Int\'l Organizations & UN News #10/2025

 International Organizations and UN News #10/2025 - April 1, 2025

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

• International Organizations News
• Student Spotlight  
• Event Recap: Women in Diplomacy, An Informal Conversation with Dr. Maria Chepurina-Deswel and the IO/UNS Spring Retreat 
• New on Multilateralism in Action: UN Peacekeepers as Enablers of Host State Authoritarianism?Podcast
• Events at SIPA and Beyond 
• Internship Opportunities

IO/UNS Specialization Team

In UN Peacekeepers as Enablers of Host State Authoritarianism? Professors Sarah von Billerbeck, Birte Julia Gippert, Kseniya Oksamytna, and Oisín Tansey draw on their new book, United Nations Peacekeeping and the Politics of Authoritarianism (Oxford University Press, 2025), to show that while the UN does not intentionally encourage authoritarianism, it faces several constraints and dilemmas that give rise to what the authors call 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔. While enabling stops short of the outright promotion of authoritarianism, it explains why the UN’s actions often appear to contradict its stated objectives and the outcomes it delivers often fall short of its goals. The think-piece introduces two types of enabling: first, UN capacity-building of the (often repressive) institutions of the state, and second, weak signals of disapproval when host governments engage in authoritarian behavior. Beyond explaining UN activities that may enable authoritarian behavior, the think-piece also highlights three strategies for peacekeepers to avoid enabling. UN peacekeepers often find themselves in situations where they face dilemmas and trade-offs in their interactions with host state authorities. This will undoubtedly remain the case in the future. However, awareness of the mechanisms of enabling and potential mitigation strategies may help to avoid repeating some of the mistakes of the past.

9 April 2025, 5:00 - 7:00 PM 
UN Career Advice Panel 
Faculty House, Seminar Room, Hybrid 

The UN Career Advice Panel will offer insight on various UN careers surrounding peacekeeping, peacebuilding, human rights advocacy, humanitarian efforts, legal expertise, and political strategy. This panel is designed to give prospective students and the public a closer look at the diverse career paths available at the UN and how Columbia's Summer Session combines academic rigor with valuable networking opportunities aimed to connect students with their passions and help prepare them for their careers. 

Moderated by David Marshall, a former UN Human Rights Officer now with Global Affairs Canada, we will provide a 360-degree, headquarters and field perspective of what a professional life in the United Nations could look like. Joined by a panel of UN staff members, ranging from mid-career professionals to senior leaders, we will discuss how they have navigated their roles from both headquarters in New York and various field locations across the globe, each presenting their unique challenges and opportunities. Through their shared experiences, these diverse voices will help those seeking a profession at the UN better understand daily operations, the possibility of transitioning between departments, agencies, funds and programs, and the possibility of finding positions that resonate with professional motivations.

Register Here 

9 April 2025, 10:15–11:15 am EDT
Strengthening Information Integrity in the Humanitarian Context
Online

Featured Speakers:

• Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
• Dr. MJ Bosia, Executive Director, International Studies Association; Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Saint Michael’s College, Vermont; Director, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Saint Michael’s College, Vermont
• Dr. Punam Yadav, Chair, ISA-UNAI Coordination Committee; Associate Professor in Humanitarian Studies, University College London; Director, UCL Humanitarian Institute; Co-Director, Centre for Gender and Disaster, Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London

Register Here

14 April 2025, 1 - 2 PM 
Previewing the Fourth UN Conference on Financing for Development 
IAB 407

The UN will be hosting the Fourth Conference on Financing for Development in Spain in mid-2025. Shari Spiegel, Chief of the Policy Analysis and Development Branch in UN-DESA's Financing for Development Office will discuss with SIPA Professors José Antonio Ocampo and Daniel Naujoks the various issues on the global agenda.

• Shari Spiegel, Chief of the Policy Analysis and Development Branch in the Financing for Development Office, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

• Professor José Antonio Ocampo, SIPA Professor and Co-Director of the Economic and Political Development Concentration.

• Professor Daniel Naujoks, SIPA Professor and the Director of the International Organization and UN Studies Specialization.

Register Here

15 - 17 April 2025 
2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum 
UNHQ, NY

Selected young candidates will:

• Engage directly with decision-makers and policymakers at the ECOSOC Youth Forum.
• Share insights and innovative solutions to advance sustainable development.
• Connect with fellow young advocates from diverse backgrounds and regions.
• Contribute to shaping international policies and commitments on sustainable development.
• Play an active role in driving progress toward the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs within the UN system and beyond.

Eligibility and Selection Process:
Selection of eligible young persons will be made by the UN Youth Office with the support of partners, including its Youth Reference Group, with due consideration to gender balance, geographical representation and other under-represented youth groups.

Interested candidates should review the detailed application guidelines available here:

For more information about the ECOSOC Youth Forum, please visit 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.

