The Next UN: Visions for a Regenerative Future – Details, episodes & analysis

In this fireside episode, Silke sits with spiritual elder Jyoti Ma and Earth lawyer Alexandra (“Ally”) Pimor to explore a simple yet transformative question: What was the UN born for — and what does that origin ask of us now? Together, they trace the UN’s roots as a spiritual endeavour grounded in peace, dignity, and a collective choice for life, inviting staff to realign everyday actions with this original intention. Ally expands the meaning of “We the peoples” to include rivers, forests, future generations, and more-than-human nations, offering concrete ways to bring these voices into programmes and governance. Both guests return to the power of individual agency, reminding us that while institutions may feel stuck, people never are — each email, meeting, and act of integrity is a seed shaping the future. The episode ultimately offers a hopeful call to dream the UN forward by nurturing reciprocity, deep listening, and care for all life, and to remember that UN staff are not cogs in a machine, but gardeners in a living ecosystem.

Join the conversation: regeneration-collective.org

About the Podcast Guests: Jyoti Ma is an internationally respected spiritual teacher and bridge-builder between ancestral traditions and modern systems change. As Vision Keeper of The Fountain, she has dedicated her life to restoring balance between humanity and the Earth through sacred reciprocity and unity. She helped convene the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers and the Mother Earth Delegation of United Indigenous Nations, and works closely with the Kággaba Mamas in Colombia on the Sun Project to “remember the Golden Body.”

Alexandra (“Ally”) Pimor is an Earth lawyer, legal scholar, and systems thinker working at the frontier of regenerative governance. As Director of Nature Governance at the Earth Law Center, she leads the pioneering Nature On The Board initiative — bringing the Rights of Nature into corporate and institutional decision-making.She served as one of the first proxies for Nature at the UK company Faith In Nature, and mentors a global network of Nature proxies through the Dandelion Fellowship. Her work invites us to reimagine law and governance as living systems that serve all of life.

• Connect with Alexandra on Linkedin
• Earth Law Center's Nature Governance Agency: a program for onboarding Nature (including Nature as inspiration, advisor, director and shareholder), and cultivating Nature-conscious governance and leadership praxis.
• Dandelion Fellowship: capacity‑building for individuals to practice and speak as a voice of nature

How can the UN move from talking about transformation to living it? In this powerful episode, Silke von Brockhausen sits down with Laurel Patterson, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Communications at UNDP’s Crisis Bureau, to explore what regeneration really means inside one of the world’s most complex systems.

Together, they unpack why the UN often produces outcomes nobody truly wants—and how shifting our inner and relational lenses can change that. Laurel shares a refreshingly practical roadmap drawn from years of work with Theory U, Transformative Spaces, and SDG Leadership Labs—showing that change starts with how we show up together.

You’ll learn:

• How to design meetings that build trust and human connection.
• Why naming power dynamics unlocks new possibilities.
• How “action-confidence” beats waiting for perfect plans.
• Why unlearning—together—is the real key to innovation.
• How scaling transformation means deepening ownership, not rolling out toolkits.

Big takeaway: Regeneration in the UN isn’t a project—it’s a daily practice of seeing clearly, acting with courage, and nurturing relationships as the core infrastructure of change.

Listen now to rediscover the art of deep listening, relational leadership, and small steps that can move big systems.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Regenerative Leadership

02:20Understanding Regeneration in the UN Context

05:17Awareness-Based Collective Action in the UN

11:49Scaling Initiatives for Regenerative Leadership

18:43Advice for Future UN Leadership

29:45Empowering Young Leaders in the UN

34:33Daily Practices for Grounding and Connection

In this episode of the Regeneration Collective podcast, Silke von Brockhausen engages with Konkankoh, a social entrepreneur and indigenous environmental leader from Cameroon, to explore the concept of regeneration and its significance in the context of the United Nations. They discuss the importance of healthy systems, the urgency of regeneration in times of crisis, and the role of indigenous wisdom in shaping global governance. Konkanko emphasizes the need for the UN to address root causes of inequality and to learn from African cultural insights. The conversation culminates in a vision for regenerative leadership and practical daily practices for fostering regeneration.

