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Int'l Organizations & UN News #1/2025

Hanh Minh To - Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Events IO/UNS Newsletter

International Organizations and UN News #1/2025 - January 22, 2025

Dear IO/UNS Community,

Welcome back! We hope you all had a relaxing, rejuvenating, and joyous winter break. While we paused for the holidays, multilateralism didn’t take a break! There’s plenty of IO/UN news to catch up on since we last left off.

In case you missed it, you can read the short summaries of all 12 exciting think-pieces on everything multilateral published in 2024 on 𝑀𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 here.

Stay tuned—events and talks are in the works, and we can’t wait to share updates with you soon!

In this newsletter, you will find:

International Organizations News
Podcast
Student Spotlight
IO/UNS Spring 2025 Courses
Events at SIPA and Beyond
Internship Opportunities

Daniel, Laura, Angela & Himadri

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.

Following a UN General Assembly resolution in 2 024, 2025 has been designated as the second International Year of Peace and Trust (IYPT) to mobilize the efforts of the international community to promote peace and trust among nations based on, inter alia, political dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation, in order to build sustainable peace, solidarity and harmony.
In 2024, the UN General Assembly designated 2025 as the commencing year of the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, and the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
On 15 January 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres briefed Member States in a General Assembly meeting on his priorities for 2025. Watch here.
'The Quiet Diplomat' is a feature documentary that centres on former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The UN saved his life during the Korea War, inspiring him to become a man of peace. During two terms as the 8th Secretary-General, Ban discovers the challenges of international diplomacy in an increasingly splintered world. Ban Ki-moon spoke about the film at a screening in New York City. Find more videos like this on UN Youtube.
The 15th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly convened on January 12 in Abu Dhabi. Under the theme 'Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward,' the two-day meetings gathered over 1450 participants, including global leaders and energy decision-makers to discuss progress and outline actions to accelerate the global renewable energy transition. Review the full meeting here and UN Secretary-General António Guterres' message here.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that 2024 is the warmest year on record, based on six international datasets. The past ten years have all been in the Top Ten, in an extraordinary streak of record-breaking temperatures. Read the press release. “Today’s assessment from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) proves yet again – global heating is a cold, hard fact,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Read his full statement here or watch the press briefing here.
Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the start of the ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, as UN humanitarian convoys brought in urgently needed food aid. “We stand ready to support this implementation and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer,” the UN chief said. Brokered last week by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the three-phase ceasefire comes 15 months after Hamas militants attacked Israel on 7 October 2023. Some 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken as hostages, with around 100 still being held.

Laura Dolci | Love in the Time of Terrorism (Season 10, Episode 3) - Awake at Night, Podcast with Melissa Fleming

“One of the first things I had to tell [my son] was, ‘Your father was killed.’ … The weight of that word in a family is big. How do you make sure that the next generation can still believe in justice, in mediation, in respect, in resolving tensions and conflicts?”

Just days before, she recalled, '“he kissed us goodbye, and I remember telling him in my joking way: ‘Be sure you come back.’”

UN official Laura Dolci was feeding her baby son when she heard the devastating news that her husband Jean-Sélim Kanaan had been killed in a suicide bomb attack on the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. It was August 19, 2003: the darkest day in UN history, and the darkest day in her life.

Working through severe trauma, Laura Dolci became a fierce advocate for terrorism victims – calling for recognition and support to those affected by what she calls a senseless crime. At the United Nations, she is now a distinguished leader in international human rights.

In this episode, Laura reflects on the meaning of the term resilience, on her late husband’s legacy, and on her hopes for their son.

You can listen to the podcast here.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

We're proud of our great community! Help your classmates get to know you more. Fill out our questionnaire here to be featured in our spotlight here!

Event Recap: End-of-the-Year IO/UNS, ICR & UNA Social

On December 5th, IO/UNS joined forces with ICR and UNA to host our End-of-the-Year Social in Publique! In celebration of the last week of class of the Fall 2024 semester, students got to de-stress and catch up with one another and Professor Daniel Naujoks and the IO/UNS team over some mouth-watering vegetarian Chinese food from Happy Hot Hunan. Thank you to everyone who stopped by before the hectic finals week begins. We loved having you there!

New 2025-2026 United Nations Association Board

Thanks to everyone who applied for the UNA Board positions. Thank you to the current UNA Board members for their time and efforts this past year. We wish you the best of luck!

We are excited to welcome your new UNA board for the upcoming academic school year:

President: Rustam Baratov
Vice President: Camila Balcàzar
General Secretary: Garima Sahni
Treasurer: Isis Hernandez Moreno
Alumni Chair: Alei Rizvi
Events Chair: Xinyue Wang

Be on the lookout for their upcoming announcements and events next year!

