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Int'l Organizations & UN News #17/2024

Hanh Minh To - Monday, September 23, 2024
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #17/2024 - September 24, 2024

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

The United Nations' Summit of the Future just wrapped up with a focus on the Youth leading the way. The Summit of the Future went from 22 September and closed yesterday on 23 September. It adopt several landmark agreements, namely, The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations that you can access here. These outcomes cover a broad, ambitious set of issues, including a new agenda for peace, improved global governance, reform of the international financial architecture, safe digital access and AI governance and youth leading for the future. To learn more about the Summit's outcome documents and their implementation don't miss SIPA's inaugural State of the World Conference this Wednesday (RSVP here). 

The UNGA High-level week is taking place today from 24-30 September 2024, with the stage set for the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The theme of this year's general debate is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations."

In this newsletter, you will find links and information about key side events during High-Level Week and Climate Week, which we encourage you to register for and attend!

In this newsletter, you will find: 
  • International Organizations News
  • IO/UNS Event Recap: Africa's Future Pathways: charting a Course for Sustainable Development & Financial Innovation
  • IO/UNS Event Recap: Intergenerational Partnerships for a Just Climate Transition and Digital Future 
  • What We're Listening To: The daily UNGA High-Level Week podcast 
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight 
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond - including side events at the UNGA and Climate Week NYC 2024
  • 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.

In IO/UN news:

  • This past Sunday, 22 September 2024, World leaders at the UN Headquarters adopted, "Pact for the Future" with only seven countries opposing. It is a landmark declaration pledging concrete actions towards a safer, more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for future generations. Read the full draft resolution containing the Pact for the Future here.

  • On 20 September, the Security Council met in emergency session following Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut and in the south, which have left at least a dozen dead. There has also been an uptick in cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces and two days of fatal pager explosions targeting members of the militant group. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned the region now stands "on the brink of a catastrophe."

  • The past year has tested humanity in every way. Resolve: The Annual Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization 2024 shows that, despite the difficulties, progress is possible, and change is achievable.

  • Yesterday, 23 September 2024, Erik Møse, chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, said there are documented new cases of torture commited by Russian authorities against civilians and prisoners of war in occupied areas of Ukraine and in the Russian Federation. “We gathered evidence of sexual violence used as torture, mainly against male victims in detention, and of rapes targeting women in villages under Russian control,” he said. 

  • Read Crisis Group's Ten Challenges for the UN in 2024-2025.
 

Event Recap: Africa's Future Pathways: Charting a Course for Sustainable Development & Financial Innovation

This past Tuesday, 17 September, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) gave a talk on her vision for the future of dvelopment in Africa, more specifically on Africa's financial structure, the importance and need for infrastructure, the African Union's Agenda 2063, the role of universities and how it can lead to a transformative education system, health structures pertaining to vaccine manufacturing and accessibility, and more. In discussion with IO/UNS director, Professor Daniel Naujoks, Bekele-Thomas elaborated on how NEPAD’s new  "Two Agendas - One Plan" framework integrates Africa’s ambitions and operationalizes these goals over the coming decade and beyond. If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here. 

Event Recap: Intergenerational Partnerships for a Just Climate and Digital Transition

This past Friday, SIPA and the United Nations University's International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) jointly hosted an interactive workshop on Intergenerational Partnerships for a Just Climate and Digital Transition. the workshop brought together experts from various countries across the globe with Columbia University students and other relevant actors. All participants collaborated on a "Call to Action" on how to promote partnerships in the design, regulation, development, deployment, and decommissioning of digital technologies and infrastructure to address global challenges, in particular climate and health justice and well-being. The deliberations emphasized the meaningful engagement, leadership, and agency of youth.

SIPA's own Hannah Barry (MPA-DP '25) moderated the first panel and the various external experts included:
  • Xiaomeng Shen, Vice Rector, United Nations University (UNU)
  • Unni Karunakara, Director, UNU-IIGH
  • Marta Schaaf, Director, Amnesty International’s Program on Climate, Economic & Social Justice
  • Jiho Cha, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea
  • Anita Gurumurthy, Excutive Director, IT for Change and Global Digital Justice Forum
  • Claudia Lopes, Research Lead on Digital Health, UNU-IIGH
  • Bushra Ebadi, Research Associate, UNU Policy-Driven Electronic Governance
  • Daniel Naujoks, Professor & Director, UN Studies, SIPA-Columbia

The daily UNGA High-Level Week podcast

"Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers attending High-Level Week at UN Headquarters in New York have steadily ticked upwards, and this year is set to be a packed event.

If that sounds overwhelming, worry not. UN News is releasing a daily podcast mini-series, designed to make sense of it all.

Each episode of Focus on the Future will have a main topic linked to the focus of the day, and will include highlights from the GA debate, original interviews, and a colourful wrap up of the side events."

To listen to the daily UNGA High-Level Week podcast, please go here. 