Connect with Konkankoh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakonkankoh/

Learn more about his work: https://konkankoh.com/

Takeaways

• Regeneration involves healing both physical and spiritual systems.
• The current crises present opportunities for regeneration.
• Nature will regenerate itself if we do not take action.
• Indigenous wisdom can inform global governance and policy.
• The UN must address root causes of global issues.
• Real work is love made visible, reflecting passion and purpose.
• Education should be a two-way street, not top-down.
• The relationship between Africa and the West is crucial for regeneration.
• Trust and community are essential for effective change.
• Daily practices can help individuals connect with nature and foster regeneration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regeneration and the UN's Role

02:45 Understanding Regeneration: Definitions and Importance

05:49 The Urgency of Regeneration in Times of Crisis

08:47 The UN's Role in Global Systems and Inequality

11:38 Indigenous Wisdom and Global Governance

14:33 Transforming the UN: A Vision for the Future

17:41 Learning from Africa: Cultural Insights for the UN

20:31 The Essence of Regenerative Leadership

23:25 Daily Practices for Regeneration

26:21 Conclusion and Future Collaborations

In this episode of the RE:Generation Collective podcast, Silke von Brockhausen engages with Accidental Gods podcast host Manda Scott, a novelist and regenerative economist, to explore the concept of regeneration and its critical importance in today's world. They discuss the need for inner work to facilitate outer change, the urgency of regenerative action, and the role of the UN in leading this transformation. Manda emphasizes the importance of listening to communities, creating coherent spaces for change, and the necessity of changing deep narratives to foster a regenerative future. The conversation culminates in practical advice for daily regenerative practices that can help individuals reconnect with themselves and the web of life.

Find out more about Manda Scott:

Accidental Gods Podcast: https://accidentalgods.life
Learn about Thrutopia: https://thrutopia.life
About Manda: https://mandascott.co.uk

Takeaways

• Regeneration is about serving life and recognizing our interconnectedness.
• Inner work is essential for achieving outer change.
• Creating coherent spaces can help foster trust and collaboration.
• Burnout is a significant risk in high-pressure environments.
• Asking for help is a crucial step in the regenerative process.
• Listening to communities is vital for effective regeneration.
• The current narratives in society are leading us towards crisis.
• We need to change the deep narratives within organizations like the UN.
• Emergence requires creating spaces that allow for creativity and connection.
• Daily practices, such as grounding in nature, can help calm the nervous system.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regeneration and the UN

01:59 Defining Regeneration: A Personal Perspective

04:44 The Inner Work: Healing and Growth for Change

10:41 The Urgency of Coherence in a Chaotic World

12:40 Turning the Bus: Collective Action and Support

18:21 Emerging Systems: The Future of Regenerative Change

21:13 Practical Steps for Regenerative Leadership

26:13 Building Trust and Agency in Teams

28:44 The Evolution of Values in Organizations

31:08 Understanding Energy and Decision-Making

33:19 Listening and Regeneration in Conflict Zones

38:30 Creating a Regenerative Future

41:33 Imagining a New UN Leadership

48:44 Daily Practices for Regeneration

In this episode of the RE:Generation Collective podcast, Silke von Brockhausen speaks with Costa Rican professor Eduard Müller about the urgent need for regeneration in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. They discuss the holistic approach to regeneration, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of changing mindsets from apathy to action. Eduard shares practical examples of regenerative practices and highlights the potential role of the UN in promoting regeneration globally. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultural identity, education, and empowering local communities to drive change. Eduard concludes with actionable steps for individuals to reconnect with nature and contribute to regeneration efforts.

Connect with Eduard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduard-m%C3%BCller-a618229/

Join UCI's Flagship program: Certificate in Regenerative Entrepreneurship: www.uci.ac.cr

Takeaways

• Regeneration means creating conditions for life.
• Sustainability is no longer sufficient; we must regenerate.
• We are part of nature, not separate from it.
• Unlearning is essential to address complex problems.
• Nature can recover quickly if given the chance.
• Building a new system is more effective than fighting the old one.
• Regenerative agriculture can significantly increase food production.
• Reconnecting children with nature is crucial for future generations.
• The UN can play a vital role in showcasing successful regeneration projects.
• Small actions, like rewilding gardens, can contribute to larger regeneration efforts.

