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Int'l Organizations & UN News #7/2024

Akmaral Bekbossynova - Tuesday, March 5, 2024
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 

 International Organizations and UN News #7/2024 - March 5, 2024

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

This week,the General Assembly is meeting to examine the US veto of the latest Security Council draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. You can read on this and  other global events below. 

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • International Organizations News
  • What We're Listening To:  Behind the Numbers: Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight
  • New on MiA: A new multilateralism for an old problem: Five ways in which the Global Refugee Forum brings a fresh way of responding to refugee situations by Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

Daniel, Laura, Amy & Akmaral
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.

  • The sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place from 11 to 22 March 2024. This year's priority theme is: Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. You can access the full program here. While registration for the main CSW is not open anymore, some side events, especially those hosted by civil society organizations are still open for registration. See here for information on CSW side events (such as this one). You can read the zero draft agreed conclusions here that forms the starting point for member states' negotiations of the final text.

  • The General Assembly is meeting to examine the US veto of the latest Security Council draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The Assembly focused on the latest Council rejection of a draft resolution on a Gaza ceasefire under a mechanism that examines the use of veto in the Security Council, which can trigger an emergency special session on the matter. For weeks, the Security Council has been deadlocked over adopting a resolution to end the war, which has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands facing severe hunger. The US has vetoed several drafts since the start of the war. Read more here.

  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed on Friday for greater support for an international mission to help Haiti combat rampant gang violence. According to news reports, Kenya and Haiti signed a formal security agreement on Friday which will allow the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers which will form the core of the new UN-backed multinational mission. Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly said that thanks to the breakthrough deal, the mission can now be fast-tracked. The bilateral agreement is a key pre-condition laid down by Kenya's High Court for allowing the police deployment. Read more here.

  • UNHCR assists thousands fleeing armed group violence in Northern Mozambique. More than 70,000 people have fled their homes for southern districts since the start of the latest outbreak at the beginning of February, the agency said on Friday. 

  • The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an initiative aimed to develop villages in the most drought-prone rural areas of Southern Madagascar. It could help people to avoid the danger of famine, and if successful, the WFP will seek to scale it up to bring water and electricity to many more vulnerable villages in the south. 

  • The crisis in Myanmar is a “never-ending nightmare” for the country’s people happening far away from the international spotlight, UN rights chief Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council on Friday. Mr. Türk cited verified reports that more than 4,600 individuals have been killed by the military since February 2021, including hundreds of women and children. The actual death toll is likely to be much higher, the High Commissioner noted, as he referred to witness statements indicating that hundreds of civilians had been burnt alive or executed by the military, including women. 

  • The world urgently needs 44 million teachers by 2030 in order to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality. The global teacher shortage alert was issued at a meeting on Monday of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession announced a new set of recommendations to safeguard future learning for all.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS: Noeleen Heyzer

This episode is with Noeleen Heyzer, the now Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar. Noeleen has served in several leadership positions in the UN, including as the first woman Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as the Executive Director of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), as well as the Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Timor-Leste. In this episode, the final in the series, Noeleen reflects on why a gendered lens to peacemaking is crucial and what meaningful participation means to her.

The episode was recorded in 2020. Although the situation has not remain static, we believe the insights and experiences discussed in this episode are still relevant today. Any opinions expressed are solely the interviewee’s and do not represent the opinions of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Find the podcast here, ListenNotes, Ivy or on  Apple Podcasts.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week we are excited to introduce: 
Lauren Stricker  (MIA, HRHP 2024). 

Lauren came to SIPA because she wanted to better understand the gender dynamics of conflict - specifically, the ways in which international programming could better enable a meaningful role for women in conflict resolution and post-conflict development. Lauren believed that multilateralism was a key element to this women, peace, and security agenda, but she was quite disenchanted by the UN's inability to enforce UNSCR 1325. At SIPA, Lauren's classes have taught her to think more critically about the current challenges to multilateralism, as well as the opportunities for reform and transformation, in order to answer some of the questions she arrived with. Lauren now firmly believes the movement towards localization, though too often reduced to a buzzword, is critical to promoting global governance in more effective and inclusive ways. Moving forward, she hopes to identify what role - if any - she can and should play in advancing localization and improving multilateral efforts for peace and gender equality.

When Lauren lived in Morocco several years ago, she learned how to make vegetable tajine. She still loves to cook the dish and reminisce on her time there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We'd like to shine a light on each amazing member of our IO/UNS family. Please fill out our questionnaire here to be in next week's student spotlight. 

In A new multilateralism for an old problem: Five ways in which the Global Refugee Forum brings a fresh way of responding to refugee situations, Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, shares her reflections on the Global Refugee Forum that took place in December 2023. In a context of a dysfunctional international global order, waning attention spans, and deep polarization - particularly around issues of human mobility - the Global Refugee Forum went against the negative tide and proved to be a ‘groundbreaking moment of action, unity and impact.’ This was modern multilateralism in action: the coming together of a diverse set of stakeholders to address increasing forced displacement, comprehensively and predictably.

Menikdiwela shares five ingredients that helped to make the Global Refugee Forum a rare success for international cooperation, solidarity, and renewed multilateralism. Namely, she highlights the all-of-society approach that brings together different stakeholder groups, including having refugees take part in the development of pledges and identify the challenges and solutions needed. She emphasizes the push for ambitious, transformational pledges, the focus on empirical facts and accountability, grounding all discussions and pledges, as well as the unleashing of ‘minilateralism’, that is, bringing together a smaller group of impacted countries and concerned actors to join efforts to identify solutions for specific displacement situations. Lastly, Menikdiwela stresses the focus on unity. She recounts that against expectations, the Forum overcame risks of politicizing humanitarian issues. In spite of fissures and inadequate practices, the Forum became a moment of global unity, a time to leave differences at the door, activate solidarity, and seek solutions.

Menikdiwela concludes that “by enlisting a wide range of actors, aiming high, and holding the parties accountable, we came away with a forum that was ‘more than multilateralism’: an example of how to expand the circle of support, focusing on big goals without polarizing parties, and always keeping an eye on pledging, accountability, and tangible results.”

Read the full think-piece here feel free to engage with this think-piece's announcements on BlueSky, X/Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events

5 March | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The UN's Work on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

IAB 407

RSVP | EVENT INFO

26 March | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
HRHP Professional Development Series: Workshop 4

IAB 409

RSVP | EVENT INFO

The UN's Work on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
5 March, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM TODAY
IAB 407

The Office of the Special Coordinator on improving the United Nations response to sexual exploitation and abuse (OSCSEA) examines and addresses policy and operational gaps in the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. Under-Secretary-General Christian Saunders will share how he and his Office strengthen the response to, and the prevention of, sexual exploitation and abuse across the UN system, from headquarters to the most remote field bases. He will provide insights into the key challenges to achieving this goal and what his role means for system-wide cooperation and coherence. USG Saunders used to head UNRWA before his current assignment.

The talk will be moderated by Professor Daniel Naujoks, director of SIPA's UN Studies specialization. 

Columbia students, faculty, and staff may attend in person; others please join us virtually. Please see the different registration options. A light lunch will be offered during the event.

RSVP here.

Workshop: Tracking States' Compliance with Global Human Rights Standards 
5 March, 12:10 PM - 2:10 PM TODAY
Jerome Greene Hall, Room 807

Join HRI and ISHR for an interactive workshop led by the Co-Executive Directors of the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI), focusing on harnessing data to monitor States' adherence to global human rights norms. This event offers an opportunity for students and leading practitioners to delve into the synergies between the legal and research communities regarding the effective measurement of international human rights standards.

Due to limited seating capacity, registration is mandatory for attendance at this event.

RSVP here.

Where Change Comes From: My Time in Politics, the Paris Agreement, and the Future of Climate Action
7 March, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St., New York, NY 10027
Room/Area: Auditorium

Days after being named Canada’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, landed in Paris and quickly found herself at the heart of the effort to secure the landmark agreement. Soon after the real battle would begin at home as she fought to deliver Canada’s first serious climate plan including carbon pricing against fierce opposition. After six years in Cabinet, she left politics and was appointed chair of the UN’s High Level Expert Group on Net Zero tasked with setting out the criteria for real net zero and calling out greenwashing. She remains what she calls a “stubborn climate optimist” but she is also a realist. In this lecture, McKenna will reflect on her time in politics, and what she has learned about making change happen — change she believes the world needs now more than ever.
Please note this event is open to CUID holders only.  

RSVP here.

Book Launch: "Look Again: Strangers" by Ismail Einashe
7 March, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Pulitzer Hall, 2950 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 World Room

The Dart Center will host a book launch and panel discussion for award-winning journalist and writer Ismail Einashe's book "Look Again: Strangers" by Tate Publishing. Einashe explores migration stories through the lens of art, using the works of renowned artists like Tania Bruguera, Arshile Gorky, and Mona Hatoum to provide profound insights into the struggles of individuals seeking refuge in strange lands.  

RSVP here.

2024 Human Rights Career Panel
26 March, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Online

Please join us for ISHR’s Annual Career Panel! Human rights professionals will discuss their current work and offer insights and advice to students interested in pursuing a career in human rights. 

RSVP here.

HRHP Professional Development Series: Workshop 4 
26 March, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IAB 409

HRHP is excited to continue the new Professional Development Series with Workshop 4 led by Professor Sarah Holloway who will provide an overview of core financial and managerial skills that are especially relevant to students who want to go on to establish, manage or work in nonprofit organizations or social enterprises.

Sarah Holloway has worked in the public and nonprofit sector for 25 years. She is currently a full-time member of the SIPA faculty where she teaches Nonprofit Financial Management, Social Entrepreneurship and Design for Social Innovation. In addition to teaching, she runs the school’s Leadership, Innovation & Design Specialization—a set of courses and activities that support knowledge and skill building in non-profit, for-profit and social enterprise leadership and management.

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.

SIPA International Organizations Internship Stipend
Deadline: April 15

Please apply for a SIPA International Organizations Internship Stipend. We will support a few self-organized internships at international organizations that take place (or begin) in the summer of 2024. Internships must be unpaid, and in-principle should be full-time. To apply, you must have an official acceptance letter. Due to funding requirements, the fellowship is limited to SIPA students enrolled in the summer and fall of 2024. 

Apply here

Information Management Internship Opportunity- Data Analytics, science and engineering 
Application Deadline: 15 March 2024
Location: New York

Support the work of the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The interns take up assignments within the Data Unit of UNOCC. The Data Unit conducts integrated analysis, modelling and data engineering that informs senior UN leadership and decision-making fora on country risk outlooks, crisis developments, as well as and predictive and historic trends. The UNOCC is a multi-party entity reporting to the USG for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), through the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (EOSG/SPMU) and, on peacekeeping matters, with oversight from the USG for Peace Operations, through the Director for Coordination and Shared Services (ODCSS).

Internship Opportunity- Public Administration (UN DESA) 
Application Deadline: 17 March 2024
Location: New York

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individuals' background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to: • Conducting research in the areas of public administration and institutions, public service delivery and innovation, sustainable development, and digital government. • Assisting during conferences and meetings. • Assisting in research, drafting and preparing analytical documents. • Assisting with information management and database population.

Political Affairs Intern: Data analysis, mapping and visualization
Application Deadline: 26 March 2024
Location: New York

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 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.

Internship Opportunity with the Partnerships, Policy and Communications Unit (UNCDF)
Application Deadline: 30 March 2024
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 workplan 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 Member States.
Summary of Key Functions: 1) Support to Strategic advocacy and partnership development; 2) Support for creation of new innovative finance vehicles and instruments; 3) Support to mobilization of core and non-core resources; 4) Support to effective Internal and External Donor Relations; 5) Support to facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Apply Here

Internship Opportunity- Data Science and Information Technology 
Application Deadline: 2 April 2024
Location: New York

This position is located in the Analytics and Visualization Team of the Analytics and Project Management Section (APM) of the Business Transformation and Accountability Division (BTAD) of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The focus of this job is to support the design, development, delivery, and maintenance of data-driven products. The incumbent reports to a Senior Data Scientist. As part of the DMSPC/BTAD Analytics and Visualization team, the intern will be expected to 1) contribute to the development of a custom analytics and visualization framework, library, and training program; 2) develop reusable code and components that can be integrated into other projects; 3) transform data sources for analysis and visualization purposes;4) develop analytic algorithms and visualization layouts (graphs, trees, maps, charts, etc.); 5) optimize applications for maximum performance, speed, and scalability; 6) configure a sustainable environment to efficiently manage ongoing framework/library development; 7) support client requests using the aforementioned approaches; 8) perform other duties as required.

Apply Here
PAID Doctors Without Borders Internship Scheme 
Application Deadline: 31 May 2024
Location: New York

MSF offers an internship program through the New York office that takes place three times a year. Interns are paid an hourly salary and can apply to work in a variety of positions, including advocacy, marketing and multimedia, finance, access campaigns, research, and more. Interns must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship and are responsible for obtaining their own accommodation.

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
Akmaral Bekbossynova, Program Assistant, ab5420@columbia.edu