IO/UNS Student Spotlight 

This week, we are excited to introduce Robert Aponte (MIA, CCE, 2026)! 

Robert is an action-oriented individual hoping to join the UN or an international non-governmental organization. He began working to protect and promote human rights as a first-year university student in 2012 when he saw human rights violations occurring daily, especially in the context of peaceful protests. More recently, he sought to alleviate Venezuela’s humanitarian emergency, where Venezuelans have lost access to essential medicine, utilities, and food supplies, causing the biggest migratory crisis the continent has ever seen.

Robert very much looks forward to IO/UN courses and extracurricular activities. He appreciates IO/UNS' offering of practicums, simulations, skills development classes, and the rigorous academic training and frameworks it will provide. They would help him understand the challenges and dilemmas in the field of global governance. As he is doing the CEE concentration, he would also like to acquire the knowledge and skills to develop a career in the intersection of human rights, sustainable development, climate transition and climate justice, possibly managing complex emergencies, and leading innovative processes of transitional justice.

He is a Venezuelan lawyer and human rights advocate as well as a co-founder and director of a non-governmental organization dedicated to reconciliation and peace-building in Venezuela's violent and politically polarized vulnerable communities since 2018. Through his previous positions, he gained extensive experience in research and analytical skills, analyzing and collecting information and data on political, social and human rights issues, writing and producing relevant documents and project proposals related to peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, strengthening democracy, citizen participation and community empowerment.
____________________
Don't be shy, we'd like to shine a light on each amazing member of the IO/UNS family. Please fill out our questionnaire here.
Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

SIPA State of the World Conference: Implementing the Pact for the Future

SIPA State of the World Conference: Implementing the Pact for the Future 
Virtual and In-Person (IAB 1501) **TOMORROW**

Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 5 - 7:30 PM ET

RSVP | EVENT INFO

 

Columbia Climate School: Climate Week NYC 2024
Columbia University
21 - 29 September 2024

 *Click on link for more updates*

RSVP | EVENT INFO

Dr. Michal Mlynar, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat: Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future
Columbia University
7 October 2024

RSVP | EVENT INFO
 
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMATE WEEK NYC 2024

What is Climate Week NYC? 
Climate Week is one of the key summits emphasizing climate action since its creation by the Climate Group in 2009. Various international leaders, civil-society actors, and others come together to discuss the importance of the issue and what action is necessary to address the climate crisis. 

Do I have to purchase tickets to attend Climate Week NYC events? 
Most of the Climate Week NYC official events are open and accessible to all, though you do need to register either for in-person or online access. The details are also available on each event's page, and several events will be streamed live. 

Key Themes Addressed Throughout the Week: 
  • The New Industrial Revolution: The shift of fossil-fuel societies to more green economies that will hopefully be applicable to corporations, business models, skills, etc. 
  • The Energy and Transport Transition: As global energy and transportation are large contributors to global emissions, there are continuing and new challenges emerging which is why it is necessary for a transition to a "net-zero transport-energy nexus." 
  • Nature, Food Systems and Health: Reducing emissions and restoring health in global food systems must improve to address the acceleration of global warming. Climate and health are linked, where the climate crisis is contributing negatively to public health. 
  • Leadership and Green Growth: In order to expedite the transition, there needs to be an increase in financing of solutions and technology. In order to convince contributors, the discussion will be centered on current and new models, collaboration between governments and the private sector and a fair and just transition process.   

SELECT UNGA SIDE EVENTS


24 September 2024, 11 AM to 1 PM ET today
Sustainable and Targeted Poverty Solutions: Using the Multidimensional Poverty Index
UN Headquarters, New York
More about the event can be found here. Please register here.

24-26 September, 2024: 10 AM ET
Climate Week NYC 2024
Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Register Here

25 September 2024, 11.30 AM - 1 PM ET
Advocacy, Coalition Building and Transformative Feminist Action (ACT) to End Violence Against Women Programme Launch
Find out more about ACT here and register to follow virtually by September 20 here.

25 - 27 September 2024
ENERGYNOW SDG7 Action Forum 2024
211 East 46th St. New York, NY 10017
This event will be in-person and online.
To learn more, please go here and for registration go here.

22 - 29 September 2024, Various timings
Climate Week, NYC Climate Group
Hybrid
For more information, see here.

25 September 2024: 2 - 5 PM ET
Pillars of the Green Transition
Newsweek, One World Trade
For more information, see here.

26 September 2024: 9:30 - 11:30 AM ET 
Climate Ring: Can Flying Get Clean? 
Performance Space New York
150 First Ave New York, NY 
Learn more here and register here. 

26 September 2024: 12 - 1.30 PM ET
Empowering the Frontlines: A conversation with Martin Ennals award-winning lawyer Alejandra Ancheita - Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef)
IAB 802
To learn more about the event and to register, please go here.
 
