Contemporary UN peacekeeping operations protect civilians, organize elections, assist with security sector reform, run radio stations, promote local reconciliation, and finance small-scale reconstruction activities. UN Blue Helmets can undertake up to 41 distinct tasks. This is very different from Cold War-era “traditional peacekeeping”, which focused on the monitoring of ceasefires and the separation of forces. In Who Is Behind the Expansion of UN Peacekeeping Mandates?, Kseniya Oksamytna, Senior Lecturer at City, University of London explains why UN peacekeeping mandates have expanded so significantly in scope over the last 35 years. Drawing on her award-winning book Advocacy and Change in International Organizations: Communication, Protection, and Reconstruction in UN Peacekeeping (Oxford University Press, 2023), Oksamytna traces the evolution of three agendas in UN peacekeeping: public information and strategic communications, protection of civilians, and quick impact projects to show how advocacy by key individuals – diplomats, bureaucrats, and experts – drove this process. Her insights highlight that international organizations are more adaptive than we think. New agendas emerge through bottom-up innovation by international bureaucrats, outside-in advice by experts, and top-down issue construction in intergovernmental forums. However, the emergence and institutionalization of new issues requires skilful, sometimes multi-year advocacy by dedicated diplomats, officials, or experts.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Human Rights Lawyer
9 April, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Low Library, Room/Arena: Rotunda

A conversation with Oleksandra Matviichuk, Human Rights Lawyer, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties (2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winner) Columbia University students are invited to participate in a moderated question and answer session.

RSVP here.

Book Talk: Good Rebel Governance with Dipali Mukhopadhyay
11 April, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
IAB 1302 

When a revolutionary uprising erupted in Syria during the spring of 2011, pockets of local resistance and the nascent institutions therein transformed into clusters of rudimentary participatory politics and service delivery. Despite the collective fatigue induced by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States and its allies embarked on an effort to encourage liberal, democratic politics amid the Syrian conflict. As a result, the project of “good rebel governance” became the latest attempt at Western democracy promotion. This book moves the scholarship on insurgent rule forward by considering how governing authority arises and evolves during violent conflict, and whether particular institutions of insurgent rule can be cultivated through foreign intervention. In so doing, the book not only theorizes about the nature of authoritative rebel governance but also tests the long-standing precepts that have undergirded Western promotion of democracy abroad.

RSVP here.

"Economic Issues in the European Union" with Debora Revoltella (European Investment Bank)
15 April, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
IAB 404

Join the Center on Global Economy and Governance and the MPA in Economic Policy Management for the series: “The World Economy: Views of Chief Economists," presenting world renowned economists from the private and public sector to discuss current global economic challenges and their perspectives of the future.

On April 15, 2024, Debora Revoltella, Director of the Economics Department of the European Investment Bank (EIB), will deliver the lecture: "Economic Issues in the European Union".  

RSVP here.

Landing a Job at the World Bank: A Conversation with Recent SIPA Alumni
15 April, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Online 

Join recent SIPA alumni, including Ambrose Wong '23, Program Analyst, G2Px and Tirtha Patel '23, McNamara Fellow, Development Economics Vice Presidency, for a discussion on their work and how they landed their jobs out of SIPA. Bring questions for Q&A. 

RSVP here.

The European Union as a Global Human Rights Actor: Up to the Challenge?
15 April, 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
WJW 309

Under its founding Treaties, the European Union (EU) has set for itself the goal to “advance in the wider world … the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms”. How did the EU come to this bold objective? How is the EU pursuing it? What developments have we seen in the past 15 years, after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon? Are the EU’s internal and external policies and actions consistent with this goal? Are they effective? What achievements have there been, and what challenges does the EU face in a turbulent world, where liberal democracies are facing huge challenges and autocratic regimes seem on the rise? How does internal rule of law backsliding within the Union affect the EU’s ability to promote human rights abroad?

RSVP here.

The Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats for the United Nations System
15 April, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IAB 407

The global ICT environment is facing a dramatic increase in the malicious use of ICTs by State and non-State actors.  The misuse of ICTs poses a risk for all States and may harm international peace and security. 

Protecting the United Nations' data, resources, and reputation is vitally important. As the Organization stores, processes, and shares more and more sensitive information electronically, preventing breaches is paramount. The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) was tasked with establishing an information risk management regime and supporting policies for the Secretariat. In 2013, OICT developed an action plan to address the most urgent shortcomings and mitigate specific risks. That action plan is now moving to maintenance mode and OICT continues to proactively implement effective measures to address both short- and long-term information security concerns.

The discussion will trace the evolution of cybersecurity threats faced by the United Nations System over the last decades, focusing on the objectives, motivation and techniques of various types of threat actors, and the ways in which the institutional awareness, understanding and response has progressed and the organization has adjusted in terms of policies as well as technical and administrative risk mitigation measures.

RSVP here.

High Level Policy Dialogue on 23/24 HRD Report
16 April, 03:00 PM - 4:30 PM
UNHQ, Delegates Dining Room

Following the global launch of the 2023-2024 Human Development Report (HDR) last month, UNDP is organizing a high-level policy dialogue that will draw on the findings of the latest HDR for a conversation between the UNDP Administrator and eminent leaders and scholars, in an interactive setting with the audience. 

RSVP here.

Columbia Global Energy Summit 2024 
16 April, 8:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Online

The Columbia Global Energy Summit 2024, hosted by the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, is an annual event dedicated to thought-provoking discussions around the critical energy and climate challenges facing the global community.

