Ten Minutes On... COP30, Trump's Peace Plans and the Future of Global Crisis Diplomacy

In this week’s episode of Ten Minutes On…, we unpack the latest developments shaping global governance. First, we examine COP30 in Belém, exploring what agreements were reached, the pledges for the Loss and Damage Fund, and the challenges facing the UN climate architecture in tackling the growing climate crisis. We break down the funding commitments, highlight what was left out — including fossil fuel phase-out plans — and discuss emerging alternative frameworks that may complement or challenge the COP process.

Next, we turn to Donald Trump’s recent peace initiatives in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. We explain the contents of the 28-point Ukraine plan, the Gaza Board of Peace, and the Sudanese truce proposal, examining how these efforts compare to traditional liberal peacebuilding and the emerging post-liberal peace model. We also explore the motivations behind Trump’s diplomacy, the role of regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the risks and opportunities for long-term stability.

Throughout the episode, we highlight the parallels between climate and peace initiatives: ambition versus implementation, power asymmetries, and the tension between global frameworks and local legitimacy. Whether you’re following international climate policy, global conflict resolution, or the evolving landscape of post-liberal governance, this episode provides context, analysis, and critical insight into some of the most pressing global challenges today.

Listen now to understand the latest on COP30 fallout, Trump’s peace plans, and what the future holds for global crisis diplomacy. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support Ten Minutes On…, and join in conversation with me on Blue Sky, LinkedIn or through my website at guyburton.net.