*Desired start date for two internships: 5 May 2025 or sooner or 15 July 2025 or sooner*
The internship will be placed in the Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch (PCSB). The interns report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer(s). Tasks will include: • Researches, compiles and summarizes background materials for use in preparation of meetings, reports, summaries, etc.; • Assists in the coordination of service-wide activities (meetings, training, etc.), special projects and events; • Supports the management and development of internal databases; updates website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases; • Assists in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology/software; • Performs a variety of administrative duties, as requested. The branch strives to offer interns an opportunity to work independently with substantive issues while also assisting colleagues in the day-to-day operations of the office. The intern will be encouraged to actively explore relevant training options from the wide range of training courses being offered on an on-going basis to UN staff at Headquarters. 

*Desired start date: 13 May 2025 or sooner*
This internship position is located in the Budget, Financial Management and Reporting Section of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms. As a specialized service of the United Nations located within the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated official. For more information on UNMAS, please visit www.unmas.org The Internship is for six (6) months. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of Finance and Budget Officer and will be responsible for the following: • Research, compile, draft, and edit information for use in the preparation of financial reports and statements; • Support in the development of process mapping for project continuity; • File and archive documentation in hard and digital copies as required in Sharepoint; • Assist with the creation and organisation of data in Microsoft Excel for the purpose of producing clear and concise reports for Donors; • Draft minutes and talking points during the BFMRS and related meetings; • Update and maintain the BFMRS tasking sheet and Finance Resource Mobilisation priority log; • Assist the BFRMS with special projects as assigned; • Assist in preparing for meetings and trainings including contributing for PowerPoint presentations, background documents and other relevant material; • Draft routine correspondence with respect to enquiries related to relevant financial budget matters as may be assigned; • Provide administrative support to the Chief of Section and/or Financial Officers and Assistants as required; • Perform any other related duties, as may be assigned.

The United Nations Secretariat is seeking motivated interns to support the work of the Journal Unit of the Central Planning and Coordination Division of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management in New York. The Journal Unit is responsible for the daily preparation and publication of the Journal of the United Nations. The Journal of the United Nations is a complete picture and historical record of the life of United Nations Headquarters on any given day – what meetings are being held, when and where, what topics are being discussed and what documents are the basis of those discussions. The interns' responsibilities will depend upon the nature of the project(s) undertaken, the background of the intern, and the duration of the internship. Daily responsibilities might include, but not necessarily be limited to: providing assistance in the publication of the Journal of the United Nations; providing assistance in the maintenance and update of the Journal Unit databases and planning dashboards; providing assistance in the compilation, review and analysis of data and other information needed for the publication of meetings and events; providing technical assistance in the Journal Content Management System (JCMS); providing assistance in attending to queries from submitters and secretariats regarding the programmes or summaries of the Journal of the United Nations; providing administrative assistance to the Unit; and performing any other related tasks. 

Apply Here

*Expected duration is two months*
This internship is through the UNDESA department. Some of the daily responsibilities interns may have will depend on the individuals' background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to: conducting research in the areas of public administration and institutions, public service delivery and innovation, sustainable development, and digital government; assisting during conferences and meetings; assisting in research, drafting and preparing analytical documents; and assisting with information management and database population.

Apply Here

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.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. The work of the Department is further aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/. This internship opportunity is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), in the Strategic Planning Service (SPS), in the Gender and Inclusivity Unit, within UNDSS. The Gender and Inclusivity Unit plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and inclusive practices within the Department, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into security policies and programs. SPS contributes to UNDSS' efforts to enable the implementation of the United Nations mandate while ensuring safety and security of United Nations personnel. Be sure to read more about the intern's other tasks and responsibilities. 

The Statistics intern positions are in the various Branches within the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in New York. Statistics interns typically report to the Chief of a Section or to a Statistician. The DESA/SD internship is for two months with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of the department. For more information about the Office, please visit https://unstats.un.org/home/. Depending on the situation of the successful candidates, the internship may also offer a Flexible Work Arrangement to be conducted fully remote, hybrid (in-person and remote), part-time, and/or temporary FWA for the purpose of G-4 visa processing. These internship positions are located in different branches of the Statistical Division (SD) of DESA. The interns will contribute to various statistical projects and tasks supporting the division's work on data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The interns report to the Chief of Section or Unit, or to another SD staff member. The interns will contribute to data collection, validation, analysis, and visualization projects within the Statistical Division, including support for statistical databases, software development, and preparation of reports, legal texts, and other documentation. Be sure to read more on some of the tasks the intern will need to fulfill. 

*Expected duration is 3 - 4 months* 
The intern shall support the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of Public Information intern include, but are not limited to: -Researching current human rights issues to aid media and public information outreach; -Maintaining and updating media mailing lists; -Conducting media monitoring and compiling media clippings of news coverage of the work of the Office, the Treaty Bodies and Special Rapporteurs; -Help with preparation of material for press conferences; -Assist with setting up and running events, especially around Human Rights Day; -Draft website articles and social media posts; assist in researching material for speeches; -Perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate. The internship is located at the New York Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The selected intern will be part of the Inter-governmental Affairs, Communication and Outreach Support Section (ICOS) and will respond to the Public Information Officer.

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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