This year’s day-long Summit will address myriad issues at the heart of today’s complex geopolitical, environmental and economic landscape, including the impact of climate change and the energy transition on geopolitics and security; the outlook for clean energy deployment in the face of growing policy support, as well as challenges such as interest rates, permitting reform and trade conflict; pathways to mobilize finance for clean energy in emerging and developing economies; energy justice imperatives; and the impact for energy and climate policy in key elections around the world in 2024. 

Speakers include:

• Selwin Hart- Assistant Secretary-General, Climate Action Team. Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Change
• Avinash Persaud- Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President, Inter-American Development Bank

RSVP here.

Panel discussion on Abolishing Nuclear Weapons 
23 April, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Kellogg Center, Room 1512

Panelists include: Representatives from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons - Seth Shelden and Ivana Nikolic Hughes, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Chemistry, Columbia University, an expert in the field; Zhangeldy Syrymbet, representative of the Kazakh Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

RSVP here.

IO/UNS & UNA End of Year Celebration
3rd May, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
IAB 1512

Join the International Organization and the United Nations Studies Specialization and SIPA's United Nations Association, as we celebrate the end of the academic year, the graduation of some and the continuation of others. We look forward to spend the evening with food, drinks, and interesting discussions. We will also be announcing the winners of the 2024 IO/UNS Awards. 

RSVP here.

UNITAR Global Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) Fellowship Programme, Spring 2024 Cohort
19 Apr 2024 - 28 Jun 2024
Deadline: April 17
NB: This is a fellowship that participants have to pay for. 

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has created an innovative curriculum that offers a transformative learning experience focused on diplomacy. This cutting-edge program provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from seasoned diplomats who are actively shaping international relations and politics. It is specifically designed for students enrolled in disciplines such as Political Science, International Relations, Urban Affairs, or related fields, as well as those who aspire to pursue a career in diplomacy.

The curriculum offered by UNITAR reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, empowering students to envision a brighter future through diplomacy. It is tailored to foster a deep appreciation for the dynamics of world affairs and cultivates a passion for making a positive impact on a global scale.

These courses will be taught by distinguished Ambassadors and high level UN Officials. This program is designed for students pursuing political science, international relations, global studies or related programs and are in their senior year in undergraduate, and any in Masters/ Graduate program. Research students and professionals can also apply. Students of the program will earn a Certificate of Completion. Sessions are tentatively scheduled to take place every Friday from 10:00 am – 01:00 pm EST (TBC).

This programme will take place online and costs $2,000
Please email reem.ebid@unitar.org with your resume/CV and a cover letter for your interest in this programme. More information here and in the brochure that is attached to this newsletter. Event Focal Point: hannah.gana@unitar.org. 

The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions. The Guidance, Learning and Reporting Section (GLRS) is recruiting interns for 2024. There are two internship positions available. They are located in the Partnership and Reporting Unit of GLRS at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York. Under the supervision of the Head of the Strategic Partnership and Reporting Unit of GLRS, the intern will provide support to the team on the development of CERF- and CBPF-related publications and advocacy products, as well as support a variety of analytical processes related to the pooled funds and their strategic partnerships. More concretely, the intern will be responsible for the following tasks: • Assisting in preparing high-level events, including meetings of the CBPF Pooled Fund Working Group and CERF Advisory Group, and the CERF Annual High-Level Pledging Event. • Supporting research and analytical work on CERF- and CBPFs-related humanitarian topics. • Providing support in the drafting of CERF and CBPF visibility/communication products, including related to key thematic priority areas and concrete allocations. • Supporting the drafting of talking points and briefings for senior staff. • Supporting data analysis for publications, visibility products and briefings. • Performing any other support functions GLRS as required.

Please apply for a SIPA International Organizations Internship Stipend. We will support a few self-organized internships at international organizations that take place (or begin) in the summer of 2024. Internships must be unpaid, and in-principle should be full-time. To apply, you must have an official acceptance letter. Due to funding requirements, the fellowship is limited to SIPA students enrolled in the summer and fall of 2024. 

This internship is located in the Office of the Special Coordinator on improving United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA). The Office supports the ongoing efforts of the SecretaryGeneral and the leadership of United Nations offices, departments, funds and programmes, along with other Implementing Partners, to strengthen the response to sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian, development and human rights sectors. Responsibilities Within the delegated authority the Political Affairs Intern will perform the following duties: • Conduct research on issues related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse including data collection and analysis; • Support in implementing internal and external communications strategies through the use of webbased tools; • Provide general office support services; drafting and/or processing a variety of correspondence and other communications; • Assist in preparing, updating and maintaining a variety of presentations and other communications materials; • Undertake other responsibilities, as required.

Apply Here

Within the limits of delegated authority the Intern will be required to perform the following: •Support monitoring of relevant developments regarding efforts to end violence against children; •Assist with routine administrative tasks related to the work of the Office of the SRSG-VAC; •Assist in organizing conferences, events, and meetings; •Assist with note-taking and writing summaries/action points of internal and external meetings; •Assist members of the team with research and other related tasks; •Assist regional focal points in research at national, sub-regional and regional levels, updating country profiles and preparing country visits in the affiliated region. •Assist the team members in strengthening child participation in the work of the Office, including in preparing and translating child friendly documents, collecting and documenting child and youth-led initiatives to eliminate all forms of violence at local, national, sub-regional, and regional levels, and helping grow the network of organizations encouraging children’s participation in vulnerable settings; •Accompany team members to online and/or in-person meetings with delegates from Permanent Missions to meetings with other Secretariat offices and to sessions of the Security Council, General Assembly and other multilateral meetings; •Assist with the preparation of the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of the Mandate and with the preparation of public information (such as press releases, social media material, presentations and documents); and •Perform any other functions as requested by the supervisor.

Apply Here