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.

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.”

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.

"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.

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.

María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, is one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders. As the Coalition celebrates its 10-year anniversary, María reflects on the milestones that have mobilized over 17,000 companies—representing half of the world’s market capitalization—to commit to climate action.

💬 “We have the commitment of 17,000 companies with half of the world's market capitalization,” says María. “Everybody's business is part of somebody else's supply chain.”

Key topics include:
- Progress since the Paris Agreement and how businesses are driving climate action
- Lessons Europe can learn from China’s advancements in green technology
- The urgent need to transition from fossil fuels
- How AI can optimize supply chains while addressing the challenge of high energy consumption
- The critical role of SMEs and how businesses can prepare for a sustainable future
- The importance of corporate accountability and radical collaboration across sectors
- The impact of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)

💬 “Supporting the ISSB is very important to have a global baseline,” María emphasizes, highlighting the need for alignment across geography, sectors, and industries.

As we approach New York Climate Week and COP 29 in Baku, this episode is the perfect refresher on how we can all be a force for good in addressing the climate crisis.

Volocopter⁠ ist DER Pionier der Luftmobilität. Bei den Olympischen Sommerspielen in Paris 2024 wird das deutsche Startup Geschichte schreiben: Dank der Unterstützung des französischen Präsidenten Macron und Bundeskanzler Scholz wird Volocopter offiziell seinen VoloCity-Lufttaxi-Service für Passagiere einsetzen. 

⁠CEO Dirk Hoke⁠: "Wir bieten weltweit die höchsten Sicherheitsstandards." 

Innerhalb von 13 Jahren ist Volocopter zum Marktführer in der Advanced Air Mobility-Industrie geworden, hat beide Zertifizierungen -für Produktion und Design- erhalten; allein die EASA fordert 1 Milliarde Test-Flugstunden! 

⁠Volocopter⁠ hat ein ganzes Ökosystem aufgebaut: Volocity, die Passagierdrohne, Frachtdrohnen, VoloRegion für längere Strecken, Landeplätze und VoloIQ – 500+ Mitarbeiter und weltweit sechs Standorte. Dirk Hoke betont die Bedeutung von elektrischen Flügen über Großstädten, um Staus und Umweltverschmutzung zu reduzieren: "Zudem sind wir so sicher, dass selbst wenn von den 18 Rotoren unseres Lufttaxis 2 oder 3 oder selbst 6 Rotoren ausfallen, eine sichere Landung garantiert werden kann." Auch ein Grund für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit mit der ADAC-Luftrettung. 

Der globale Lufttaxi-Markt boomt bereits - die Regierungen in den USA und China haben das erkannt und unterstützen ihre Unternehmen tatkräftig. Alle Zeichen stehen auf Schlüsselindustrie: Der Airtaxi-Marktwert soll laut Fortune Business in den nächsten 4 Jahren um 58% wachsen, neue Arbeitsplätze schaffen - und natürlich, als großer Beitrag in Richtung Net-Zero den Städte- und Zubringer-Verkehr klimafreundlich unterstützen.

Wir sprechen über die Anfänge von Volocopter bis heute, wo sie Nummer eins in Europa sind, einschließlich Herausforderungen wie Widerstand in der Lokalpolitik. Über Investoren und die dringende Notwendigkeit der Zusammenarbeit von Politik, Wissenschaft und Industrie sowie die Rolle des Pioniergeistes in der Bewältigung von Widerständen und der Gestaltung einer neuen Ära der Luftmobilität.

With endorsements from the G20, UN, World Bank, IOSCO, the ⁠International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) ⁠stands at the forefront of standard-setting efforts, shaping the future of sustainable finance and reporting worldwide.

Founded in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, under the stewardship of ⁠Emmanuel Faber as Chair⁠, the ISSB has become a globally recognized and respected standard-setter.

