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Int'l Organizations & UN News #23/2024

Hanh Minh To - Thursday, November 7, 2024
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #23/2024 - November 7, 2024

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

We hope everyone is recovering from a whirlwind of an election! It's not yet clear what the new political constellation in Washington means for the UN and multilateral cooperation, but for first glimpses, you can read Foreign Policy's take on What Trump’s Win Means for U.S. Foreign Policy and Trump’s Foreign-Policy Influencers or Al jazeera's What does Trump 2.0 mean for US foreign policy? One can also only start to speculate this development means for the election of the next UN Secretary-General (who will take office in January 2027). 

This past week, the world's largest biodiversity summit, COP16 took place in Colombia, covering multiple landmark decisions including the first agreements on nature's genetic data and the recognition of people of African descent and Indigenous Peoples as major contributors to conservation efforts. In addition, the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) took place in Cairo where thousands of UN representatives and delegates attended to discuss the future of sustainable development.

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • International Organizations News
  • Podcast - What We're Listening To: Mindfulness and Diplomacy: A conversation with Jon Kabat-Zinn
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight 
  • New on Multilateralism in Action
  • Spotlighted Events 
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • 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.
  • A resolution sponsored by 24 countries, ranging from those affected by the legacy of nuclear testing, such as Kazakhstan, to NATO members, like Norway, that support the use of nuclear weapons in their defense is being discussed in a UN committee on disarmament. Last Friday, 01 November 2024, the resolution was approved by 144 countries; 30 abstained; Britain, France and Russia voted no.

  • More than 190 nations signed up to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Colombia for the 16th Conference of the Parties or COP16, a meeting held every two years to agree on commitments to safeguard the environment. The slogan of the meeting is ‘Peace with Nature’, recognising that economic development should not come at the expense of the environment. The convention’s main objectives are to protect 30% of the planet, including terrestrial, marine and freshwater areas, transforming them into protected areas by the end of this decade.

  • On 4 November 2024, Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health has partnered with UNICEF, WHO and Gavi, and the Vaccine Alliance to launched its first malaria vaccination campaign, despite 18 months of civil conflict. Malaria is still the leading cause of childhood mortality, and had claimed 7,900 lives in Sudan in 2023.

  • On 4 November 2024, thousands of UN representatives and delegates attended the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, along with many voices from Africa and other countries to discuss the future of sustainable urban development. The Forum is biennially convened by UN-Habitat, and it has helped to collect data on cases and build partnerships to find solutions to the global housing crisis.

  • ​​UN-Habitat's World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action finds that more than two billion people currently living in cities could be exposed to an additional temperature increase of at least 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2040. “Almost no urban resident will be unaffected, with billions of people subjected to hotter temperatures or exposed to the risks of flooding and other threats,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. The report also underscores a significant funding gap for resilient urban infrastructure.

  • 5 November 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and World Tsunami Awareness Day. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of early warning systems as the best protection and cost-effective tools against tsunamis and other climate disasters. More than 230,000 people lost their lives in one of the "deadliest disasters in recent history." More than 700 million people worldwide are still at risk from tsunamis.
https://universaldeclarationhumanrights75.podbean.com/e/minfulness-and-diplomacy-a-conversation-with-jon-kabat-zinn/

Mindfulness and Diplomacy: A conversation with Jon Kabat-Zinn

"In this special episode, we take a look at mindfulness and how it can be useful in the world of diplomacy and humanitarian work. During the International Mental Health Week, the UN Human Rights Office Wellbeing Unit’s Mindfulness Initiative hosted an insightful event on "Mindfulness in UN Work and Diplomacy." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and Jon Kabat-Zinn, creator of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, discussed how mindfulness can enhance resilience, well-being, and effectiveness for UN staff and diplomats, benefiting both their work and the communities they serve."

You can listen to this podcast here.
IO/UNS Student Spotlight 

This week, we are excited to introduce David Sangji Kim (MIA, EPD, 2025)!

