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Int'l Organizations & UN News #21/2023

Amy Younger - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #21/2023 - October 17, 2023

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

This week, we look at how the United Nations has responded, both at headquarters and on the ground to the devastating crisis in the Middle East, as well as the earthquake in Afghanistan. We hope at this time you are looking after yourselves and your community. 

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • International Organizations News
  • What We're Listening To: Lagos to Mombasa: How can Smallholder Farmers Prepare for Climate Change? 
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

Daniel, Laura, Amy & Nisha
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.

  • UN activity following the conflict in the Middle East. As the 54th Human Rights Council concluded, states and NGOs took to the floor and turned the meeting into a mini debate on the Israel-Gaza crisis. Western States focused on condemning Hamas and support for Israel’s right to self-defense. States from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab group focused on Israel’s attacks against Gaza and expressed support for the Palestinian people. Palestine and Israel also participated in the meeting and their remarks can be found here. The UN Security Council met for an emergency session on the conflict but failed to achieve unanimity needed for a joint statement, with the US and Russia disagreeing about language. Meanwhile UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced grave concern over the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza and stressed the need to prevent violence from spreading. He spoke of the need to protect civilians, as guaranteed by international law. UNRWA has reported that eleven of its staff members have been killed on the Gaza Strip since 7 October, including five teachers and other support staff. The UN relief agency has 13,000 national and international staff in Gaza. Hundreds of other employees continue working for other UN agencies. More information on how the UN delivers life-saving aid amid crises’ can be found here.

  • The 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) took place from October 9-15 in Marrakech, Morocco. You can read the official World Bank summary here, Reuter's key take-away points here and US Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen's remarks here.

  • UN teams step up their response after earthquakes in Afghanistan, which have killed over 2,000 people. UN agencies are assessing the damage and assisting in ongoing humanitarian efforts. WFP has provided emergency food assistance and IOM has dispatched medical teams to support hospitals and treat the wounded. Read more here.

  • UN peacekeepers suspended over serious misconduct charges in DRC. The UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has suspended peacekeepers following allegations that they were breaking after curfew hours and in places where transactional sex occurs. A UN spokesperson spoke of evidence indicating a serious failure in the exercise of command and control by senior military officials. Nine members of the South African contingent have been detained and confined to barracks.  

  • “Those with least, face greatest risk” said the UN Secretary-General on Friday to mark International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, as he called for countries everywhere to boost resilience and adaptation to build a safer and more just future for all. Mr. Guterres urged countries to break the cycle of poverty and disaster by honoring the 2015 Paris Agreement and strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more here.

  • Poverty is a ‘pull factor’ for child recruitment, early marriage says UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. The latest report documents more than 27,000 instances of grave violations against children caught up in war. In her latest interview, Ms. Gamba spoke of the main drivers of child recruitment and unique challenges that conflict poses to children and education systems.

  • Speakers in the Security Council call for expanding UN-AU partnership to tackle rising violence across Africa. There were calls for predictable, reliable and sustainable financing of the African Union (AU) peacekeeping operations as the continent grapples with rising challenges. The Special Representative to the African Union spoke of fruitful discussions between UN and AU representatives at a meeting in Addis Ababa and the strong commitment to meet responsibilities for peace on the continent. Read more here.

Lagos to Mombasa : How can Smallholder Farmers Prepare for Climate Change?  Centre for Global Development

More than 50 percent of Africa's workers are involved in some form of agriculture, mainly smallholder farming. These workers are the driving force of food security on the continent—and also the most likely to be impacted by climate change effects like droughts, floods, and locusts. How can they prepare for these impacts in order to mitigate them? In this episode of Lagos to Mombasa, Gyude takes on this question with Gillian Pais, Partner and leader of the Agriculture Practice in Africa at McKinsey & Company—you might remember her from this episode in Season 1. This time around, Gyude and Gillian discuss a recent McKinsey report that suggests 33 measures smallholder farmers can take to adapt to the changing climate. Together they cover the importance of localizing climate solutions, strategies to promote the uptake of climate-smart agriculture, and the role of regional organizations in sharing best practices.

Listen to the podcast here, or on all podcast apps. 

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, we are excited to introduce Rebecca Gross (MIA, ISP 2024). 

Rebecca believes that global governance represents a key connection between countries for the interest of the common good. The UN can bring countries to the table when this seems impossible. She is interested in the intersection between human rights, international law, and security. 

She is currently an intern at the UN with the Department of Safety and Security in the Gender and Inclusivity Unit. Her experience over the summer and this fall in the secretariat here in NY has given insight into the internal workings of the system and has proven to be both difficult and rewarding. After attending UNGA this year she is inspired and excited to see what the future of the UN looks like.

Outside the UN Rebecca is passionate about travelling and went to every continent before turning 14 (yes including Antarctica), now at 49 countries and counting! Rebecca loves riding horses, and never shy away from adventure.

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We'd like to shine a light on each amazing member of our IO/UNS family. Please fill out our questionnaire here.
Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

17 October | 12:10 PM - 1:10 PM 
Human Rights on the Move: Navigating Challenges for Migrant Workers in Labor Migration - In-Person
Columbia Law School

RSVP | EVENT INFO

20 October | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
Tour of the UN - In-Person
United Nations Headquarters
Waiting List Open

RSVP | EVENT INFO

24 October | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 
UN Day Festival - In-Person
IAB Fishbowl

RSVP | EVENT INFO
17 October | 5 PM - 7 PM 
707 IAB

Book Talk: Good Rebel Governance: Revolutionary Politics and Western Intervention in Syria

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 theorizes not only about the nature of authoritative rebel governance but also tests the long-standing precepts that have undergirded Western promotion of democracy abroad.

17 October | 12:10 PM - 1:10 PM 
102 B Columbia Law School

Human Rights on the Move: Navigating Challenges for Migrant Workers in Labor Migration

Join Columbia Law School's Human Rights Institute for a discussion shedding light on the human rights challenges faced by migrant workers as they navigate the precious and vulnerable landscape of labor migration, offering insights and strategies to safeguard their fundamental rights and dignity.
 
Guest speaker: Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Mr González Morales

19 October | 12:10 PM - 1:10 PM 
Jerome Green Hall                                                                                 

Can We Eradicate Poverty without Growth? – Next Steps in the Global Anti-Poverty Agenda

Please join Columbia Law School's Human Rights Institute for an interactive discussion with Olivier De Schutter, the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, as he sheds light on how to address poverty in an era of climate disaster and the challenges that come.

20 October | 2 PM - 5 PM 
UN Headquarters                                                                                 

Tour of the UN

Please us for a free tour of the UN Headquarters in New York where you will be guided through the corridors of diplomacy, visiting rooms such as the General Assembly and the Security Council (meetings permitting). 

24 October | 1 PM - 2:30 PM 
IAB Fishbowl                                                                               

UN Day Festival

UN Day, marks the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. Join us to celebrate with food, drinks, games, prizes and a photobooth!

24 October | 1 PM - 2 PM 
IAB 1302

Does Democracy have a Future in Israel? 

Israel's democratic crisis began long before the political tumult of 2023: it dates to the beginning of Israeli statehood and even earlier. Join us on Wednesday, October 24 at 1:00 PM at Columbia University, as Century International fellow Dahlia Scheindlin, author of the new book The Crooked Timber of Democracy in Israel, analyzes the erratic path of democracy in Israel.
During the in-person event, Scheindlin will dismantle myths and images about Israel's democratic history and decode the arguments now being fought so bitterly on the streets of Israel and in the halls of power. The discussion will explore the difficult questions Israel has never wanted to answer: Jewish identity and citizen equality, religion and state, borders, occupation and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the missing constitutional anchor for democratic principles.

25 October | 10 AM - 3 PM 
UNHQ

Inside Out Activation named "Peace Begins with Her & UN Tour

Founded by award-winning street artist JR in 2011, Inside Out is a platform that helps communities around the world to stand up for what they believe in and spark global change locally.  A mosaic of 50 giant portraits will be pasted on the pavement in front of the United Nations Headquarters as a reminder of the  powerful but often shunned voices of women in peace efforts. From Afghanistan to Colombia, Cyprus to South Sudan, the powerful images of UN peacekeepers, local peace activists and peacebuilders will welcome visitors on the day global leaders meet to assess trends on women’s participation at the annual UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security. 

