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
The High Stakes of a Major UN Meeting on Nuclear Weapons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:43
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the most important and impactful global agreement on nuclear weapons. 191 counties have joined the NPT since it entered into force in 1970, with just a few notable exceptions, incl…
Let the Race for UN Secretary General Begin! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:21
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the four candidates for UN Secretary-General made their case at the UN General Assembly. Across twelve hours spanning two days, they took questions from UN member states and civil soci…
How the Iran War Is Already Fueling a Global Food Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing a surge in food prices around the world — particularly in places already in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. And it's about to get worse. This is the planting season for…
How China Views the Iran War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:17
As I am recording this on Friday, April 10, JD Vance is en route to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations over a ceasefire announced on April 7. This ceasefire is shaky at best. It is clear that there was never a common…