Registration for Spring 2025 SIPA courses will continue until Friday, January 31. At this link, you find a list of classes accredited by the International Organization and UN Studies specialization, that we hope can help you decide the final composition of your next semester.

We'd like to specifically highlighted the following course: UN Development System in Action: Governance, Funding and Country-level Results (INAF U6341, 1.5 credits). Professor Gülden Türköz-Cosslett, a SIPA alum, has 30 years of experience in the UN Development system, most recently, as Deputy Director of UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy and as Regional Director of UN Women. Her short course in the second half of the Spring semester has students work with the UN on specific projects and is a great opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the UN’s work to promote sustainable development.

12 Feb 2025, 11am-1pm
Civil Society Organization Townhall with the President of the General Assembly
UNHQ, NY

RSVP | EVENT INFO

20 January 2025, Start-date
Part I of the Annual Conference on Disarmament
UNHQ, NY

Part I of the Annual Conference on Disarmament begins 20 January. The Conference on Disarmament (CD), is the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community. The CD and its predecessors have negotiated major multilateral arms limitation and disarmament agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Learn more and follow the discussions in the 2025 Conference.

12 February 2025
Civil Society Organization Townhall with the President of the General Assembly
UNHQ, NY

UN Department of Global Communications invites you to a two-part Civil Society Townhall on 12 February 2025.

Part 1: A Dialogue with H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

Part 2: The role of civil society engagement in the implementation of the Summit of the Future's Pact for the Future and other Summit outcomes.

The President of the General Assembly intends to engage with civil society on his priorities to promote a whole of society approach, share best practices and develop innovative, long-term and forward-thinking ideas. Register by 12:00 pm EST on 27 January 2025 to submit your questions or expression of interest to speak. https://indico.un.org/event/1015739

10 - 21 March 2025
Sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women
UNHQ, NY

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. The sixty-ninth session of the Commission will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 10 to 21 March 2025. The deadline for Permanent Missions, intergovernmental organizations and United Nations entities to register for CSW side events is 31 January 2025.

30 June to 11 July 2025
63rd Graduate Study Programme: UN80: United for a Better Future
Geneva, Switzerland

The 63^rd Graduate Study Programme will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 30 June to 11 July 2025 under the theme: “UN80: United for a Better Future” and will focus on the implementation of the historic Pact for the Future in the year when the United Nations turns 80.The Programme will consist of morning lectures given by representatives of the United Nations, other international organizations, civil sector, and diplomats; workshops; visits to institutions; and work on group projects in the afternoons. Learn more and apply by 28 February 2025.

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.

DDR Programming Support Intern

Application Deadline: 31 January 2025
Location: New York

The duration of the internship is for three (3) months with a possibility of extension. The internship is located in the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Section of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The DDR Section (DDRS) provides planning and operational support to DDR programmes and community violence reduction in the following peacekeeping operations: United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU). The Section also assists Special Political Missions as well as non-mission settings with planning for DDR and associated processes. The Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) was established in 2007 to strengthen the links and coordinate the Department's activities in the areas of police, justice and corrections, mine action, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants and security sector reform. (https: //peacekeeping.un.org/en/department-of-peacekeeping-operations).

Apply Here

STAP Environmental Affairs Intern

Application Deadline: 1 February 2025
Location: Washington

*This internship is designed to be full-time and in person but can be adjusted based on the needs of the successful candidate. The internship is expected to last for six months.*

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This internship is located within the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) Secretariat in Washington D.C. STAP provides independent scientific and technical advice to the GEF on its policies, strategies, programs, and projects. Under the supervision of a Programme Officer, Intern will: - Assist with research on issues related to the main focal areas of the GEF: biodiversity, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, chemicals and waste, land degradation, and international waters, for example to help with STAP Papers. - Assist in preparing speaking notes and presentations, and in organizing STAP meetings and workshops; - Assist with STAP communications, including updating the STAP website; - Perform other duties as assigned.

Apply Here

Intern - Conference Services

Application Deadline: 2 February 2025
Location: New York

*The start date is in March 2025 and is projected to be for six months.*

The intern's responsibilities will depend upon the nature of the project(s) undertaken, the background of the intern, and the duration of the internship. The daily responsibilities might include, but not necessarily be limited to: • Provide assistance in the formulation of conference management statistics • Provide technical assistance in global IT projects • Provide assistance in costing of conference services • Provide assistance in preparing and updating the UN calendar of conferences and meetings • Provide assistance in preparation and distribution of monthly, weekly and daily meetings programmes • Provide assistance in attending queries from delegates and secretariats regarding meetings programme, One-Stop-Shop system for conference services requests and the UN calendar of conferences and meetings • Provide assistance in coordinating conference services with other service providers.

