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IO/UNS Newsletter [09/13/22]

Aurelian Mohan - Tuesday, September 13, 2022
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 
September 13, 2022

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

We hope you had a wonderful weekend and a productive first week of classes!

Today marks the beginning of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly under the theme “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” In this context, it is necessary to understand that the world is at a critical moment in its history due to complex and interconnected crises, ranging from the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change to major humanitarian challenges and threats to the global economy.

Because the United Nations proved to be extremely important in moments of hardship, we dedicate this newsletter to the new session of the General Assembly and its potential to foster positive change.

In UN news:
  • Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday, September 8th, 2022, appointed Volker Türk of Austria as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, followingÔÇ»approval by the General Assembly.

  • As delegates convened for the third time in three days to discuss the situation in Ukraine, on September 8th, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu told the Security Council that a large-scale influx of weapons to conflict-affected zones raises many concerns.

  • On September 9th, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Pakistan in order to show solidarity with the people of the country following the destruction caused by this year’s devastating floods. He appealed for massive international support to bolster the response and tackle this “climate catastrophe”. “My heart goes out to everyone who has lost loved ones in this tragedy, and all those who have been affected by the loss of their homes, their businesses and their livelihoods”, the head of the UN told journalists during a joint press conference alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs Zardari.

  • During the closing ceremony of the UN General Assembly’s 76th session on September 12th, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the “skills, vision and dedication” of the Assembly’s outgoing President, Abdulla Shahid.

  • Yesterday, on September 12th, the UN Security Council urged warring parties in Yemen to urgently intensify negotiations towards expanding their historic truce, according to a statement issued on Monday. Council members pinpoined the tangible benefits (i.e., 60% reduction in casualties) of the agreement between the Government and Houthi rebels, now in its sixth month.

  • In the latest joint publication of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the international human rights group Walk Free, entitled Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, it is highlighted that almost 50 million people were living in modern slavery: 28 million in forced labour and 22 million in forced marriages. 

In this newsletter, you will also find: 
  • Event Recap: IO/UNS Back-to-school Social 
  • The 77th session of the General Assembly
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight - The IO/UNS Team
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

**Please note this message is clipped. You can open the message in a new browser to see full event and internship listings.

Daniel, Asha & Aurelian
IO/UNS Specialization Team

Event Recap: IO/UNS Back-to-school Social 

Thank you to those who attended our second social event, the IO/UNS Back-to-school Social at Amity Hall! The entire IO/UNS Team enjoyed the vibrant discussions on multilateralism, human rights, and global cooperation. We were excited to see more than 100 students chat with Professors Daniel Naujoks and Marc Jacquand and the IO/UNS team. Originally schedulded for two hours, our converstations lasted twice that time and we were glad to have a chance to connect! You can access the event's photos here.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, please meet Asha Jhanay Richard (MPA/Development Practice ‘23) and IO/UNS Program Assistant.

My career goal is to find and implement development solutions that limit and reduce inequality between and within countries. Such achievements not only require multilateralism but a strong knowledge of global governance to understand the frameworks to work within and potential avenues for change. I am also interested in ways multilateralism within the Caribbean, specifically through CARICOM, can be strengthened. Lastly, as the Northeast USA Regional Lead of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, migration and diaspora relations have become of great interest to me, particularly ways in which diaspora populations can be leveraged to advance the development of their countries of origin.

In addition to my work with the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC) I have work experience with the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership, a US department of State initiative to support African partner nations in obtaining the capacity to independently rapidly deploy United Nations Level 2 Hospitals in times of global crisis. Over the summer of 2022, I interned with the Migration, Remittances, and Development program at the Inter-American Dialogue. As a side hobby, I do flag inspired makeup looks and content creation on TikTok. So far I have done 18 flags. You can check out my TikTok.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, please meet Aurelian Mohan (MIA/ISP ‘23) and IO/UNS Program Assistant.

My interest in multilateralism and global governance stems from previous academic and professional experience related to the United Nations, international affairs, and diplomacy. Moreover, this propensity to understand global policymaking is rooted in my willingness to foster a milieu conducive to progress and wellbeing for as many people as possible. From this particular field, I would like to acquire more information about conflict resolution, peacekeeping, negotiation techniques, and intergovernmental cooperation. 

For one year, I had the opportunity to represent the Romanian youth at the United Nations in my capacity as the UN Youth Delegate of Romania (2018-2019), to manage a team of young experts as a task force leader at UN-Habitat New York (2018-2019), and to engage in interesting research as the National Focal Point on Youth to UNECE Steering Committee on Education on Sustainable Development in Geneva. Furthermore, in my official positions, I addressed the UN General Assembly and the UN ECOSOC on two different occasions. 