Chapters

00:00    Introduction to Regeneration and the UN's Role

02:41    Understanding Regeneration: Creating Conditions for Life

05:50    The Complexity of Nature and Unlearning

10:34    Rethinking Solutions: Beyond Carbon Emissions

13:57    Changing Mindsets: Agency and Individual Action

22:11    The UN's Potential in Embracing Regeneration

25:39    The Role of the UN in Regeneration

27:59    Transforming Organizational Mindsets

28:57    Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Science

In this conversation, Silke von Brockhausen and Rukmini Iyer explore the concept of regeneration within the context of the United Nations and its potential to transform systems for a thriving future. They discuss the importance of personal change as a foundation for systemic transformation, the need for decolonization in our approaches, and the significance of trust and diversity in organizational settings. Rukmini shares practical tools for fostering trust and collaboration, and they envision a future where ecology is central to peace and development. The conversation concludes with a daily practice for reconnecting with nature and fostering a regenerative mindset.

Connect with Rukmini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukminiiyer/ 

Learn more about her work: https://rukminiiyer.medium.com/

takeaways

• Regeneration is about actively participating in life.
• Personal change is essential for systemic change.
• Decolonization involves fair exchanges for survival.
• Diversity of voices is crucial in shaping policy.
• Trust is essential for sustainable relationships.
• Ecology must be at the center of peace and development.
• Creativity fosters a regenerative mindset.
• Nature mandalas help reconnect with beauty and life.
• Organizations must model humility and accountability.
• Transformative tools can facilitate organizational change.

titles

• Regeneration and the UN: A New Vision
• The Power of Personal Change in Regeneration

Sound Bites

• "Diversity of voices shapes policy."
• "We are part of a larger web of life."
• "Ecology must be at the center of peace."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regeneration and the UN's Role

02:58 Understanding Regeneration: A Practical Approach

05:57 The Importance of Personal Change in Regeneration

08:34 Decolonization: Beyond Academic Perspectives

11:43 Transforming Organizations: Building Trust and Relationships

14:32 Tools for Organizational Transformation

17:45 Imagining a Regenerative UN: A Vision for the Future

20:48 Daily Practices for Reconnection and Regeneration

In this episode of the RE:Generation Collective podcast, Silke von Brockhausen engages with Elyes Mkacher, a regenerative farmer and educator, to explore the concept of regeneration in the context of the United Nations. They discuss the importance of healing our relationship with the earth, the need for a mindset shift away from colonialism, and the role of diversity in leadership. Elyes shares insights on building resilient organizations and communities, nurturing trust, and practical daily regenerative practices. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of regeneration amidst ecological and social crises and envisions a future where the UN can lead in this transformative journey.

Connect with Elyes:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyes-m

Learn more about the Design School for Regenerating Earth: https://design-school-for-regenerating-earth.mn.co/

Takeaways

• Regeneration is the opposite of degeneration and degradation.
• We are facing multiple collapses that require a regenerative approach.
• Regeneration involves healing our relationship with the earth.
• It's essential to see ourselves as part of nature.
• Diversity is crucial for effective regenerative leadership.
• Decolonizing our imagination is necessary for planetary regeneration.
• Localization should be integrated into organizational practices.
• Nature provides solutions that we often overlook.
• Listening and observing are key to understanding regeneration.
• Daily practices of gratitude can enhance our connection to regeneration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regeneration and the UN

03:03 Understanding Regeneration: A Practical Perspective

08:22 Decolonizing Imagination for Planetary Regeneration

13:26 Building Resilient Organizations and Communities

17:08 Nurturing Trust and Soil in Institutions

19:30 Vision for the Future: Regeneration in the UN

23:04 Mindset Shift: Moving Beyond Greed

23:52 Daily Regenerative Practices

What if the UN could regenerate from the inside out—one meeting, one ritual, one relationship at a time?
In this insightful conversation, host Silke von Brockhausen speaks with Liliana Uruburo, a culture-change advisor in the UN Secretariat’s Business Transformation and Accountability Division. Instead of debating large-scale reforms, they explore what every UN staff member can actually do tomorrow morning to make work more humane, energized, and effective—no matter their grade or duty station.

Liliana introduces the idea of tending the UN’s “social soil”—the web of trust, presence, and relationships that makes everything else grow. Through small, repeatable habits, she shows how we can shift from fatigue and fragmentation toward clarity and collaboration.

• Culture before structure: Technology enables change, but people and relationships carry it.
• Micro-habits of regeneration: How brief practices like breath resets and collective listening can transform meetings.
• Middle management as the system’s pivot: Why the “squeezed middle” determines whether change sticks.
• Empowered early-career staff: Building credibility through clarity, kindness, and quiet value creation.
• Regeneration as participation: Re-imagining the UN’s renewal as a shared, living process—not another reform task force.

