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: 50

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
Why The Status Quo in Gaza Can't Last Much Longer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
There is a ceasefire on paper in Gaza. But in reality, Gazans are being killed on a near-daily basis by Israeli forces. Since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, more than 1,000 Gazans have been killed in Israeli strik…
Sudan Is on the Brink of Another Mass Atrocity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:15
Sudan's civil war may be entering another catastrophic phase. As I write this, a genocidal militia is massing outside a major city in Sudan, El Obeid. NGOs, the United Nations — and even Donald Trump's State Department —…
Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is an unusual politician. For one, he has never held elected office and does not represent a traditional political party. Rather, he built a career as a criminal defens…
The U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: What Happens Now? | With Gregory Brew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
Since the start of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict on February 28, I've found myself drawn to a handful of thoughtful analysts who have helped me make sense of the unfolding conflict and its vast global implications. One o…