You will also get a chance to add your own voice to the global push for women's participation by having your portrait taken and added to the collection. Please join us in this global movement to celebrate the role of women in building and protecting peace! You can see a video from our latest activation at Times Square here. 

In this context, the UN is offering 40 complimentary spots for two UN Tours with a special focus on women on the day of the event at 12.45 pm and 2.45 pm. Students are welcome to participate in the event outside the building both after and before the tours. There is no need to sign up to attend the event per se but if you're interested in the UN Tours, please sign up through this link.
25 October | 6 PM - 7:30 PM 
Pulitzer Hall

Asylum Seekers: A Story of Civil and Human Rights 

The Lipman Center's new director, Robe Imbriano, welcomes you to a conversation and presentation about the civil and human rights of asylum seekers. What's missing from the national conversation about asylum seekers, and how can we as journalists better cover these issues?

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.

Office of Special Coordinator on Improving UN's Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse - Communications Intern
Application Deadline: 27 October 2023
Location: New York

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 Secretary-General 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.

The internship is for a period of up to six months. The internship is unpaid and can be either part-time or full-time depending on your status. 

Apply Here

Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Public Information Intern
Application Deadline: 30 October 2023
Location: New York

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)/ Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) interns will gain first-hand experience with regard to the UNDESA's and DISD's activities in the area of public information and media relations.

The internship is for a minimum of two months with an opportunity for extension to a maximum of six months, UNPAID and full-time. 

Apply Here

Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate - Political Affairs Intern
Application Deadline: 06 November 2023
Location: New York

This position is located in the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate (OVRA).  The mandate of the Victims' Rights Advocate was created as part of the four-pronged strategy set out in the 2017 report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse: a new approach (A/71/818). Its mandate is directed to ensuring that the rights and dignity of victims are at the forefront of all elements of the United Nations system-wide response to sexual exploitation and abuse alleged to be perpetrated by United Nations uniformed or civilian personnel and non-United Nations troops serving under a Security Council mandate. 

The intern will support the work of the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate and work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer. 

This is a UNPAID, full-time internship for an initial period of three months, with an opportunity for extension up to a total period of six months.

Apply Here

Data Research Intern at the Department of Operational Support
Application Deadline: 13 November 2023
Location: New York

The Office of Supply Chain Management includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, the Logistics Division, the Procurement Division, the Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, the Global Service Centre, the Aviation Safety Section, and the Enabling and Outreach Service. OSCM is committed to building efficient, agile, responsive, accountable, end-to-end uniformed capabilities and supply chain solutions for all our global partners and clients.

The interns work as full members of our team, pursue projects that are designed to make a significant difference in OSCM, and have opportunities to learn about the United Nations overall.

Apply Here

Intern at Office of Special Adviser on Africa
Application Deadline: 22 November 2023
Location: New York

This position is located in the Strategic Management Unit (SMU) of the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA). OSAA is mandated to provide advisory, advocacy, coordination and monitoring services supporting Africa’s development. 
The internship is unpaid with a minimum duration of two (2) months, with an opportunity for extension depending on the needs of the Office. The internship is designed to be in person and full-time. 

Apply Here

UN Women - AWLN Project Support Intern
Application Deadline: 8 December 2023
Location: New York

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) was launched in June 2017 in New York. The AWLN seeks to enhance the leadership of African women in the transformation of the continent, in line with the Africa Agenda 2063 and the Global Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. AWLN serves as a continental platform to galvanize women’s leadership towards lasting peace and sustainable development, the promotion of gender equality, and women’s empowerment in all sectors and at all levels, building on, and working with, existing women networks. 

The Project Support Intern will work closely with the AWLN Policy Analyst; as a person supporting the implementation of a women's leadership project, the intern’s duties and responsibilities would be crucial in ensuring the success and impact of the initiative.

Apply Here
International Rescue Committee - Refugee Resettlement Intern
Application Deadline: 31st December 2023
Location: New York

This is a part time internship, The Resettlement Intern will assist case management staff in providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees as they adjust to their new lives in the US. (S)he will play a key role in helping refugee families access needed benefits and services within their first to six months in the United States. The intern will also perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date. 

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
Amy Younger, Program Assistant, ay2564@columbia.edu
Nisha Karki, Program Assistant, nk2960@columbia.edu