{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/61d6d8e7cb16f30016e132a9/67ed64619524713132c03f3f?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Global Month Ahead: IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, Navigating the UK Local Elections and Ukraine’s Defence Future","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61d6d8e7cb16f30016e132a9/1743610961950-1aa82ec9-9400-484f-be9e-0bbc5d6e82f8.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>As we look ahead to April, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues from across the globe to discuss the UK local elections, the IMF World Bank Spring Meetings taking, and the next phase of international defence coordination for Ukraine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>First, Sewar is joined by <a href=\"https://www.global-counsel.com/about/our-people/max-mandich\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Max Mandich</a>, Senior Associate in our US Financial Services practice, to preview the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings. They discuss how the meetings have evolved, the lasting influence of the Trump administration on global policy dialogue, and what corporate and public affairs professionals should watch out for in the week’s formal and informal engagements. <a href=\"https://www.global-counsel.com/services/practices/united-states\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more about our work in US politics and policy.</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Then, Sewar speaks with <a href=\"https://www.global-counsel.com/about/our-people/scott-gilfillan\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Scott Gilfillan</a>, Associate Director in our UK Politics and Policy practice, about the upcoming local elections in England. They explore the structure and significance of local government, the implications for national sentiment, and how parties are positioning themselves in this first major electoral test for the Labour government. <a href=\"https://www.global-counsel.com/services/practices/united-kingdom\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about our work in UK politics and policy.</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To finish the episode, <a href=\"https://www.global-counsel.com/about/our-people/robyn-staveley\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Robyn Staveley</a>, Associate Director in our UK Politics and Policy practice, joins Sewar to examine the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting. They discuss the UK’s leadership role, the shift toward long-term sustainment of Ukraine’s defence capabilities, and how the geopolitical landscape is shaping NATO’s evolving relationship with Kyiv. <a href=\"https://www.global-counsel.com/services/practices/united-kingdom\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Discover more about our work in UK Politics and Policy.</a>&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"Global Counsel"}