 
World Leaders Forum 

TUE, SEPT 24, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway

WED, SEPT 25, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Gabriel Boric Font, President of the Republic of Chile

WED, SEPT 25, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
K P Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal

THU, SEPT 26, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area

MON, OCT 28
Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court

More information and register here
 
 
Internship Opportunities

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.

Sustainable Development Goals Intern
Application Deadline: 30 September 2024
Location: New York

The UNDSDG provides leadership in promoting and coordinating implementation of the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations and serves as the global secretariat for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and provides substantive inputs to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. For more information, please visit our website at The United Nations Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is offering an internship opportunity with its

Under the supervision of a Senior Officer within DSDG, the intern will carry out responsibilities such as: Assisting with the virtiual events and training sessions; Supporting the research for the preparation of papers and reports related to the work of the Branch through the collection of data from multiple resources and assisting in reviewing and analyzing data from multiple resources; Researching and organizing information and assisting with analyzing trends; Assisting in the organization of upcoming conferences ie 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), 3rd UN Ocean Conference in 2025 and the Water Conference in 2026.

The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a senior officer of DSDG. 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), temporary FWA for the purpose of G-4 visa processing, and/or in part-time.

Gender Affairs Intern
Application Deadline: 01 October 2024
Location: New York

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Gender Affairs Focal Points for the Department of Global Communications, the intern will assist the efforts to improve gender parity and create enabling environments within the United Nations' System. Internship activities will include: Updating and creating content for the Gender Focal Point website; Assisting in planning and providing support to the Gender Brown Bag Information Sessions and other events; Drafting updates to the System-Wide Action Plan (SWAP) platform for Gender and liaising with UN Women and Office of USG; Working within the Gender database and portal to report on gender statistics; Researching of innovative approaches for creating enabling environments; Attending gender-related trainings and reporting and summarizing content; Supporting the UN system-wide implementation; Providing support to the Gender Focal Point Network, such as organizing capacity-building sessions and other meetings and events; Assisting in responding to questions and comments submitted to the Gender Focal Point intranet site; Taking minutes and notes, and assisting in drafting and editing reports and advocacy materials.

The internship is UNPAID and hybrid.

Apply Here

Economic Affairs Intern - Washington
Application Deadline: 10 October 2024 
Location: Washington 

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Carribean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. Its purpose is contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise, and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. The internship in the ECLAC Washington Office will last between 2 and 6 months, depending on the Office's needs. Candidates may be selected on an "as-needed" basis throughout the posting period. Under the supervision or overall guidance of the Office's Director and other staff, the intern will perform duties to support the team in the research agenda of the Office. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information. 

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent).
Political Affairs Intern: Information Analysis and Data Visualization 
Application Deadline: 17 October 2024 
Location: New York 

The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs-Department of Peace Operations seeks motivated interns to support the work of the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The UNOCC is a multi-party entity reporting to the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), and on peacekeeping matters to the USG for Peace Operations in the Department of Peace Operations. UNOCC’s Research and Liaison Unit delivers cross-pillar analysis, research, and data-driven services that help integrate peace and security, humanitarian, sustainable development, human rights, and operational perspectives. This internship is located in the Operations and Crisis Centre’s Research and Liaison Unit. This internship is designed to be flexible, location-wise. 

Economic Affairs Intern - New York

Application Deadline: 24 October 2024
Location: New York

The position is located in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), in the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch (IISB). OISC, under DESA, provides substantive support to the work of the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.un. org/ecosoc/en.

Duties may include, but are not limited to: Following inter-governmental meetings of ECOSOC and the General Assembly, other relevant meetings/briefings, on various economic and social issues, in particular the 2030 Agenda, and preparing summaries of their outcomes;  Following and reporting on Member States' negotiations on draft resolutions; Assisting in the substantive and organizational preparations of the ECOSOC Coordination Segment, the ECOSOC Youth Forum; and the High-level Political Forum; Supporting the organization of panel discussions, roundtables, special meetings and briefings for the membership of ECOSOC; Following the work of the ECOSOC functional commissions and expert bodies to identify key issues and trends and assisting in facilitating their engagement with the Council's work; Undertaking research on trends and key issues for the consideration of ECOSOC; Assisting in the Branch's work on interlinkages between peace and development, as well as on the Ad Hoc Advisory group on Haiti; Providing inputs to statements, speeches, briefing materials, talking points and background notes; Assisting in the Branch's work on communication (maintenance of ECOSOC and HLPF websites; social media; video production; media alert/press release; and news article); Providing support to the Branch’s work on the engagement of the regional commissions in the work of the ECOSOC as well as in supporting countries in special situations (Least Developed Countries, Land Locked; Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States); Undertaking other tasks as required This position reports to an assigned staff member at IISB. 

The internship is UNPAID and full-time. The unpaid internship is designed to be in person and full-time at the New York duty station. 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), and/or in part-time.

United Nations Population Fund - Global Internship Roster (Multiple Locations)

Application Deadline: 31 December 2024
Location: New York

The UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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