Najam Discusses Global Challenges and Public Media’s Role on Bulgarian National Radio
Professor Adil Najam, Dean Emeritus and Professor at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, recently appeared on Bulgarian National Radio’s program “Our Day” during his visit to Bulgaria for the International Leadership Meeting of Public Media Executives from Central and Eastern Europe.
In the interview, conducted in English and translated into Bulgarian, Najam shared his insights on global politics, international negotiations, and the role of public media in facilitating conversations about climate change and environmental protection.
“Everywhere in the world, society feels disappointed, divided, opposed,” Najam stated, highlighting a key challenge of our time. “In part, this is due to technologies, other types of networks and media, which make us feel as if we constantly have to fight among ourselves.”
Najam emphasized the critical role of public media in addressing societal issues, noting, “A public media outlet possesses the field, tools, opportunities, conversation, and narrative that society needs to talk to itself.” He stressed that while this conversation might be noisy due to diverse interests, it’s essential for societal progress.
Addressing the current global challenges, Najam expressed optimism about humanity’s ability to overcome them. “We need a higher ambition,” he stated, adding, “Fearful people don’t make positive change. Young people need aspiration and the right tools to achieve something useful.”
Najam also reflected on our contemporary times from a future historian’s perspective, questioning how the most prosperous and knowledgeable generation could face such challenges. Despite this, he maintained his optimistic outlook, concluding, “Optimism is that thinking that we are capable of doing something better.”
The interview, available on the Bulgarian National Radio website, has garnered attention for its insightful discussion of global challenges and the role of public media in addressing them. The full audio can be accessed here.
Adil Najam is Dean Emeritus and Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He served as the Inaugural Dean of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies from 2014-2022. He is also a former Vice-Chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and currently serves as the Global President of WWF International. Read more about Najam on his Pardee School faculty profile.