This first episode of the UN DPPA podcast series “Behind the Numbers” is a conversation with Rosemary A. DiCarlo, the first woman to serve as Under-Secretary-General in charge of the main United Nations political office, today known as the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA). With more than 35 years of experience in public service and academia, USG DiCarlo advises the UN Secretary-General on peace and security issues globally, while overseeing “good offices” initiatives and field-based political missions carrying out peacemaking, preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding activities. In this interview, she shares thoughts about her journey in diplomacy and international affairs, remaining challenges, and her vision for the future of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda.