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Int'l Organizations & UN News #23/2023

Nisha Karki - Monday, October 30, 2023
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #23/2023 - October 31, 2023

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

Echoing President Shafik's and Dean Yarhi-Milho's message to our community, we want to reiterate our support to all members of our community and appeal to everyone to stand in solidarity against hatred. Peace is as strong as our unity, but also as fragile as the cracks in our biases. In these trying times, let us prevail.

“Peace must be made real and tangible in the daily existence of every individual in need. Peace must be sought, above all, because it is the condition for every member of the human family to live a life of dignity and security.” - Kofi Annan, Nobel Prize lecture, December 10, 2001.

In response to the vicious attacks against several Columbia and SIPA students last week, an Open Letter from Columbia and Barnard faculty takes a stand in "defense of robust debate about the history and meaning of the war in Israel/Gaza."

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • International Organizations News
  • What We're Listening To: 
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight
  • Explainer- What is a UN General Assembly emergency special session and why it matters
  • Event Recap: The UN Day at SIPA
  • 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.

  • General Assembly adopts a resolution calling for an immediate, sustained humanitarian truce leading to the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The UN General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution on Friday, 27 October 2023, calling for an immediate and sustained "humanitarian truce" in Gaza leading to a cessation of hostilities. The resolution also demanded aid access to the besieged Gaza Strip and protection of civilians. By a recorded vote of 121 in favor to 14 against, with 44 abstentions, the Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” (document A/ES-10/L.25), demanding that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Resuming the 193-member organ’s tenth emergency special session on the “Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the General Assembly called for immediate, full, sustained, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other UN humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners. It also called for the rescinding of the order by Israel, the occupying Power, for Palestinian civilians and United Nations staff to evacuate all areas in the Gaza Strip north of the Wadi Gaza and relocate to southern Gaza. Read more here.
  • Celebrating UN Day, the Secretary-General thanks teams across the Middle East standing up for peace. Observing the 78th United Nations Day, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed "the unprecedented challenge [that] transcends borders and affects us all." Read the full remarks here or the Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East here.

  • World Cities Day: Financing a sustainable urban future for all. On 31 October, World Cities Day, the international community highlights the interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities addressing challenges of urbanization, and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world. You can watch the proceedings of this year's event here.
  • Member States to begin consultations on Pact for the Future. UNGA President Dennis Francis circulated a letter from the co-facilitators of the intergovernmental preparatory process for the Summit of the Future regarding the schedule of informal consultations. The co-facilitators will hold informal consultations on the preparations of the Pact for the Future on 9 November, where they will outline their approach, timeline, and plans for consultations in the coming months.

    Following this initial meeting, the co-facilitators will convene a series of closed informal consultations in December “to hear directly from Member States on the substantive issues that they would like to see reflected in the zero draft of the Pact for the Future on a chapter-by-chapter basis.” The consultations, to be held in December, include chapters on (1) Sustainable Development & Financing for Development; (2) International Peace & Security; (3) Science, Technology & Innovation; Digital Cooperation; (4) Youth & Future Generations; and (5) Transforming Global Governance. Read more here.
  • New UN advisory body will address AI governance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the creation of a 39-member advisory body to address issues in the international governance of artificial intelligence. Members include tech company executives, government officials from Spain to Saudi Arabia, and academics from countries such as the U.S., Russia, and Japan. Representatives also come from six continents with diverse backgrounds. The advisory board includes SIPA professor and President of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer; Alondra Nelson, now Harold F. Linder Professor at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study, who served as inaugural Dean of Columbia's Social Science; Mohamed Farahat, who used to as a legal analyst for the Global Freedom of Expression-Columbia University and Haksoo Ko, Chairman of Republic of Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, who holds a J.D. and Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia. The Body will focus on (1) Risks and challenges of AI; (2) Enablers and opportunities for the SDGs; (3) International governance of AI. Read more here.

  • The world celebrates the inaugural day of care and support. On October 29th, the world marks the first International Day of Care and Support, following a landmark United Nations Declaration that recognizes care and support as cornerstones for sustainable development and accelerators of equality. This first International Day of Care and Support serves to rally national governments, international organizations, and development agencies to take action and renew commitments to create systems that promote the acknowledgment of care and support work. With the global demand for domestic workers likely to grow, the International Labour Organization report "Care work and care jobs for the future of decent work" takes a deep look at unpaid and paid care work and its relationship with the changing world of work.

None Of Us Are Too Small To Make A Difference: Humanitarian & Author Of I Am A Girl From Africa Elizabeth Nyamayaro - 3 TakeAways Podcast by Lynn Thoman 

Elizabeth Nyamayaro is the author of I Am A Girl From Africa, Special Advisor at the United Nations World Food Programme, and founder of the HeForShe movement.  In this podcast, she shares her near-death experience and how she used adversity to create an opportunity to do greater things. “None of us are too small to make a difference.” Ultimately, Elizabeth shares her three takeaways, guiding us on how each of us can make a difference.

The podcast 3 Takeaways is hosted by Lynn Thoman, who is also a professor at SIPA. 3 Takeaways features intimate conversations and insights from the world’s best thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, scientists, and other newsmakers. Each episode ends with the 3 key takeaways the leading figure has learned over their career.

Listen to the podcast here, or at Apple podcast.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, we are excited to introduce Adam de Picot (MPA, ISP 2024). 

Adam views himself as a problem-solver, adept at quickly grasping new issues, synthesizing diverse qualitative information sources, and showcasing nuanced human, commercial, and political judgment when interpreting data. His past experience of researching for Charles Conn and Rob McLean's book "The Imperfectionists", reinforced his belief that even the most intricate problems have solutions and the best problem-solvers are cultivated, not merely born. His mindset of curiosity and collective intelligence derived from data and experiments spurred him to develop real-world solutions to the looming climate catastrophe, culminating in a social impact bond with the Nature Conservancy to safeguard endangered ecosystem fisheries and water quality.

Adam has long held an interest in multipolar political classification, having previously studied the composition of economic, security, and ideological alignments. As geopolitical swing states have emerged as pivotal actors shaping global events, there is no better time to immerse oneself in this field of study, which is driven by personal insights and career direction. The current construct of the global order remains an omnipresent pillar against the backdrop of a tumultuous geopolitical mosaic. The war in Ukraine, the prospect of escalating conflict in the Middle East, proxy battles in the Sahel region, and trade fracases between global hegemonic powers all underscore this notion. In 2023, pivot states are becoming more assertive in great power rivalry, leveraging their economic strengths for greater influence.

Having traveled to over 80 nations across six continents, Adam applies a global view and appreciation of the roles that culture, history, economics, and sociology play in shaping a nation's global ambitions. His Australian and French heritage further allows him to infuse both European and Asia-Pacific perspectives, fostering a comprehensive and critical assessment. Adam is driven to explore the significance of vast capital reservoirs, global investment readiness, and the strategies employed by developed economies and visionary leaders within established frameworks.

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

What is a UN General Assembly emergency special session and why it matters?

As the UN’s 193 Member States meet on how to address the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, in this UN News explainer, the UN takes a look at how the current rarely convened General Assembly emergency special session came about, what it means, and why it matters.

Event Recap: The UN Day at SIPA

Last week, the SIPA community came together to celebrate United Nations Day, marking 78 years since the entry into force in 1945 of the UN charter. This was an opportunity for students to mingle, learn, and talk about the purpose of the United Nations. Students discussed their favorite SDGs, took photos in the photo booth, played games, and enjoyed refreshments. Congratulations to the winners of the raffle and those who did the quiz – and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

Tomorrow 1 November | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
Finding a Job at the UN- Career Event

IAB 410

RSVP | EVENT INFO

02 November | 7: 00 PM - 9:00 PM

Open Mic & Poetry Night: Diaspora Stories
Suite Bar at 992 Amsterdam Ave, NY 

RSVP | EVENT INFO

03 November | 1: 00 PM - 2:00 PM

Managing Humanitarian Crisis: A Conversation with Su'ad Jarbawi
IAB 801

RSVP | EVENT INFO
01 November | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IAB 410

Career Event - Finding a Job at the UN

Holly White is the Managing Director of HWhite Group, a 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 sectors. 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 Master of Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Holly will share strategies to approach and enter the UN system through formal and informal channels.

This event is organized by the Career Advancement Center.

