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Int'l Organizations & UN News #1/2024

Amy Younger - Tuesday, January 23, 2024
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #1/2024 - January 23, 2024

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

Welcome to both new and returning students with us this semester! Whether you're just starting or coming back, we hope you had a restful break and managed to keep warm over the weekend. 

During the winter break, the UN remained busy with preliminary hearings in the South Africa vs Israel genocide case and deliberating the budget for 2024 in the General Assembly. The World Economic Forum also held its annual meeting in Davos. You can read more on this below in our international organizations news section. 

As we're starting the new semester, we'd like to remind you that in case you missed the review of what we did in 2023 or the summary of all 13 new Multilateralism in Action think-pieces, now seems like a good time to sit back with your triple-mocha-matcha-pumpkin-spice-rose lattes, put your feet up and enjoy both reviews.

In this newsletter, you will find: 
  • International Organizations News
  • What We're Listening To: Tug of War: The Genocide Case against Israel
  • Introduction our new IO/UNS Program Assistant
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

Daniel, Laura, Amy & Akmaral
IO/UNS Specialization Team

**Please note this message is clipped. You can open the message in a new browser to see full event and internship listings.

  • South Africa files genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice. This is the fourth genocide case to be brought before the ICJ, others include cases against Myanmar and Russia, and all have been brought to the ICJ in the last four years. Preliminary hearings were held on 11th and 12th January in which Israel denied South Africa’s allegations and argued for its right to defend itself. South Africa cited the scale of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has killed roughly one in every 100 residents of the territory, and its restrictions on humanitarian aid, which the United Nations said has left Gaza on the brink of a devastating famine. South Africa also pointed to statements by some Israeli lawmakers as evidence of genocide. ICJ judges must now deliberate whether to order “provisional measures”, a temporary order that would ask Israel to take proactive steps to ensure genocide doesn’t occur while the case is pending. You can watch the full hearing here.

  • President of the UN General Assembly outlines his priorities for the rest of his term. Emphasizing a commitment to addressing pressing challenges, President Dennis Francis signaled a determined push for transformative change. He spoke of the need to focus on the 2024 Summit of the Future, where world leaders are expected “to gather and forge a new global consensus on how to better deliver for people and the planet”. The General Assembly also approved a $3.6 billion budget for the United Nations for 2024, including the establishment of a special account to finance the Organization’s peacebuilding fund.

  • World Economic Forum holds annual meeting in Davos (15-19th January). Speaking at the conference UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that geopolitical divisions are hindering a global response to challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, as he proposed a "reformed, inclusive, networked multilateralism." Read more here. 

  • Ukraine has seen a steep increase in civilian casualties following an intensification of Russian attacks, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, said in a new report issued last Tuesday. Hundreds of people across the country were killed or wounded in drone and missile strikes in the 10-day period between 29 December and 8 January alone. Read more here. 

  • UN publishes annual World Economic Situation and Prospects report which presents an outlook for the global economy in 2024.  Although global economic growth outperformed expectations in 2023 with several large economies showing remarkable resilience, simmering geo-political tensions and the growing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events have increased underlying risks and vulnerabilities.

  • Fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and rebel RSF forces risks reaching the UN bases in the east of the country, warns the head of IOM. Since the fighting began in April of last year, about half a million people have fled into neighboring South Sudan, one of the poorest countries in the world, and thousands more are expected to follow the exodus. More can be read here.

CNN's Tug of War : The Genocide Case Against Israel 

South Africa has filed an unprecedented genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its war in Gaza. As court proceedings get underway this week, Israel is slamming the case and defending its methods as it fights Hamas. In this episode, we hear from CNN's Abbas Al Lawati on why while a ruling on genocide could take years and how the case could have immediate ramifications in Gaza and on the world stage. 

Listen to the podcast here, or on any podcast platform.

Returning IO/UNS Program Assistant

Amy Younger (MIA’24, HRHP, IO/UNS)

I'm excited to keep working with you all in the new semester. We have some great events coming up, and I hope to see many of you there! I'm also looking forward to meeting all the new J termers in the specialization and am available for any questions you might have!

New IO/UNS Program Assistant

Introducing Akmaral Bekbossynova (MIA’24, EPD, ICR, IO/UNS). Akmaral will be taking over from Nisha this semester and working with Amy. 

I am thrilled to join the IO/UNS in the role of one of the Program Assistants for the Academic Semester. Every day I somehow find myself more and more fascinated by the range of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and achievements of my fellow classmates. Hence, it is needless to say that I am excited to further contribute to the enhancement of the IO/UNS brilliant program.

I am a Peacebuilder with a major interest in the intersection between development, risk management, peace and security, technology, and climate. Prior to joining SIPA, I served as the Project Manager at the Emerging Technologies Team at the UNHQ at the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). In this capacity, I worked with the interdisciplinary team on the practical application of AI within the UN. During summer 2023, I interned in Northern Italy (Turin), at the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) within the Peace and Security Hub, Conflict Analysis and Conflict Sensitivity Portfolios. Most recently, I joined the EPD Capstone Team which will collaborate with the UNDP Accelerator Labs Network. This experience will further allow me to contribute to peacebuilding initiatives, with the aim of fostering National Dialogues in the Global South, on the topic of AI.

I look forward to connecting with you all and envisioning together ways to make the UN a better place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We'd like to shine a light on each amazing member of our IO/UNS family. Please fill out our questionnaire here to be in next week's student spotlight. 

Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

26 January | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
What's Next for the Middle East?

IAB 1501 & Online

RSVP | EVENT INFO

29 January | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Career Chat with Paulo Speroni, UN Global Compact
Webinar

RSVP | EVENT INFO

16 February | All Day

UN Association of USA's Global Engagement Summit
UN Headquarters

RSVP | EVENT INFO

14th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit
23-25 January

Geneva & Online    
France, acting as the 2022-2023 Chair of the Global Forum on Migration and Development is set to host the 14th Summit of the GFMD in Geneva from 23 to 25 January 2024. This high-level event, marking the conclusion of the French Chairmanship of the GFMD, will be hosted at the Geneva International Conference Centre. The Summit will revolve around the central theme of this chairmanship is "The impact of climate change on human mobility" articulated with a cross-cutting approach through the other thematic priorities.

The programme and agendas of the Summit are available here

List of GFMD Side events with RSVP information here, including a side-event on Gender-responsive migration narratives: GenMig insights on the centrality of migrants' voices, 24 January 2024 at 12:30-14:00 CET, for which you can register here.

What's Next for the Middle East? 
26 January, 1:00 - 2:00 PM 
IAB 1501

Join us for a conversation with Ghaith Al-Omari and Dennis Ross moderated by Azmat Khan about the current war in the Middle East. How did we get here and what comes next?

RSVP here.

Career Chat with Paulo Speroni, UN Global Compact 
29 January, 1:00 - 2:00 PM 
Webinar

Join SIPA alum Paulo Speroni, Manager of Strategy, Governance and Innovation at PRME, UN Global Compact for a discussion covering his time at SIPA, his own job search, and his current work at UN Global Compact. Paulo will also provide advice on navigating networking in the US as an international student. Please bring your questions for Q&A.

RSVP here.

APSIA Career Sessions for International Students: Opportunities at Multilaterals and the G4 Visa
31 January, 3:00 - 4:00 PM 
Webinar

Led by Rebecca Aman of Johns Hopkins SAIS, this session will explore opportunities at multilaterals as a strong option for international students.

RSVP here.

Nordic - Baltic Voices on Critical Geopolitical Issues
5 February, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Low Library 

The Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committees of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden will address critical issues confronting the world, including the war in Ukraine and crises in the Middle East; the responses of Nordic-Baltic countries, in particular, the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO; and potential paths to the restoration of peace.

RSVP here.

UN Association of the USA's Global Engagement Summit 
16 February
UN Headquarters

The United Nations Association of the USA’s Global Engagement Summit, held at UN Headquarters in New York City, is the largest annual gathering of UN supporters in the country, bringing together U.S. and UN officials, community leaders, young professionals, and subject matter experts from across the country to delve into the mission and lifesaving work of the United Nations.

This full day summit is one of many educational and inspirational programs that UNA-USA coordinates to help make Americans aware of the strong connection between the U.S. and the UN.

The theme for GES 2024 is “Pushing Forward >>> For People & Planet”. The summit will take place on February 16 from 10am-6pm at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City
RSVP here.

Most SIPA students are not only required to participate in a specialization-related internship, UN-related internships are often critical to further develop skills and knowledge, build a hireable CV, and create or expand a meaningful professional network. Feel free to consult this document for tips and tricks for Sourcing Internships.

Political Affairs Intern: Leadership Support and Outreach
Application Deadline: 26 January 2024
Location: New York

The Leadership Support Section (LSS) is mandated to support the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and of Peace Operations in the UN Secretariat with the identification and appointment of senior leadership in UN Field Missions including the positions of Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General across all peacekeeping and special political missions. The Section is focused on sourcing senior talent, vacancy management and recruitment processes, as well as offering support to serving leaders. The Section is also responsible for outreach and partnership-building initiatives designed to expand the pool of potential candidates for these senior positions. Our purpose is to support the Secretary-General on the leadership agenda in the field and to empower values-driven leaders to fulfil their mandates in pursuit of bringing and sustaining peace, stability, and prosperity to and for the people they serve.

Apply Here
Programme Management Intern - Support Counter-Terrorism Programming
Application Deadline: 30 January 2024
Location: New York

The internship is for six months. This internship is unpaid in person and full-time. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 45 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of UN counter-terrorism capacity building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for UN counterterrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the UN System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the UN Global Strategy.

Apply Here
Intern - Data for Peace and Security
Application Deadline: 4 February 2024
Location: New York

This internship is located in the Information Management Unit in the in the Department of Peace Operations at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) provides political and executive direction to UN peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and nongovernmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) focuses primarily on five action areas in international peace and security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department's mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions. Information Management Unit oversees the information management systems, policies, and processes for the DPPA-DPO, supporting analysis, solutions development and advisory services.

Apply Here
PAID Communication and Advocacy Intern in Jordan
Application Deadline: 4 February 2024
Location: Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is leader in the region for the rights of its children. Working closely with the Government of Jordan, civil society, the private sector and communities, UNICEF Jordan Country Office aims to sustain results achieved for children to date, and strive to further improve policies, national institutions and programmes, for the well-being of every child in Jordan, in line with Jordan's Vision 2025 and the National Human Resources Development Strategy (2016-2025) towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our programmes focus on improving the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the Kingdom, irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion or background. Our main pillars include: Child Protection; Education; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Adolescent and Youth Engagement; Health and Nutrition; Social Protection; and Operations.

Apply Here
Strategic Communications Intern - Public Advocacy on Gender and Conduct
Application Deadline: 15 February 2024
Location: New York

The internship is unpaid and may be either full-time or part-time. This position is located in the Strategic Communications Section of the Office of the Director for Coordination and Shared Services (ODCSS) serving the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). The incumbent will report to the Digital Communications Manager, Strategic Communications Section. The Office of the Director for Coordination and Shared Services enables, directs and coordinates departmental efforts to ensure the effective integration and management of both Departments.

Apply Here
PAID Doctors Without Borders Internship Scheme 
Application Deadline: 31 May 2024
Location: New York

MSF offers an internship program through the New York office that takes place three times a year. Interns are paid an hourly salary and can apply to work in a variety of positions, including advocacy, marketing and multimedia, finance, access campaigns, research, and more. Interns must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship and are responsible for obtaining their own accommodation.

Apply Here

Follow the IO/UNS Specialization on
CampusGroups,
 Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Feel free to reach out to us:
Daniel Naujoks, IO/UNS Director, daniel.naujoks@columbia.edu

You can book office hours here.

Laura Mercado, IO/UNS Coordinator, ld3071@sipa.columbia.edu
Amy Younger, Program Assistant, ay2564@columbia.edu
Akmaral Bekbossynova, Program Assistant, ab5420@columbia.edu

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