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World's Toughest Job

Foreign Policy 4 Episodes Jun 30, 2026

The United Nations secretary-general is often described as holding the world's most impossible job. For only the tenth time in history, a new candidate will soon take on this role. This podcast explores the challenges facing the next UN leader through immersive storytelling and global perspectives. Over eight episodes, it examines how the secretary-general might address issues like economic turbulence, superpower rivalries, artificial intelligence, inequality, and climate change. The series highlights the existential moment for the UN and the global consequences of getting it right or wrong.

Episodes

What Can the Next Secretary-General Do to Protect the Future? Jun 30, 2026 2867 In 1987, the United Nations called a huge meeting in Montreal to negotiate the phaseout of ozone-depleting chemicals. And… it worked. The ozone layer is healing. And the Montreal Protocol is probably the best environmental treaty that we’ve ever pulled off. But the Montreal Protocol had to deal with one set of chemicals. A handful of companies. A replacement that was already sitting on the shelf.

Can the UN Still Act as the Emergency Platform the World Needs? Jun 23, 2026 2336 The 1997 East Asian financial crisis, the 2008 global food and energy crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic are all examples of global systemic shocks. And when the next secretary-general takes office in January 2027, there will most likely be another complex crisis underway. These days, a new complex global crisis pops up about as often as the Olympics. And the UN secretary-general may be the only

How Can a New Secretary-General Protect the Infrastructure We All Depend on? Jun 16, 2026 2327 The cables that carry most of the world’s data, the shipping lanes that carry its energy and goods, and the satellites that keep its financial systems running were all built on the assumption that the global economy was something that most actors wanted to protect. But that assumption is now being tested. Our connectivity has created new vulnerabilities, with physical and digital chokepoints that

As Another Economic Crisis Looms, How Should the UN Respond? Jun 9, 2026 2546 In 1994, United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali proposed a radical, new vision to reform the global financial infrastructure. He called it An Agenda for Development. But his proposal was watered down in committee and largely ignored by the financial powers of the time. Today, more than 50 countries are in serious distress because of their debt. And now, the crisis in the Hormuz

Does the UN Have a Seat at the AI Table? Jun 2, 2026 2190 In the United Nations’ early years, Secretary-General Trygve Lie negotiated with governments to stop the nuclear arms race. But today, the code that could reshape civilization is owned by private companies. This year, one of the leading artificial intelligence labs decided its new model was too dangerous to release. It was essentially a private CEO making a governance call for the entire world.

Can the Next Secretary-General Deliver for the World’s Young People and Young Countries? May 26, 2026 2527 In 1960, when 17 African nations declared independence from colonial rule, the United Nations reinvented itself. Today, Africa and parts of Asia are home to the largest generation of young people in history. In Africa alone, 12 million young people enter the workforce every year, but only 3 million formal jobs are created. Development assistance is no longer enough. African leaders want real str

Can the Secretary-General Still Act as a Firebreak on Peace and Security? May 19, 2026 2647 During the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, United Nations Secretary-General U Thant had three things on his side: personal diplomacy, the UN’s neutrality, and a few precious days to negotiate. Today, the risk from war is once again at a dangerous level. And on this episode of World’s Toughest Job, we ask what leverage the next secretary-general will have when a threat simmers for months or years a

What Kind of Leader Does the UN Need Right Now? Apr 28, 2026 2309 This year, 193 member states will elect a new secretary-general of the United Nations. Over the next eight episodes, we’ll ask how the next secretary-general might actually make a difference on issues from economic turbulence and superpower rivalries to artificial intelligence, inequality, and climate change. But today, we’re starting off with the most basic question: What kind of leader does the

Coming Soon: World's Toughest Job Apr 20, 2026 141 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. What kind of leader does the world need right now? And how should candidates prepare to serve not j

World's Toughest Job

Episodes

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