David's journey at Columbia and his hands-on roles in government and humanitarian initiatives have prepared him deeply for a career dedicated to international development and advocacy within the UN or an NGO. At Columbia, David's studies in Political Science and now at SIPA in Economic and Political Development and UN Studies have been enriched by engaging with professors and peers from around the world. These interactions provide a unique understanding of diverse policy perspectives and the nuances of global challenges, sharpening his strategic thinking for a role in international organizations.

In his role at the Korean National Assembly, working with Supreme Council Member Yang Hyangja, David took on responsibilities that directly impacted national economic policy. He coordinated across departments to streamline the budget review process, identifying and addressing discrepancies to ensure transparent and effective financial allocation. This work taught him not only the value of accuracy in policy work but also the importance of collaborative communication—a crucial skill for international governance. Additionally, his internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul allowed him to work on Bilateral Investment Treaties with countries like Georgia, Angola, and Serbia, where he conducted research and drafted reports to strengthen Korea’s international economic partnerships. This role gave David firsthand experience in international law and diplomacy, skills that align with the operational demands of international NGOs and the UN.

David's commitment to humanitarian work was further strengthened when he organized a fundraising initiative to build water tanks in Tanzania, providing clean water to a community in need. Witnessing the transformative power of accessible resources has fueled his determination to focus on global health and education access, particularly in underserved regions. Each of these experiences has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to global development initiatives. Columbia has been the foundation of this journey, providing a robust academic framework that, together with his professional experiences, has prepared him to advocate for equity and sustainability on an international scale. You can follow David on instagram: @sangjidavidkim 

____________________

Help your classmates get to know you more. If you would like to be featured in our spotlight, please fill out our questionnaire here!
Spotlighted Events 

Alumni Panel: Charting a Career Path in the Migration Space
IAB 418 
Thursday, 7 Nov 2024, 1-2:30 PM ET *TODAY*

 

RSVP | EVENT INFO

cglink.me/2e9/r1928168

Women, Peace, and Security in Practice
IAB 405 
Monday, 11 Nov 2024, 1-2:00 PM ET






RSVP | EVENT INFO

sipa.campusgroups.com/ioun/rsvp_boot?id=1928178

How to Get A Job at The UN
IAB 407 and online
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 1-2:15 PM ET

 

RSVP | EVENT INFO

www.eventbrite.com/e/doves-in-zero-gravity-film-screening-and-panel-discussion-tickets-1053381886579

Responding to Key Global Challenges: The India Way
IAB 1501, The Kellogg Center 
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2024, 4-5:30 PM ET

RSVP | EVENT INFO

07 November, 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET
Alumni Panel - Charting a Career Path in the Migration Space 
IAB 418
*TODAY*

Join SIPA alumni in the migration space! Moderated by IO/UNS Director, Professor Daniel Naujoks, panelists will discuss their professional career paths, their current roles, as well as challenges and trends in immigration policy. Lunch will be provided.

Please register here.

11 November, 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
Women, Peace, and Security in Practice 
IAB 405

A panel discussion following the anniversary of UNSCR 1325 to discuss the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the future of peacebuilding efforts in diverse contexts worldwide. It will highlight case studies of initiatives from women peacekeepers on the ground and the localization of 1325 by local women peacebuilders at the community, local, and national levels. The panel aims to foster exchange between civil society, the UN, and academia to advance efforts to implement the women, peace and security agenda in practice. Moderated by HRHP student, Bonnie Ewart-Fisher.

Please register here.

14 + 21 November, 9.00am ET
Digital Skills Learning Series: Digital Capacity Building for the UN 2.0 Agenda + How to design inclusive digital products and programs
Online

Developing strong digital skills is key to building future-ready organisations, enabling us to navigate and make the most of new digital solutions and approaches. That's why we're excited to dedicate this month to Digital Capacity Building and speak about Digital Skills in our two part series starting with a Digital Skills Knowledge Webinar on November 14th, 9 AM ET, with Susan Teltscher, Head of the Capacity and Digital Skills Division at ITU who will share a recap of the key themes and insights from this year’s Digital Skills Forum and introduce ITU’s updated Digital Skills Toolkit. To share an offer for all UN colleagues to upskill, Berin McKenzie, Head of Knowledge Centre for Leadership and Management at UNSSC, will join us to present the new UN 2.0 Fundamentals E-Learning Path for Digital.