Apply Here

Economic Affairs Intern - Development Policy Branch

Application Deadline: 2 February 2025
Location: New York

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. Its work is guided by the universal, integrated and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2015. The Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) provides research and policy analysis on global macroeconomic trends and prospects, frontier issues, emerging issues, and issues associated with countries in special situations, in the broad context of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. EAPD also serves as the Secretariat of the Committee for Development Policy, an independent advisory body of the Economic and Social Council which provides recommendations on cross-cutting development issues and reviews the status of countries in the least developed country (LDC) category. EAPD manages capacity development projects in developing countries, providing assistance through research, training and workshops. The intern will report to the Economic Affairs Officer in the DESA Economic Analysis and Policy Division, Development Policy Branch. The intern will conduct research on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Least Developed Countries, economic and social development. The intern will work daily with the supervisor in the conduct of research with strong emphasis on the 2030 Agenda.

Apply Here

Human Resources Intern - Research and Program Management

Application Deadline: 18 February 2025
Location: New York

The Global Strategy and Policy Division of the Office of Human Resources/DMSPC seeks enthusiastic and dedicated interns to join our team. The prospective intern must have a strong interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in promoting geographical diversity; excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills; effective communication and interpersonal skills; capable of working collaboratively in a team environment; ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with attention to detail and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). The intern will support the workstream responsible for coordinating efforts to increase geographical representation in the UN Secretariat by developing partnerships with Member States, undertaking targeted talent outreach campaigns to draw the broadest pool of candidates for Secretariat positions, and focusing on attracting candidates from unrepresented and underrepresented Member States. The team develops innovative talent outreach initiatives to attract and retain a diverse workforce in the Organization. The workstream also supports the implementation of purposeful partnership arrangements with Member States. The intern will report to the Human Resources Officer. Be sure to read through the intern's responsibilities on the website.

Apply Here

Digital Communications Intern

Application Deadline: 2 March 2025
Location: New York

The internship is located in the Chinese Language Unit, Social Media Section, Campaigns and Country Operations Division of the Department of Global Communications. The section is responsible for social media activities of the Department of Global Communications and the integration of social media platforms, including social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, WeChat, Weibo, Tumblr, Flickr and YouTube, which are critical component of the Department's communications. We encourage candidates who can ideally commit to a full-time schedule for a minimum duration of three months and work with us in person. However, interns can begin working remotely until they successfully obtain a G4 Visa and all necessary travel documents. Within delegated authority, the public information intern may be responsible for the following duties: - Research, compile, draft and edit basic information (text, images, videos, infographics) for use in the preparation and production of Chinese social media content, often under tight deadlines. - Monitor and analyze statistics related to social media content, including Engagement Metrics (Likes, shares, comments, retweets, and saves; Click-through rates on links in posts; Video views, watch time, and completion rates); Audience Analytics (Demographics such as age, gender, location, language; Audience growth and Audience activity such as peak engagement times, device usage); Content Performance (Post reach and impressions; Top-performing posts based on engagement; Content types and their effectiveness); And Platform-Specific Metrics. - Create content by capturing highlights from special events promoting UN mandates held at the UN Headquarters in NY. - Develop engaging and creative content tailored for platforms like Weibo, Kuaishou, and Bilibili to effectively communicate the UN’s core priorities—such as the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action, and peacebuilding—while reaching younger and broader audiences in the Chinese-speaking world.

Apply Here

Environmental Affairs Intern

Application Deadline: 30 March 2025
Location: New York

The Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch (IPRB) in the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is accepting applications for internships. The prospective intern should have a background in international relations, economics, sustainable development, or a related and relevant social science, including web-based applications. The selected intern(s) will be responsible for one or more of the following duties in general for specific activities. The intern(s) will provide substantive support and assistance to OISC/IPRB's support to United Nations intergovernmental deliberations of the General Assembly (GA), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) especially to sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Apply Here

Economic Affairs Intern

Application Deadline: 13 April 2025
Location: New York

This internship is with the Regional Commissions - New York Office under the Economic, Social, and Development group. Daily responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:-Attend (in-person) and take notes of intergovernmental and UN inter-agency meetings; (e.g. meetings of the General Assembly Committees and of the Economic and Social Council);-Draft official documents (e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.) and weekly reports to be disseminated to the Regional Commissions;-Conduct analysis and research of regional trends and regional dimensions of sustainable development;-Logistical assistance during conferences/meetings of the Regional Commissions; -Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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
Angela To, Program Assistant, hat2123@columbia.edu
Himadri Ratnayake, Program Assistant, hr2574@columbia.edu

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