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Int'l Organizations & UN News #19/2024

Daniel Naujoks - Wednesday, October 9, 2024
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #19/2024 - October 9, 2024

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

In this newsletter, you will find: 
  • International Organizations News
  • IO/UNS Event Recap: Dr. Michal Mlynar, DED of UN-Habitat: Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future
  • Podcast - What We're Listening To
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight 
  • SIPA Capstone Workshops on UN/IO
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

For Class of 2025 only, if you have recommendations for the 2025 Class Day speaker, please submit your ideas and recommendations 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.

  • 7 October 2024 marked the one-year anniversary since the Hamas-led terror attack occurred and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, continues to urge both parties to engage in a ceasefire and calls on the international community to "never stop working for a lasting solution" to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. 
  • On October 2, accusing UN Secretary-General Guterres of “backing” Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran, Israel declared the UNSG a PNG, a persona non grata, and barred him from entering the country. The Security Council immediately expressed its full support for Guterres. It stated that “any decision not to engage with the U.N. Secretary-General or the United Nations is counterproductive, especially in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East.”

  • Last Friday, 4 October 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has approved the first monkeypox diagnostic test for emergency use, which will boost diagnostic capacity in countries facing outbreaks of the disease. WHO said early diagnosis is critical as it enables timely treatment and care, as well as control of the virus. 

  • On 3 October 2024, the UK announced an agreement has been reached to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, putting an end to decades of dispute and negotiation over Britain's last African colony. This agreement took place after 13 rounds of talks which started in 2022 after Mauritian calls for sovereignty were recognized by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the UN General Assembly in 2019 and 2021.

  • On 1 October 2024, UN humanitarians launched a $426 million appeal for Lebanon to support one million people uprooted by widespread Israeli shelling amid what Israel has described as a "limited, localised and targeted" ground operation into Lebanon, across the UN-patrolled line of separation. “We do not have enough supplies, we do not have enough capacity and that’s exactly why we are launching this appeal because we need this additional injection of funds to actually procure it and capacities in place to increase the response which is not where it should be, because we are, as usual, running after the facts,” said UN aid coordination office, OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke.
  • You can find a comprehensive recap of proceedings of this year's UN General Assembly here.

 

Event Recap: Dr. Michal Mlynár, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat: Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future

On World Habitat Day, yesterday, Monday, 7 October, Dr. Michal Mlynár, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat spoke about the UN Human Settlements Agency's work and the upcoming World Urban Forum in Cairo.

Mlynár discussed the importance of partnerships with academic institutions and the youth sector, SDG localization, and youth engagement through recreational and educational activities in forging a path to a better urban future. He further mentioned, "there is currently a global housing crisis, and if we wanted to close the housing gap in terms of adequate and affordable housing, you would need to build 96,000 houses a day." Though he adds that this may not be feasibly possible due to varying factors, consisting of land availability, funding, water, etc. As a result, he highlights the significance of urban centers, better infrastructure policies and long-term policy interventions and policy planning designed with the communities themselves to fully address the global housing crisis issue. By 2050, cities are projected to be 70% urban and 30% rural in which today it is currently the opposite. In discussion with Hanh Minh Angela To, MPA, ISP '25 student, Mlynár states, '"our future is urban."' Be sure to watch the recording for more details on this insightful and engaging conversation with Dr. Michal Mlynár.
I promised I will tell the story - Muhannad Hadi - UN Deputy Special Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

"Muhannad Hadi knew that humanitarian work was his calling from an early age. Now UN Deputy Special Coordinator and humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he is devoting himself to helping to alleviate the unimaginable suffering in Gaza. 

“They told me that agony, 24/7. They told me what they go through from the morning until they drop asleep, out of exhaustion. And I promised that I will tell the story.”

The UN estimates that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has displaced up to 1.9 million people – 90% of the population - many of whom have fled multiple times. In this episode, Muhannad Hadi reflects on the horrendous conditions in Gaza, the importance of having a supportive family, and how his time volunteering in Jordan led to a lifelong humanitarian career."