We will build on this conversation on November 21st, 9AM ET with a Digital Skills Learning Session dedicated to the question “How to design inclusive digital products and programmes”. To explore this topic, we are excited to welcome Gerda Binder, Senior Advisor, Gender & Technology at UNICEF, who will introduce UNICEF’s GenderTech Toolkit, created to support teams in building digital solutions with a gender lens. We are also looking forward to being joined by Jose Medina, Digital Innovation Specialist at UNDP who will share insights from UNDP’s Digital Fitness Program and how it aims to empower teams  to confidently design and implement digital solutions with the user at the centre.

RSVP for the Knowledge Webinar on Nov 14 here
RSVP for the Knowledge Webinar on Nov 21 here

11 - 22 November
COP29 UN Climate Change Conference Baku 
Baku, Azerbaijan & Virtual

The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is held annually, with the Presidency rotating between the five recognised UN regions. This year, Azerbaijan has been selected as the Presidency of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), to be hosted in Baku this November. COP has adopted the Paris Agreement and will assess the status of the world's progress toward climate change mitigation and adaptation and adopt new measures and procedures. 

Schedule and Public Webcast, see here
General UNFCCC COP info, see here
Host country website, see here

11 - 22 November
Countdown to COP 29: In Solidarity for a Green World
Baku, Azerbaijan & Virtual

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, commencing on 11 November 2024. In preparation, COP 29 has launched a virtual platform that allows registered participants to join and view conference proceedings. Additionally, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has invited Heads of State and Government to attend the World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS), on 12 and 13 November 2024. Stay updated with the latest on COP 29.

30 October - 08 November
Climate Classroom: Your Guide to COP 29 
Online

The Climate Classroom is a short, interactive learning experience designed to help those attending or following climate meetings get quickly up-to-speed on climate issues. The Climate Classroom @ COP29 will be UN CC: Learn’s 12th edition. The team of experts will deliver a series of free online classes that introduce learners to a range of climate change topics. Explore and register for online classes.

12 November, 10:00 - 11:00 am ET
Insight Series - Publication Talks on Assembly for Peace: a Digital Handbook on the UN General Assembly's Past Pratice on Peace and Security
Virtual

The United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Library invites you to a virtual event on Tuesday, 12 November: Insight Series – Publication Talks on Assembly for Peace: a digital handbook on the UN General Assembly’s past practice on peace and security. Lead author Erica Gaston, Head of Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace Programme at United Nations University Centre for Policy Research, will present the new research publication that was launched in September 2024. Find more information and register now.

12 November, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm ET
Famine: Starvation as a Toll of War in Yemen, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Gaza
8th Floor Auditorium, ARB, 722 W. 168th St. & Online

The Program on Forced Migration and Health is hosting a special event with Alex de Waal. Professor de Waal will examine the key metrics for different food crises and famines and explore the patterns of causation. 

Professor de Waal is an authority on famine and has worked on the Horn of Africa since the 1980s as a researcher and practitioner. He was listed among Foreign Policy's 100 most influential international intellectuals in 2008 and Atlantic's 29 'brave thinkers' in 2009 and is the winner of the Huxley Award of the Royal Anthropological Institue in 2024. 

Please register here. 

13 November, 1 - 2:15 PM ET
How to Get a Job at the UN
IAB 407 and Online

Join Professor Daniel Naujoks, Director of the IO/UNS Specialization at SIPA, for a discussion on how to get a job at the UN and for other field-related questions and answers.

Register on here.