Try these this month:

1. Open–Listen–Close: Start with a 3-minute reset, practice collective listening mid-meeting, and end with one-line commitments and an energy check.
2. Borrow before building: Before starting a new initiative, find an existing one and collaborate.
3. Trust the outputs: Focus on outcomes over optics—flex where, when, and how work gets done.
4. Find your circle: Join a practice group such as Transformative Spaces or NewWork to keep skills alive and embodied.

• Explore Transformative Spaces and NewWork within the UN system for bite-size, experiential learning.
• Connect with Liliana Uruburo on LinkedIn.
• Discover more about The RE:Generation Collective and upcoming events here: regeneration-collective.org

When people talk about “transformation,” it often sounds like a slogan — a shiny new strategy that changes little in reality. This conversation is different. In this episode of The Regeneration Collective Podcast, host Silke von Brockhausen speaks with Luise Raaschou and Felix Braun from Mercedes-Benz Vans Europe, who have quietly led a culture shift inside one of the world’s most traditional, high-pressure industries.

Together, they share how regeneration — the practice of leaving systems, people, and processes better than we found them — can turn even the most hierarchical organization into a living, learning, and energizing system.

Their story offers a roadmap not just for businesses, but for institutions like the United Nations, where mission-driven people are often exhausted by structures that no longer serve life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regenerative Leadership

05:41 The Journey of Transformation at Mercedes-Benz

11:48 Challenges and Resistance in Transformation

17:53 Staying Grounded in Times of Crisis

24:03 The Role of Leadership in Regeneration

29:53 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Key Takeaways for UN Staff and Leaders:

• You don’t need permission to start. Begin in your own team.
• Make space for honesty and recovery.
• Protect people experimenting with new ways of working.
• Watch the energy in the system — it tells the truth.
• See regeneration as prevention, not decoration.
  

Listen if you’re curious about:

• How large organizations can become more human and effective
• Regenerative leadership in practice
• Lessons for the UN and international institutions
• Culture change that doesn’t depend on top-down reform
  

Follow the Guests: Find Luise Raaschou on LinkedIn to learn more about her ongoing journey of regenerative leadership inside Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Connect with The Regeneration Collective:  🌐 regeneration-collective.org

Nora Bateson invites the UN to let life through: to work with information that is as alive as the systems we serve. Instead of preloading projects with KPIs, she proposes placing the SDGs at the end—tend the relationships that nourish relationships, then see what goals were actually met. In disaster and conflict, skip the town-hall shopping list; make space for people to be together (childcare, food, time) and allow new patterns to emerge. Warm Data Labs create an ecology of communication where personal stories widen perception—because perception is the action.

Key themes 

• Regeneration: “Participating in life that makes more life.” Relationships making relationships.
• Warm Data: Relational, trans-contextual information living between people, institutions, culture, ecology.
• Why metrics fall short: Streams of decontextualized data don’t add up to systemic understanding.
• SDGs at the end: Do what’s needed; afterwards, note which goals were met.
• Rupture as opening: In crisis, everyday patterns break—don’t impose; support emergence.
• No town halls: Don’t ask communities what they need in a competitive frame; it aligns them to power, not to each other.
• Make space: Provide childcare, food, time; let relationships re-knit.
• Ecology of communication: Personal stories neutralize status, amplify the quiet, soften the loud.
• Secretary-General thought experiment: Stop writing reports; bring in people who learn from how nature healsin multiple directions.

Memorable lines

• “The information we need has to be as alive as the systems we want to make more life within.”
• “Perception is the action.”
• “Put the SDGs at the end, not the beginning.”
• “Don’t pit communities against each other for funding—help them align to each other, not to you.”

About Nora

Nora Bateson leads the International Bateson Institute in Sweden. She coined Warm Data and developed Warm Data Labs, now facilitated in 40+ countries, to help groups perceive complexity together. She is the author of Small Arcs of Larger Circles and Combining, and director of An Ecology of Mind (about Gregory Bateson).

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Regeneration and the UN

02:54Understanding Regeneration

05:18The Concept of Warm Data

10:44Challenges of Simplified Data in the UN

16:07Building Relationships in Crisis

22:05Creating Cohesion in Communities

27:21Listening to Marginalized Voices

32:56A New Way of Leading and Governing

34:22Vision for the Future of the UN

Key links

• Nora Bateson (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-bateson-b4a2456/
• Warm Data Labs (Bateson Institute): https://batesoninstitute.org/warm-data/
• Nora Bateson at the Bateson Institute: https://batesoninstitute.org/nora-bateson/