Within its first two years, the ISSB has issued the inaugural IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards: IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures. It reduced the ‘alphabet soup’ of sustainability disclosures by incorporating standards and frameworks from the Value Reporting Foundation, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) into ISSB Standards.

- It secured endorsement of its Standards by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and published a roadmap for supporting jurisdictional adoption.
- Already, on Finance day at COP28, close to 500 organizations from 64 jurisdictions, representing $120 trillion in assets, have signed the statement of support.
- Global regulatory backing comes from regulators and standard setters from 40+ jurisdictions, including ASEAN, EU, Japan, UK, and more.

⁠Emmanuel Faber, a pioneer for decades⁠ - leading as CEO and Chairman of Danone to become a global leader in corporate sustainability - was named one of the "World’s 50 Greatest leaders" by Fortune. This background makes him the perfect fit for the ISSB to revolutionize sustainability reporting.

Key topics include:
- The rationale behind new global ISSB standards
- The implementation of a global scanning system for the company's entire value chain.
- The significance of Scope 3.
- Future-proofing businesses.
- Up-skilling boards.
- The urgency of addressing climate change.
- Aligning corporate practice with ESG and SDG principles to drive long-term value creation. And more.

Alastair Campbell, renowned as Britain's leading political master communicator, is pioneering the way in regaining control of the UK's political debate while also garnering a massive following worldwide. His podcast, "The Rest is Politics," co-hosted with former Tory Cabinet minister Rory Stewart, boasts over one million listeners per episode, dominating charts from the UK to Suriname. Their ability to captivate audiences is evident in their capacity to fill venues like the Royal Albert Hall in no time.

„We are just two guys who talk politics.”

Campbell's charm lies not just in his intellect and his special use of language but also in his humor and wit, making this conversation as enlightening as it is entertaining. In our 60 minutes, we delve into various pressing topics:

• his influence on setting the political tone
• domestic and international political challenges and the need for fundamental resetting
• Citizen empowerment and how to handle today’s endless propaganda and stupidity
• the exhausted democratic systems in the West, effective leadership strategies,
• the misuse of language and transitioning to a language of respect
• he‘s one out of million Brits, whose linguistic abilities, he speaks German and French, provide a unique lens through which to analyze Franco-German politics,
• and of course, reflecting on Campbell's career milestones, including his powerful role in Tony Blair's government and being one of the few high-profile Brits who openly address mental health.

"But What Can I do?"

Alastair’s latest book, "But What Can I Do?," - book 19 in 16 years - skyrocketed to Sunday Times Bestseller status. He offers citizens a comprehensive guide to engage in politics effectively. And! people do take his words literally and go out, get into action, and start working in politics.

Campbell offers profound insights drawn from decades of experience - tune in to our wonderful hour with a person whose life is politics.

Florent Kaiser⁠, CEO of Global Forest Generation and ⁠Earthshot Prize Winner⁠, has unveiled the extraordinary accomplishments of ⁠Acción Andina⁠. This grassroots initiative, co-founded by Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, is deeply rooted in ancient Inca principles of "Ayni and Minka." Together, they have planted nearly 10 million native trees since 2018, rejuvenating over 4,000 hectares of Andean forests. The activities are already helping thousands of people by increasing food and water security, providing new income opportunities.

What's the goal?
By 2045, they aim to protect and restore one million hectares of high Andean native forest ecosystems across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Why is this crucial?
The Andean Forest isn't just a habitat for endangered species; it's a lifeline for indigenous communities and a guardian of water security for millions. Over the years, deforestation, animal grazing, and mining have depleted high Andean forests, leaving less than 10% of the region’s native forests. This has severe consequences for local and indigenous communities.

Florent: "The native forests of the Andes region are not only one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems but also a critical tool in our fight against climate change."

We delve into Florent's personal journey and his work with ⁠Constantino Aucca Chutas, Co-Founder and President of Acción Andina⁠ and explore their common mission, challenges, and the search for solutions – and everything necessary to protect and restore our planet's ecosystems.