Register Here

02 November | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Suite Bar, 992 Amsterdam Ave.

Open Mic & Poetry Night: Diaspora Stories

The Migration Working Group's second annual Open Mic night will be held at a bar called SUITE near Columbia: 992 Amsterdam Ave @ 7 pm. Food from Roti Roll and drinks will be served! This event serves to create a safe space for students to share their migration and diaspora stories in whatever form they desire #VoiceYourStory. 

RSVP here
03 November| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IAB 801

Managing Humanitarian Crisis

Join EPD, HRHP, and MEI for a discussion with Su‘ad Jarbawi. Su’ad was formerly the international relations and aid management consultant for the Palestinian National Authority. She also served as a program manager for CHF International and as the Middle East regional director for Mercy Corps. Su’ad received her Master of International Affairs from Columbia's SIPA in the field of Economic and Political Development.

The discussion will be hybrid on Zoom and in-person, lunch will be provided.

RSVP here

03 November | 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM 
Fayerweather Hall, 1180 Amsterdam Ave

A Global and Transhistorical View of Artificial Intelligence: Labor and Rights

This panel discussion on issues typically overlooked in recent debates on artificial intelligence brings together leading scholars of AI's exploitative labor practices, and the embedded exclusionary injustices and uneven geographies. 

The event marks the beginning of a robust conversation hosted by the Committee on Global Thought in partnership with other institutions at Columbia and beyond, about the social and historical basis of AI with the aim of creating a critical theoretical, praxis-oriented, and multi-disciplinary approach towards this newest form of techno-futurism.

For more information and to reserve a spot, go to bit.ly/cgt_ai.
17 November | 9:00 PM - 12:15 PM 
Skyline Ballroom, Faculty House, Columbia University

Energy Opportunity Forum: Catalyzing Energy for Development and Social Progress

Join the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs for the inaugural Energy Opportunity Forum hosted by the Energy Opportunity Lab (EOL).

The annual Energy Opportunity Forum brings together global leaders, champion practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders who are deploying innovative sustainable energy solutions to catalyze healthy and prosperous communities in the United States and emerging economies.  

Register here.

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.

Policy, Procedure, and Guidance Intern - UN Women 
Application Deadline: 01 November 2023
Location: New York

The Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) within the Strategy, Planning, Resources, and Effectiveness Division (SPRED) focuses on assisting UN Women and partners to achieve higher-quality development results through an integrated approach that links strategic planning and Results-Based Management (RBM) with more effective and new ways of working.  The SPU is the custodian of RBM as well as field and HQ level strategic planning and results-based reporting in UN Women. The SPU provides quality assurance on strategic planning and results reporting exercises at the corporate and field levels. It takes a collaborative approach to strategic planning and programmatic learning, creating space for innovation enabling UN Women and its partners to be more effective, knowledgeable, and data-driven, and driving higher quality UN Women programming.  It is also charged with engagement in all planning inter-agency initiatives. SPU is also the leading unit as the business owner for UN Women results management systems to support strategic planning and results-based monitoring and reporting processes as well as data aggregation and analysis to communicate results with stakeholders.

Under the supervision of the Business Process Specialist, the intern will support the rollout of the Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting (PMR) Policy and the development of the PMR Procedure and Guidance. 

Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UN Women to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship.

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

Partnerships, Policy, and Communications Intern - UNCDF
Application Deadline: 30 November 2023
Location: New York

UNCDF is seeking an intern to be part of the Partnerships, Policy, and Communications Unit (PPC) in its Headquarters located in New York, United States. Working under the guidance and supervision of the Head of PPC, and working closely with PPC staff, the intern will support the ongoing work plan and goals of the unit, including but not limited to expanding partnerships; preparing policy briefs for high-level meetings; supporting the launch of major initiatives on blended finance and enterprises in Africa; and building and maintaining a base of knowledge about the Member States.

The internship manager is committed to providing the intern with the training, guidance, and support necessary to complete the duties and responsibilities effectively and within the internship period. This will include, but not be limited to, scheduled meetings (weekly) to assess output progress, systems training (where required), and completion of required university reports for the purpose of meeting any necessary Degree requirements.

The maximum internship duration is 6 months. Interns are partially financially remunerated by UNCDF. 

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: 31 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

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