13 November 2024: 1 - 2:00 PM ET
Department of State - Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Info Session
IAB 410

This employer information session offers insight on full-time, career employment opportunities within the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). PRM is a humanitarian bureau of the State Department, which focuses on offering protection, helping those that are forcibly displaced or persecuted, etc. They focus on humanitarian policy and diplomacy, while also working with multilateral organizations to build global partnerships and promoting best practices to humanitarian responses. 

Register on SIPAConnect here.

14 November 2024: 4:30 - 6:00 PM ET
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's Role in Achieving the SDGs: Youth Empowerment and Anti-Corruption
IAB 402B

Join this amazing discussion on "Youth Empowerment and Anti-Corruption: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's Role in Achieving the SDGs." This event is hosted by SIPA's MPA in Development Practice Program, featuring Jonathan Bourguignon, a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer and Roberta Falvo, an Anti-Corruption Associate Expert. The discussion will focus on innovative approaches in the fight against corruption and addresses how youth can play a role in the transparency and framework of the SDGs. 

Register on CampusGroups here.

14 November 2024, 6:00 - 9:00 PM ET
Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Doves in Zero Gravity
Italian Academy at Columbia University (1181 Amsterdam Ave.)

Join us in the world première screening of "Doves in Zero Gravity", a documentary film about the prolonged crisis in Mali and the fate of MINUSMA, the deadliest peacekeeping mission in UN history. The film's director Christophe Gargot (From Arusha to Arusha) will be in attendance and will participate in a discussion panel led by Kent Director Jean-Marie Guéhenno which will address the future of UN peace operations in the context of a changing global order.

Register here.

19 November 2024, 1:00 -  2:30 PM ET
EPD Virtual Career Series
Virtual

Featuring insights into International Development & Humanitarian Organizations and Development and Public Sector Consulting, this event will provide valuable guidance for students interested in exploring careers in these sectors.

Register here.

EPD Alumni Panel Topics: 

·        International Development and Humanitarian Organizations

·        Development and Public Sector Consulting

Participating Companies / Organizations: 

  • World Bank
  • United Nations
  • USAID
  • KPMG
  • Citi
  • More to confirm...

The Panels will meet twice, so you can attend both during the zoom event.

Event Format:

1:00pm - 1:10pm: Welcome and Introductions (main zoom room)

1:10pm - 1:45pm: First Breakout Session / Panel 

1:50pm - 2:25pm: Second Breakout Session / Panel 

2:25pm - 2:30pm:  Thank you / Farewell. (main Zoom room) 

All SIPA students are welcome, and you can register directly via ZOOM. Don’t miss this opportunity to bridge your career path to success! 

2 December 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, please go 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.

Intern - Addressing Mis/Disinformation in Peacekeeping Settings 

Application Deadline: 10 November 2024
Location: New York

*Flexible: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid* 
This internship is located in the Addressing Mis/Disinformation Team in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS), Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DEPT) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The Addressing Mis and disinformation Team is working to strengthen the monitoring, analysis and responses to mis/disinformation and hate speech, in order to strengthen information integrity in mission settings. The Intern will report to the Policy Officer and the Senior Programme Management Officer of the Addressing Misinformation/Disinformation Team. 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). 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. 

Communications and Design Intern

Application Deadline: 10 November 2024
Location: New York

*In-person, full-time and part-time will be considered* 
The mission of the United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) is to help Secretariat entities, including peace operations, departments and offices, succeed by providing rapid, effective, efficient and responsible support services. Its core services include supply chain management, operational human resources management, health-care management, support for uniformed capabilities, support to entities in special situations, information and communications technology (ICT) support, and UNHQ facility management. The Office of the Under-Secretary-General of Operational Support provides direct executive and management support to DOS leadership. Our work covers DOS strategy, performance, and analytics; as well as communication, coordination, and external relations. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work four to five days per week (20 to 35 hours), with supervision and support of a staff member. Interns are expected to come into the office at least three days a week, in keeping with UNHQ-NY hybrid working policies. *The preferred start date of the Communications and Design internship is mid-January 2025 with an initial duration of three months, which may be extended depending on the needs of the office, to a maximum duration of 6 months*. 

Gender and Rule of Law Intern

Application Deadline: 11 November 2024
Location: New York

Supporting OROLSI to advance international gender equality norms and the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) 
*Desired start date is 22 November 2024 or sooner* 
This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). OROLSI is comprised of five components: Police Division; Justice and Corrections Service; Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section; Security Sector Reform Unit; and UN Mine Action Service. The Gender and Rule of Law Intern will support OROLSI to advance international gender equality norms and the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). Under the overall supervision of the Gender Affairs Officer, the incumbent will support OROLSI in advancing the following goals: Goal 1: Enhance coordination and provision of strategic guidance and gender affairs-related technical support to OROLSI Functions: 1. Support the organization of meetings of the OROLSI Coordination Group on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS), including by preparing presentations, sending invites, taking timely notes, and organizing meetings with gender focal points at OROLSI field components. 2. Support the management of the OROLSI WPS knowledge hub in the Microsoft Teams channel, including by updating and adding events, saving documents and sharing regular information among members of the Group. 3. Attend assigned meetings and events and prepare concise summary notes 4. Support the development and coordination of inputs to relevant UN reports Goal 2: Increase understanding of where policy and operational gaps remain and what practical steps could be taken by OROLSI to accelerate gender equality. You can read more about the goals and responsibilities in the application description. 

UN Internship in Outreach Division 

Application Deadline: 12 November 2024
Location: New York

This internship is in the Creative Community Outreach Initiative (CCOI) and Messenger of Peace Programme Unit at the United Nations. The Internship is in the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications, in the NGO Relations, Advocacy and Special Events Section, specifically with the team that manages the UN's Creative Community Outreach Initiative (CCOI) and Messenger of Peace (MOP) Programme. CCOI promotes partnerships and collaborations with the global entertainment industry, including film, television, documentaries, new media, sport and music; the MoP Programme coordinates the advocacy work of the UN Messengers of Peace on behalf of the Organization and coordinates policy on celebrity advocacy, including Goodwill Ambassadors, across the UN System globally. One internship is available. The internship is for a period of six months and the expected start date is 6 January, 2025. As the hiring of the positions are on a rolling basis, we encourage candidates to apply at their earliest convenience. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days a week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the office to which they are assigned. This internship is designed to be full-time and in-person in New York but can be adjusted based on the request of the successful candidate. For more information about the Creative Community Outreach Initiative, please visit: https://www.un.org/en/ccoi For more information about the Messenger of Peace programme, please visit: https://www.un.org/en/mop ==Responsibilities== The selected interns may perform some of the following functions: - Providing support for projects undertaken with external partners from the entertainment or sports industries, such as drafting of background materials, taking meeting notes, etc. - Monitoring and reporting on social media activities of the Messengers of Peace and other influencers in support of the UN; and collating metrics on advocacy engagement. - Assisting with the planning and organization of special events, filming projects and other in-person activities at UN Headquarters. - Drafting, formatting, editing and posting original content for the team's two websites. - Assisting in the drafting of communications materials, including concept notes, talking points, presentations and press releases. - Monitoring the applications to the Football for the Goals membership daily and process the applications.

Apply here.

Department of Peace Operations - Intern 

Application Deadline: 13 November 2024
Location: New York

Supporting the Development and Management of a SharePoint site for the Evaluation Team, DPET, DPO
*Desired start date is 20 November 2024 or sooner*  
The duration of the internship is for three (3) to six (6) months. The internship is UNPAID and may be either full-time or part-time. It should be noted that full-time internship working hours are 35 hours per week, while part-time internship working hours are 20 hours per week. The internship will be undertaken either remotely outside the duty station or in a hybrid working arrangement at the UN Premise, New York, United States. Responsibilities are primarily to assist with the development and implementation of SharePoint Project through the following activities: • Map existing systems, identify needs and gaps, and propose solutions using SharePoint features • Liaise with relevant personnel to collect and review information for SharePoint site input • Develop interactive data, auto-generate reports with Power BI, and enable data export features • Design a user-friendly, dynamic SharePoint architecture • Lead user testing and make adjustments as needed • Prepare guidance notes and document system developments • Support the launch of the SharePoint site and assist with training personnel • Monitor the SharePoint site weekly and provide timely responses to queries • Maintain and update the SharePoint site • Participate in weekly team meetings • Provide weekly progress reports on development objectives and work plan implementation • Organize meeting notes, agendas, and manage the issues list for corrective actions. 

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

Intern - Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Application Deadline: 16 November 2024
Location: New York

The Statistics intern positions are in the various branches within the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in New York. Statistics interns typically report to the Chief of a Section or to a Statistician. The DESA/SD internship is for two months with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of the department. For more information about the Office, please visit https://unstats.un.org/home/. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours). 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), part-time, and/or temporary FWA for the purpose of G-4 visa processing.

*Be sure to read more about the responsibilities of this position* 

Apply Here

Political Affairs Intern

Application Deadline: 22 November 2024
Location: New York

*Flexible (in-person preferred/hybrid)*
*Desired start date 30 December 2024 or sooner* 
This internship is designed to be full-time and in-person but can be adjusted based on the needs of the successful candidate to part-time (20 hours per week) and/or remote. We seek a motivated intern 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. The UNOCC supports UN senior leadership decision-making through the delivery of situational awareness, cross-pillar analytics, preventive engagement, and crisis and risk management. This position is located in the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The incumbent reports to the Head of the UNOCC Watch Room. The UNOCC Watch Room provides rapid situational awareness and analysis of events in the field, in order to enable informed, coordinated and timely decision-making and strategic engagement on operations and crisis management at UN Headquarters (UNHQ) through 24/7 support to senior managers across the UN system. Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Head of UNOCC Watch Room, and in consultation with a Coordination Officer, the Intern will over the course of the assignment: • Support the Watch Room in analysis and visualization of structured and unstructured data extracted from UNOCC Data Repositories; • Support the drafting and formatting of meeting minutes, outcome notes, briefings, country profiles, visual aids and/or presentations to UN senior leadership; • Conducting open-source monitoring and research; • Support with the organization of enhanced monitoring and crisis management meetings; and • Undertake other assignments as required. Be sure to read more about this position on the website! 

Apply Here

Policy and Research Intern: In-depth Research and Data Analysis for Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations  

Application Deadline: 4 December 2024
Location: New York

*Flexible (in-person, remote, or hybrid)*
Two positions are available for this internship opportunity. These internship positions are located in the Policy, Advocacy, Donor Relations and Outreach Section of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms. As a specialized Service of the United Nations located within the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated official. For more information on UNMAS please visit www.unmas.org. The two internship positions will be undertaken during two different periods: from April 2025 to October 2025 and from October 2025 to April 2026. The intern will support the Policy Team and duties may include, but are not limited to: 1. Assist in researching, drafting, and preparing documents and policies; 2. Conduct background research and provide support to concept papers on mine action policy; issues, relevant conventions, and researching States compliance with mine action relevant treaties; 3. Identify, review and monitor key documents by UN legislative bodies; 4. Assist in researching and elaborating draft strategies and policies; 5. Provide support to the planning and organization of events; 6. Assist in outreach to UNMAS programmes to gather, synthesize and analyze data/information; 7. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

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.

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Environmental Affairs Intern 
Application Deadline: 30 March 2025
Location: New York

The Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch (IPRB) in the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is accepting applications for internships. The prospective intern should have a background in international relations, economics, sustainable development, or a related and relevant social science, including web-based applications. The selected intern(s) will be responsible for one or more of the following duties in general for specific activities. The intern(s) will provide substantive support and assistance to OISC/IPRB's support to United Nations intergovernmental deliberations of the General Assembly (GA), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) especially to sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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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