You can listen to this episode of the Awake at Night - a podcast with Melissa Fleming here.
IO/UNS Student Spotlight 

This week, we are excited to introduce Indri Ariyani (MIA, EPD, 2025)! 

Indri’s passion for diplomacy, security affairs, international law, and energy transition is rooted in her experience as a diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. She has coordinated numerous diplomatic initiatives as well as state and high-level visits, contributing to bilateral agreements across various sectors, including both economic and political spheres.

A key aspect of her work involves promoting Indonesian businesses globally, particularly in European markets. She monitors trends and identifies opportunities for these companies to thrive. As a Foreign Service Officer, Indri has also served as an official interpreter for the Indonesian Foreign Minister and participated in major international events like the G20 Leaders' Summit in Bali. More recently, she was assigned to participate in the Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Her interest in multilateralism stems from a deep commitment to fostering cooperation between nations to tackle the most pressing global challenges. In an increasingly interconnected world, she believes that collective action is the key to addressing complex issues like climate change, security threats, and economic instability. She is particularly passionate about how global governance structures can drive equitable solutions, ensuring that no nation is left behind!

Indri is a curious explorer who loves discovering new cultures and places. Whether she’s traveling to far-off lands, soaking up history in museums, or hunting for quirky art galleries, she believes every adventure is a chance to add a splash of fun to her journey!

You can keep up with Indri and follow her on Instagram: @indriariyani | LinkedIn
____________________
If you would like to be featured in our spotlight, please fill out our questionnaire here!

Spring 2025 Capstone projects are now available online for students to view and apply! Students will have until October 23rd (12pm) to apply. Below is a list of Capstone project that specifically focus on IOs. For more information, all 2024-2025 Capstone applicants are invited to attend a webinar on the Capstone application process on October 10th: 1:00-2:00pm via Zoom and on October 15th: 1:00-2:00pm via Zoom.

Capstone Client Project Title Faculty Advisor
International Criminal Court Diplomatic Strategy Development for ICC Engagement with a Non-Member State Kirsti Samuels
International Labour Organization Fostering Growth and Sustainability in the Fishing Supply Chain by Enhancing Decent Work: The Case of South Africa Scott Martin
International Peace Institute The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda at 25 Gizem Acikgoz
UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia Youth Engagement and Mobilization: Disaster Management For and By Children and Youth Suzanne Hollmann
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) Empowering Cities to Build and Manage Resilient Infrastructure in Support of the SDGs Isabelle Delalex
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Building Assessments for Twin Green and Digital Transition Readiness in Europe and Central Asian Cities Nilda Mesa
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Sustainable Finance Hub Partnership for Action on Climate Transition: Modeling Private Investment Needs for NDC Success Ingrid Dyott
World Bank Group (2030 Water Resources Group) Scaling Water Reuse in Cities Daniel Shemie
World Bank Group (Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation Global Practice) Drivers of Sustainable Investment from Domestic Institutional Investors in Emerging Market Fernando Sotelino
World Bank Group (International Finance Corporation, Financial Institutions Group) What Questions Need to be Asked for Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Insurance to Assist Smallholder Farmers and Humanitarian Funds? Daniel Osg
         Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

 

UN Day Festival
IAB Fishbowl 
Thursday, 24 October 2024, 12-2 PM

United Nations Day, on 24th October, marks the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. Join our UN Day celebration with food and drinks, games, prizes and a photo booth!
RSVP | EVENT INFO

October 24, 6.15-7.30pm

The Forever Crisis: Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity
1302 IAB & Online
RSVP | EVENT INFO

United Nations Association Annual UN Day Race: Gender Equality
*If interested, please message the IO/UNS team to be added to a group for this event*
Meetup Location: Park Entrance at the Corner of E 60th St and 5th Ave
Saturday, 26 October 2024, 11:00 AM ET

RSVP | EVENT INFO
 
10 October 2024: 1 - 2:00 PM ET * Tomorrow*
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Employer Information Session
IAB 404 
Register on SIPAConnect here.
 
 
2 December 2024
*Submission Deadline: 14 October 2024*
Call for Panels: Financing for Development Dialogues: From Evidence to Action
UN HQ New York, NY

As part of the preparatory activities for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), to be held in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025, we invite think tanks, universities, research networks and other relevant academic stakeholders to submit proposals for panels to be presented during an Academic Day on Monday 2 December 2024 at UN Headquarters in New York. The event will take place immediately before the second session of the preparatory committee for FfD4, and will bring together academic researchers, think tanks, and delegates to discuss evidence-based solutions and innovative ideas on financing for development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The academic day will include high-level discussions between researchers and policy makers alongside more technical sessions focusing on specific financing policy issues. The event will also serve as a platform to present initial findings from the report of the International Commission of Experts on Financing for Development.

More information here
 
 

14 - 18 October 2024
World Food Forum - Food and Agriculture Organization
Rome & Virtual

The World Food Forum will be held from 14 to 18 October at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy. It serves as the premier global platform to actively shape agrifood systems for a better food future, accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through youth action, science and innovation, and investment, the WFF forges new paths of action and multi-sector partnerships for agrifood impact at the local, regional and global levels to achieve a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and hunger-free future for all.

Learn more about this virtual event here and RSVP here here.

 
 

28 October 2024: 6 - 7:00 PM ET
World Leader Forum: Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court
Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
Register here

 
 
25 - 26 October 2024 
21st Annual Columbia Africa Conference
Columbia Business School

Over 2 days, the Columbia Africa Conference brings together 70+ speakers on 15+ panels, including H.E. Special Envoy of the Paris Pact for Peoples and Planet (4P) and President of Senegal Macky Sall

RSVP here 

 
 

30 October 2024: 1 - 2:00 PM ET
Careers in UN and UNDP hosted by GPC Global People Culture Consulting Employer Information Session
Virtual
Register on SIPAConnect here.
 

 

October 24, 6.15-7.30pm
The Forever Crisis: Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity
1302 IAB & Online
RSVP here

Today’s polycrisis means we are locked in perpetual battle against risks that feel one step ahead of us. Whether the accel­erating impacts of climate change, newly emerging deadly viruses, fast-spreading wars, or artificial general intelligence, our responses are slow and often poorly fit to the problem. On UN Day, join us for a book talk with Professor Adam Day on his new book The Forever Crisis that offers an innovative approach to global governance in an era of interrelated planetary challenges. Day, who also serves as Head of the Geneva Office of the UN University Centre for Policy Research, argues that the complexity of today’s risks requires a complex, adaptive response. Drawing from complex systems like ant colonies, central nervous systems, galaxies, and markets, The Forever Crisis offers concrete, actionable proposals for evolving our global governance system. It provides scholars and policymakers with a dynamic approach to addressing the systemic risks facing the planet today and tomorrow.
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.

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).
Apply Here
Intern - Evaluation
Application Deadline: 16 October 2024 
Location: New York 

 
This internship position is located in the Inspection and Evaluation Division (IED), Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), under the supervision of a Chief of Section. OIOS-IED conducts independent inspections and evaluations on behalf of the Secretary-General and Member States. OIOS-IED's objective is "To strengthen accountability, learning, efficiency, effectiveness and impact in the implementation of programmes and the relevance of administrative procedures and to assess whether the activities correspond to the mandates." More information on OIOS and IED is available at: https://oios.un.org/. OIOS-IED is seeking graduate students who wish to gain professional experience in an international organization to supplement their studies. The internship provides practical educational experience working in a multicultural and intergovernmental organization. Under the supervision of managers of OIOS-IED, the intern is assigned projects and tasks that are relevant to their educational background and interests and provide them with the opportunity to apply and further develop their theoretical knowledge. OIOS-IED is offering an internship for a minimum duration of 3 months, with the possibility of extension up to 6 months. For more specific details on the internship, be sure to review the "duties and responsbilities" and "qualifications" sections. 
Apply Here
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. 

Apply Here
Political Affairs Intern: Peacekeeping Knowledge Management and Guidance 
Application Deadline: 19 October 2024 
Location: New York 

*Desired start date is 6 January 2025 or sooner*
This internship is UNPAID and is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours per week), on the United Nations premises (New York, USA). This internship is located in the Knowledge Management and Guidance Team in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS), Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) is mandated to develop and disseminate the policy and doctrine guiding the work of Peacekeeping Operations. In addition, the division has the responsibility to evaluate, at the request of the heads of the departments, how those policies are being applied, gather lessons learned and best practices, and use that information to guide the development, coordination and delivery of standardized training, so as to complete the learning cycle. DPET is also responsible for developing and maintaining strategic cooperation with various UN and external partners. The Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) is part of the Policy Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) of the Department of Peace Operations. It provides support to both DPO and DOS. The core function of PBPS is to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations through the exchange of good practices between missions, the development of guidance material that reflects lessons learned, and thematic policy support in selected areas. PBPS also leads several reform processes. Responsibilities of this internship will encompass many aspects of the Peacekeeping Policy and Best Practices Service's work.

Apply Here

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.

Apply Here

Intern - United Nations Sustainable Development Group System - Wide Evaluation Office

Application Deadline: 2 November 2024
Location: New York

*In-person or remote, full-time and part-time will be considered* 

The Secretary-General established the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office to strengthen the oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. The System-Wide Evaluation Office commissions a small number of independent system-wide evaluations on strategic development issues to provide a credible evaluation input to system-wide policy and agenda-setting, as well as operational implementation and decision-making. Ongoing evaluations include Evaluation of the Spotlight Initiative; System-wide evaluation of country programme derivation from Cooperation Frameworks and UNCT configuration; Evaluation of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. The Office also has a key role in mapping the availability of evaluation evidence to enhance collective knowledge sharing and promote learning through the production of syntheses and summaries of evaluation evidence. Further priorities include consolidation of the foundations of the office, including guidance, governance mechanisms, systems development and communications. Internship Duties The System-Wide Evaluation Office is seeking graduate students who wish to gain professional experience in an international organization to supplement their studies. The internship provides practical educational experience working in an independent evaluation office in a multicultural and intergovernmental organization. Under the supervision of experienced managers, interns are assigned projects and tasks that are relevant to their educational background and interests and provided with the opportunity to apply and further develop their theoretical knowledge and gain exposure to the work of the United Nations Secretariat. Interns report to full-time professional staff in the System-Wide Evaluation Office. Desired start date: November. Duration: 2-6 months

Apply Here

UN Affairs and ITC New York Office Intern

Application Deadline: 15 November 2024
Location: New York


The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint development assistance agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). ITC is the only international agency fully dedicated to the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through aid for trade. Working with partners to strengthen the competitiveness of MSME exporters, ITC helps to build vibrant, sustainable export sectors that provide entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable communities. ITC’s representative office to the United Nations in New York works to: raise the visibility of trade as a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development; deepen ITC's partnerships within and beyond the UN system; and raise the profile of ITC at the UN headquarters. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall supervision of the Head of the ITC Office to the United Nations in New York, the selected intern will: • Undertake research and policy analysis on trade and international development issues in ITC priority areas, especially the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Track intergovernmental meetings on trade and economic development issues, including entrepreneurship, green and resilient economic recovery, women’s economic empowerment, and other topics in ITC priority areas. • Support ITC engagement with Permanent Missions of Member States to the United Nations: analyzing country information, identifying development programme activities related to ITC strategic priorities. • Contribute to talking points, meeting notes, and reports relevant to ITC’s priority areas. • Provide administration and communication support (including social media). • Assist in the planning and hosting of events. • Undertake any additional duties as required. Be sure to read more about what you may gain through this internship.

Apply Here

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.

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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