forum and Moët Hennessy’s Living Soils, Living Together program.
Crafting a Sustainable Future: "Luxury is transmitting craftsmanship to the consumer." Philippe reveals how Moët Hennessy is ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy Dom Pérignon and other fine wines centuries from now.
Facing Climate Reality: "Viticulture is responsible for 23% of carbon emissions. So, we start in our maisons with ourselves." With global temperatures rising, Philippe discusses Moët Hennessy’s approach to reducing emissions while preparing for climate challenges that could eliminate 56% of wine-growing regions.
Sustainable Luxury in Action: From water conservation to circular economies and optimized supply chains, Moët Hennessy is leading the charge for responsible luxury.
Collaboration for Change: Transparency, partnerships, and openness are key to Moët
Hennessy’s vision for building a sustainable future.
🌍 Philippe’s Honest Reflections: "Complexity keeps all leaders awake at night." Philippe offers rare insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading transformative change in global luxury.
Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we explore Commitment, Complexity, and Collaboration and uncover how Moët Hennessy is redefining tradition for a sustainable tomorrow.
Exploring Revolutionary Ideas to Transform Our World
Der Große Neustart supports the World Economic Forum’s Great Reset initiative, envisioning a just and sustainable society for the 21st century. Ranked #1 in 9 countries, featured in Forbes as one of the "Top 10 Trending Business Podcasts," recognized as the best German-speaking podcast, and listened to in 110 countries, our podcast spent an incredible 12 consecutive weeks at #1 in the USA Non-Profit Podcast Charts.
We are a trusted platform for groundbreaking conversations, where global leaders and changemakers dive deep into how they are reshaping industries, healthcare, business, education, technology, and the social contract. Guests include visionary thinkers like Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Chairman of the World Economic Forum; Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation; Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator; and many others—from tech pioneers and the world's first Water Envoy to Chief Heat Officers and individuals revolutionizing life on Earth.
Join us as we uncover the ideas, and strategies that are driving systemic transformation and creating a better future for people and the planet.
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