Introducing: "World's Toughest Job" -- A new podcast about the Next UN Secretary General

Introducing: "World's Toughest Job" -- A new podcast about the Next UN Secretary General

Author: Global Dispatches June 8, 2026 Duration: 39:40

I want to recommend a new podcast I think our audience will like: it's called World's Toughest Job, from Foreign Policy magazine and the United Nations Foundation. And today, I'm sharing with you the debut episode. 

Between now and the end of this year, 193 member states will elect a new secretary-general of the United Nations. This person will oversee a staff of tens of thousands around the world and be asked to manage global emergencies, avert climate disaster, and end wars—all while answering to 193 bosses.

On World's Toughest Job, co-hosts Jasmin Baoumy and former UN Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch-Brown spend 8 episodes talking with world leaders, thinkers, and diplomats about what kind of leader the UN needs now.

The selection process for the next secretary-general is happening now, so the show is particularly timely - we recommend you check it out. You can find World's Toughest Job on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

 


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
What is the Future of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the "glue" that holds the entire global nuclear security architecture together — but is it fraying? I spent much of last month at the United Nations covering the review conference…
How to Prevent an Asteroid Impact | Global Catastrophic Risks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
Today's episode is produced in partnership with the Global Challenges Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of global catastrophic risks and strengthening global governance to address them. The Glo…
How the Iran War Is Making Sudan's Civil War Even Worse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
The civil war in Sudan is now entering its fourth year. Full-scale conflict broke out in April 2023 following a failed democratic transition, when two powerful rival militaries, the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese…