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Int'l Organizations & UN News #18/2024

Hanh Minh To - Tuesday, October 1, 2024
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #18/2024 - October 1, 2024

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

We hope you had an engaging and exciting week as the UN General Assembly High-Level Week 2024, including the Summit of the Future and Climate Week NYC come to a close! 

In this newsletter, you will find: 
  • International Organizations News
  • IO/UNS Event Recap: State of the World Conference 
  • What We're Listening To
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight 
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Event Recap of the Summit of the Future and Climate Week NYC 2024
  • Internship Opportunities
Additionally, The Dean’s Office would like to hear your ideas and recommendations for the 2025 Class Day speaker. In previous years, SIPA featured Maria Ressa (2023), the Nobel laureate and Filipina journalist known for her work to protect media freedom and Amina J. Mohammed (2018), UN Deputy Secretary-General. For Class of 2025 only, please complete and submit your ideas and recommendations for the 2025 Class Day speaker by Friday, October 11, 2024 here.
 
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.
  • Last week, the high-level week of the UN General-Assembly took place in NYC. During his fourth and final speech to the UN General Assembly as president last Tuesday, 24 September, US President Joe Biden said the world is at an inflection point but "there’s always a way forward," and stressed, "Things can get better...We should never forget that. I've seen that through my career." His speech was optimistic but he still highlighted key problems that remain unresolved such as ceasefire in Gaza, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the "bloody civil war" in Sudan. A video of his speech can also be viewed here. Other notable speeches include: 
    • António Guterres, UN Secretary-General (watch here)
    • Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa (watch here)
    • Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados (watch here)

  • On 27 September, the UN Security Council debated the current situation on the ground in war-torn Gaza. Convening two days after its emergency meeting on Lebanon, the Security Council deliberated on the situation in the Middle East, particularly Gaza, and heard from over 25 speakers, including the Secretary-General, who again urged the sharply divided Council to unite and support an immediate ceasefire leading to the creation of a Palestinian State. Read the UN News coverage here.

  • 25 States undertook a total of 32 actions at the annual week-long Treaty Event. The main focus was on the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), with 12 additional signatures and five new ratifications.

  • During NYC Climate Week, the Climate Group's Global To-Do List was launched which included a list of seven actions for governments and businesses to take, including a ban on relining blast furnances, unleashing renewables and compensating coal workers. This list will get the world 'on-track' in the coming year to 2030. Some of the key themes of Climate Week this year focused on: the new industrial revolution, the energy and transport transition, nature, food systems, and health as well as leadership and green growth. You can watch the Opening Ceremony and a recap of the events online here.

  • On 25 September 2024, the SDG Moment 2024 highlighted the role of just transitions in revamping food systems to alleviate hunger while preserving nature, advancing the renewable energy revolution towards net-zero emissions, and ensuring that digital connectivity empowers youth, women, older people, and persons with disabilities. These transitions are essential in ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future and the SDG Moment 2024 emphasized the importance of quality education, skills development, and access to decent work as pillars of the 2030 Agenda.

  • On 25 September 2024, the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise convened global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address the urgent and escalating threat of rising sea levels. This meeting focused on building common understanding, mobilizing political leadership, and promoting multisectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration and international cooperation towards the objective of "addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise”.
Event Recap: State of the World Conference: Implementing the Pact for the Future

This past Wednesday, 25 September, IO/UNS and Institute of Global Politics co-hosted the inaugural State of the World Conference: Implementing the Pact of the Future. If you missed the event you can watch the recording here:

Panel 1: Reform of Global Governance, moderated by SIPA Professor Jean-Marie Guéhenno focused on the Summit's key outcomes with regard to global governance and how to implement them meaningfully. Featuring Michèle Griffin, Director of Our Common Agenda and the Summit of the Future, Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General; Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director of the Global Governance Forum and MIA Candidate 2025 Saru Duckworth, the panel discussed a stronger role of the UN General Assembly, meaningful youth participation and the role of universities and other stakeholders to support the implementation through advisory, research, and other means.

Panel 2: Reform of the International Financial Architecture, moderated by SIPA Professor José Antonio Ocampo, discussed how the Pact’s vision to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture, including addressing existing inequities, mobilizing adequate financing to meet the SDGs, ensuring countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development, shielding countries equitably during systemic shocks, and enabling the international financial architecture to meet the challenge of climate change. Panelists Shari Spiegel, Director of the UN's Financing for Sustainable Development Office; Iyabo Masha, Director and Head of Secretariat, Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G-24); David Passarelli, Director of the UNU Centre for Policy Research and MIA Candidate Ariadne Mael N. Putri discussed in detail how the outcome of the Summit of the Future can be implemented in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4).

And feel free to share our announcements on LinkedIn and X/Twitter.

BBC World Service: The Climate Question

What's it like like losing your home to the sea?

"Each roughly 30-minute episode focuses on a single topic. These are broad in scope – recent episodes have looked at everything from climate justice in the courtroom to whether Africa can ever leapfrog to renewables.

On the latest episode, experts predict that millions of people around the world will have to migrate by 2050 because of sea level rise linked to climate change. How will they cope? Jordan Dunbar hears stories from Fiji and the UK."

To listen to this episode, please go here."
IO/UNS Student Spotlight 

This week, we are excited to introduce Abdallatieph Sabbagh (MIA, EPD, 2025)! 

Abdallatieph's passion for multilateralism and global governance is driven by the belief that the world’s most pressing problems, such as conflict, poverty, and human rights violations, have been created by the actions of multiple actors, and solving them requires the same level of collective effort. No single nation or organization can effectively address these issues alone; it takes international cooperation and the engagement of various stakeholders. He is particularly interested in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and fostering inclusive economic and political development, especially in regions where stability and human rights are fragile. Evidence-based policymaking, combined with multilateral collaboration, is essential to generating sustainable and impactful solutions. He believes that global governance should be inclusive and equitable.

Abdallatieph has managed peacebuilding initiatives in Syria and Turkiye, collaborated with major international organizations, and was honored with Columbia University Institute for the Study of Human Rights' Human Rights Research Award. He is also a SIPA International Fellows Program (IFP) fellow. Additionally, he is a proud father, which continually inspires his commitment to creating a better world for future generations. 

You can keep keep up with Abdallatieph and follow him on Instagram: @abdallatiephsabbagh | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdallatieph-sabbagh-22b181104/
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If you would like to be featured in our spotlight, please fill out our questionnaire here!
Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

Finding a Job at the UN
IAB 411  **TODAY**

Tuesday, 01 October 2024, 1 - 2 PM ET

RSVP | EVENT INFO

 

Dr. Michal Mlynar, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat: Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future
IAB 407 & Zoom
Monday, 07 October 2024, 1 - 2:00 PM ET

RSVP | EVENT INFO
 
1 October 2024: 1 - 2:00 PM ET **TODAY**
Finding a Job at the UN 
IAB 411

Holly White is the Managing Director of HWhite Group, Boutique Human Resources consulting firm based in Brooklyn, NY focused on organizational effectiveness through alignment, engagement and development of people and teams. Holly has spent over 25 years working as a Human Resources Professional spanning the public and private sector. She spent 15 years working for the United Nations (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA) both in the US and West Africa. Holly earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and a Masters of Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Holly will share important strategies to approach and enter the UN system through formal and informal channels. For more information, see here.

7 October 2024: 1 - 2:00 PM ET 
Dr. Michal Mlynar, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat: Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future
IAB 407
Register here. 

10 October 2024: 1 - 2:00 PM ET
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Employer Information Session
IAB 404
Register on SIPAConnect here.

14 - 18 October 2024 
World Food Forum - Food and Agriculture Organization 
Virtual 
Learn more about this virtual event here.

28 October 2024
World Leader Forum: 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.

Gender Affairs Intern
Application Deadline: 1 October 2024 TODAY
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.

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