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Int'l Organizations & UN News #25/2023

Amy Younger - Tuesday, November 14, 2023
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #25/2023 - November 14, 2023

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

This week's header is a picture of the "Chagall Window", located in the New York headquarters, created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. On 18 September 1961, Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash alongside 15 UN staff members while en route to negotiate peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Chagall Window was set up as a living memorial for Hammarskjöld and his team. It serves as a symbol of hope and international cooperation, reminding visitors of the UN's mission to promote peace, diplomacy, and global unity.

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • International Organizations News
  • What We're Listening To: Into Africa: Cooking Up a Storm from Dakar to Brooklyn
  • 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.

  • UNHCR warns Darfur atrocities of 20 years ago may reoccur. More than 800 people have been reportedly killed by armed groups in Ardamata, West Darfur, an area which has so far been less affected by the conflict that erupted in April. Two decades ago, thousands were killed across Darfur and millions displaced in fighting between Sudanese Government forces backed by allied militia known as the Janjaweed on one side, and rebel groups resisting the autocratic rule of President Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted in 2019. The UN refugee agency expressed alarm over reports of continued sexual violence, torture, arbitrary killings, extortion of civilians and targeting of specific ethnic groups and warned that a similar dynamic to 20 years ago may be occurring. Read more here.

  • The UN rights chief Volker Türk reiterated increasingly urgent calls on Friday for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to allow lifesaving relief, the release of all hostages taken from Israel and a “sustainable” end to the “nightmarish” situation for those trapped in the enclave. Speaking of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, Mr Türk reiterated the need for justice, accountability and remedy for victims of these atrocious crimes.  The head of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini also called for an end to the fighting in Gaza in an Op-Ed, saying it could lead to "a new generation" of violence. "The present course chosen by the Israeli authorities will not bring the peace and stability that both Israelis and Palestinians want and deserve,". He continued: "To the contrary, it is creating a new generation of aggrieved Palestinians who are likely to continue the cycle of violence." On Sunday, UN agencies issued an urgent call for international action to end the ongoing attacks on hospitals, as Israeli forces battle Palestinian militants in the heart of the Gaza Strip.

  • WHO releases new research on breast cancer diagnosis inequality. The study of more than two million women across 81 countries published on Thursday found “striking” variations across countries and regions. Close to one in three women diagnosed with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa for example were found to have later-stage tumors which had spread from their original location, compared to just one in 10 in Europe and North America. The report also shows that a higher proportion of women with low socioeconomic status were diagnosed with later-stage tumors.

  • More than 1.6 million people in Somalia could be affected by the recent unusually heavy seasonal rains, the United Nations has warned. The UN has released $25m (£20.5m) in aid, describing the floods as a "once-in-a-century event." Meanwhile FAO has launched an updated Anticipatory Action and Response Plan to reduce the projected impacts of this climate phenomenon on agricultural livelihoods and food security of the most at-risk and vulnerable populations. The Plan currently prioritizes actions in 34 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean which were identified based on an assessment of historical impacts of El Niño and other key factors, such as the latest seasonal climate forecasts, agricultural seasonality, and current vulnerabilities.

  • The G7 foreign ministers met in Tokyo this week and released a statement declaring they are more “united than ever in the pursuit of international peace, security, and prosperity”. They addressed various global issues, including the situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, Russia's aggression in Ukraine, challenges related to China, developments in the Indo-Pacific, the Central Asia and South Caucasus regions, Iran's actions, and their support for Africa and its representation in international forums. They emphasized the importance of diplomacy and the need for responsible behavior on the world stage while urging the resolution of conflicts and humanitarian crises and advocating for human rights and good governance. The statement can be found here. 

  • Ukraine is ready to start process of joining European Union, Commission says. The bloc said detailed negotiations should begin next year, recommending that the same process should also start with Moldova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who applied for EU membership in February 2022, shortly before Russia invaded his country, welcomed Wednesday’s announcement.

  • United Nations Security Council suspends the pullout, for three months, of African Union troops from Somalia, where fighting rages with al-Shabab extremists in East Africa. The decision follows a request by the Horn of Africa nation for the forces to remain in the country. Somalia’s request was supported by the African Union, all countries that contribute soldiers to the force and the council, which agreed to delay the pullout of the 19,000-strong AU force for 90 days. Read more here.

Into Africa: Cooking Up a Storm from Dakar to Brooklyn.

Yes, Chef! Mvemba is joined by Pierre Thiam, a renowned chef, author, and social activist. Hailing from Senegal, Chef Thiam is best known for bringing West African cuisine to the global fine-dining world. Chef Thiam and Mvemba discuss making it in the fine dining world in New York City, the stunning diversity of food from the continent, finding inspiration in tradition, the miracle grain "fonio" and bringing Senegalese food to American supermarkets.

Listen to the podcast here or on other podcast apps.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, we are excited to introduce Kelechi Dimgba (MIA, USP 2025). 

Kelechi is interested in multilateralism and global governance because as a first-generation Nigerian American, giving back to the global community has played an essential role in her life. She has volunteered at non-profits and these experiences have fueled her desire to become a Foreign Service Officer. Traveling in Africa and studying abroad in Europe focusing on global families helped her realize there is a need to empower women. She is interested in how pregnant Black women are treated by the medical system as a global health issue and wants to learn how the environment directly affects a population's level of health, looking at epidemiologic research and global health surveillance data, to see how both capture the themes of racism and disparity. Kelechi sees SIPA as an opportunity to analyze and develop social policies to increase access to economic opportunities.

Kelechi participated in sports during her undergraduate studies (basketball and track) which has helped her form what it means to be on a team. Kelechi wants to take this skill set and apply it to her academic career, relationships, and future aspirations.

You can follow Kelechi on instagram @kaydimgba
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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

Mobilizing Action toward the Global Compact on Refugees

On November 13, Gillian Triggs, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection spoke to students at SIPA in discussion with Kian Tajbakhsh, Senior Advisor for the Committee on Forced Migration, Shabnam Fayyaz, Employment Coordinator at the International Rescue Committee's Refugee Resettlement Program and former Columbia Displaced Student Scholar and Professor Daniel Naujoks, Director of SIPA IO/UN studies. The Assistant High Commissioner shared new developments in refugee protection and the progress made in the mobility space and the Global Compact on Refugees. She highlighted the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships and pledges by groups of states, as well as non-state actors to create better opportunities for refugee protection. She also stressed the improvements of humanitarian and development actors working together, such as the World Bank's support for refugee entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camps. She stressed how the upcoming Global Refugee Forum provides an important opportunity for the world to expand commitments, while also acknowledging the limitations the work and influence of the UN Refugee Agency face.

Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

https://sipa.campusgroups.com/hrhp/rsvp_boot?id=1926785

TODAY 14 November | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Negotiating Access for Aid in Ukraine
IAB 411

RSVP | EVENT INFO
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nfte-un-global-goals-conversation-23-a-world-series-of-innovation-program-tickets-689467725527?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

15 November | 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

NFTE UN Global Goals Conversation
One Manhattan West

RSVP | EVENT INFO
https://ilas.columbia.edu/events/collective-rights-and-human-rights-education

17 November | 7: 00 PM - 8:30 PM

Collective Rights and Human Rights Education: Lessons from the Indigenous Navigator
IAB 802

RSVP | EVENT INFO
14 November | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM 
IAB 411

Negotiating Access for Aid in Ukraine

HRHP is excited to host Denise Brown to speak about her current role as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine and the different stakeholders and politics involved in securing access to aid for civilians in need throughout the country. Denise Brown will also speak about her experience as a woman in leadership roles at the World Food Program in countries around the world. The discussion will be hybrid on Zoom and in-person. Refreshments will be provided.

Ms. Denise Brown is the head of the United Nations in Ukraine. Since August 2022 she has been serving as UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, overseeing the coordination of the humanitarian response in Ukraine and the UN’s support for recovery. Ms. Brown has more than 26 years of experience working in international settings.

RSVP here.

14 November | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM 
Columbia Business School

Book Talk: How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps

We all depend heavily on nonprofits — for education, health care, social services, spiritual fulfillment, and much more. But unfortunately, too many nonprofits let us down, hobbled by inefficiency, infighting, and inertia. So what should we do?
In his new book, "How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps: Bringing Out the Best in Nonprofits," David Schizer, Harvey R. Miller Professor of Law and Economics and Dean Emeritus at Columbia Law School, exposes the root causes of these problems and explains how to solve them.
He also highlights impressive achievements by distinguished nonprofits, including 92NY's launch of Giving Tuesday. 

RSVP here.

14 November | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM 

Distinguished Leaders Dinner Series: Diego Mesa Puyo

The Public-Private Cooperation Club is proud to announce its Fall 2023 "Distinguished Leaders Dinner." As a part of our signature events happening once every semester, this dinner is created with the aim of having one-on-one conversations with important stakeholders from different organizations. The special guest for Fall 2023 is Diego Mesa Puyo, Former Minister of Energy and Mines, Colombia.

NOTE: This event is waitlist-only. You will be moved from the waitlist to the main list based on your response to the questions during the registration process.

RSVP here.

15 November | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
IAB 405

Challenges to Democracy in Central America

Join in learning about elections in North and Central America, and to talk about the role of the U.S. in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

RSVP here.

15 November | 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM 
One Manhattan West

NFTE UN Global Goals Conversation 

Can we successfully accomplish the United Nations’ goal to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all?” It’s a fair question in this rapidly changing world of 8 billion people—and counting. Humanity struggles to balance individual health and wellness with that of the common good. In fact, current global events are so physically and mentally demanding that they can affect performance and productivity in our academic, professional, and daily lives. Compounding it all are global concerns such as inequitable access to medical advances, unaffordable healthcare, and the toll of caring for an aging global population. Let’s talk about it.

RSVP here.

16 November | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 

US Mission to the UN - Information Session 

 

Join USUN employees while they share information about internships, fellowships, and careers as Foreign and Civil service officers working at the State Department and United Nations.

RSVP here.

16 November | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
IAB 405

Department of State Employer Information Session

This information session is a chance to hear about the process to become a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), the different tracks and the schedule for registering and taking the FSOT.

Kyla Brooke is a career Foreign Service Officer with over sixteen years of experience in a wide variety of areas within the U.S. Department of State.  

RSVP here.

16 November | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 
IAB 802

Collective Rights and the Human Rights Education: Lessons from the Indigenous Navigator

The collective human rights to which Indigenous peoples are entitled are part and parcel of seminal international law documents that should guide the United Nations’ approach to Indigenous peoples. Yet, the human rights-based approach largely uses the language of individual human rights. How does a collective human rights-based approach look like in international partnerships focusing on Indigenous peoples? What role does human rights education play for Indigenous peoples in the spread and fulfillment of their collective human rights? 

RSVP here.

17 November | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
West 55th Street

Film Talk: Goodbye Julia

United Nations Assocation of New York presents GOODBYE JULIA. The film tells the story of two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities. It takes place in Khartoum during the last years of Sudan as a united country, shortly before the 2011 separation of South Sudan.

RSVP here.

21 November | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
IAB 402

HRHP Workshop: Interview and Networking Skills

HRHP is excited to continue the new Professional Development Series with a second Workshop. Networking is a valuable tool when it comes to the job search process. An interview can make or break an applicant’s chances for getting hired. HRHP Co-Director and Prof. Kristele Younes will guide students through these processes, including for UN-specific competency-based interviews.

Prof. Younes was most recently the Head of Office for the UN OCHA in South Sudan. She also led the IRC's engagements with UN agencies, funds and programs, and with Member States, and advocated to UN Security Council on matters related to humanitarian aid.

RSVP 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.

Inter-Agency/Programme Support Intern - UN HABITAT
Application Deadline: 16 November 2023
Location: New York

UN-Habitat's New York Liaison Office maintains the agency's close working links with United Nations headquarters. It represents UN-Habitat at inter-agency committees as well as inter-governmental meetings, particularly the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The office also promotes sustainable human settlements and urban development in North America.

The maximum internship duration is 3 months. 

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

Application Deadline: 30 November 2023
Location: New York

UNDP is seeking two interns to support the engagement of the IDPS Secretariat in 2024. The first intern is expected to work in 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024 (6 months), while the second intern is expected to work from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024 (6 months). 

The International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (IDPS) Secretariat, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme,(UNDP), provides coordination support through facilitating regular communication among its constituencies, coordinating meetings and events to support the implementation of IDPS activities, and facilitating linkages between IDPS and other relevant fora. It provides administrative support for IDPS meetings and events, fundraising efforts and managing of reporting to donors. The Secretariat further provides communication support through production and dissemination of relevant analytical work, facilitating knowledge sharing, consolidating, and disseminating learning from IDPS events on SDG 16+ and Sustaining Peace agendas, developing communication products, and maintaining IDPS presence on social media platforms.

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