Follow Aurelian on Twitter @AurelianMohan and LinkedIn.

We are proud of the views and experiences of our IO/UNS specializers. Don't be shy and please fill out our questionnaire here - we'd love to shine a light on you!

Events at SIPA & Beyond
Spotlighted Events

Tue, Sept 20, 1:00-2:00 pm ET
IAB 407 & Virtual
Female Yazidi Genocide Survivors as Agents of Change in International Relations – The Responsibility of the International Community when it comes to Genocide

 

RSVP | EVENT INFO
 

Thu, Sept 22, 10:30-11:30 am ET
In person, Rotunda, Low Memorial Library
Entering Overtime: The Race to Deliver the Glasgow Climate Pact 

RSVP | EVENT INFO

Thu, Sept  15, 1:00-2:00 pm ET
Online
HRHP Internship Information Session

RSVP | EVENT INFO

UNGA 77 - “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”

New York City is bracing for the annual arrival of Heads of State and Government from around the world, after two years of disruption wrought by COVID-19. In this context, we highlighted some important things to know about UNGA77.

New President of the General Assembly

A new session means a new President of the General Assembly. The current PGA – as the UN acronym goes - Abdulla Shahid of the Maldives, will bow out, and Csaba K┼ærösi of Hungary will take on the mantle for the next twelve months.

The handover took place on Monday, 12 September; Mr. Shahid will close the 76th session of the GA in the morning, and the first plenary of the 77th session took place on the afternoon of September 13. 

Mr. K┼ærösi’s has held several roles within his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his most recent post being Director of Environmental Sustainability at the Office of the President of Hungary. He has been involved with the UN for several years, and the Presidency probably won’t involve too much of a learning curve: Mr. K┼ærösi  served as Vice-President of the General Assembly during the 67th session in 2011-2012.

Transforming Education Summit

The Transforming Education Summit, which takes place the week before at UN Headquarters – on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Monday 19 September – is billed as a major event by the organization.

Friday is “Mobilization Day”, which will be youth-led and youth-organized, bringing young people’s concerns over their education to decision and policymakers, and will focus on mobilizing the global public, youth, teachers, civil society and others, to support the transformation of education across the world.

The second day is all about solutions, and is designed to be a platform for initiatives that will contribute to transforming education. The day is grouped around five themes (“Thematic Action Tracks”): inclusive, equitable, safe and healthy schools; learning and skills for life; work and sustainable development; teachers, teaching and the teaching profession; digital learning and transformation; and financing of education.

The third day, on Monday 19 September, is Leaders Day, capitalizing on the fact that so many Heads of State and Government will be descending on New York that week. Expect a host of National Statements of Commitment from these leaders.

The rights of minorities

On 18 December 1992, UN Member States adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious, and Linguistic Minorities (UN Declaration on Minority Rights for short), described by the UN as a key instrument to address the political and civil, economic, social, and cultural rights of persons belonging to minorities.

On Wednesday 21 September, in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, a High-Level Meeting will take place, as part of the year-long commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration.

Speaking in June, Paolo David, Head of UN Human Rights’ Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section, said that, while the adoption of the Declaration brought hope three decades ago, this feeling was quickly lost due to the armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia. Mr. David noted that minorities continue to be instrumentalised in many conflicts, including in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Today, minorities face unprecedented barriers and challenges, according to the UN. In many countries they deal with modern threats such as online hate speech and are being stripped of citizenship rights.

The event is billed as a chance to take stock of constraints and achievements, share examples of best practice, and set priorities for the future.

Global Goals Week

The General Debate will overlap with Global Goals Week which, despite the name, is actually a nine-day programme of virtual and in-person events taking place between 16 and 25 September, involving more than 170 partners across civil society, business, academia, and the UN system, to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There are too many events to list in full here, but they include NYC Climate Week, covering a wide range of climate-related challenges; the UN Private Sector Forum, run by UN Global Compact, which brings together business, the UN and civil society, to address global crises; and the launch of the 2002 Climate Action Project from Take Action Global, which brings classrooms from over 140 countries together, for a series of live interviews, school visits and social media takeovers.

There will be plenty of SDG Media Zone videos to watch during Global Goals Week, with dozens of interesting speakers, including  content creators, influencers, activists and media partners, taking part in panel discussions that will highlight actions and solutions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. The list of speakers will be announced nearer the time, here.

20 – 26 September 2022
UN General Assembly General Debate

The curtain rises on the busiest diplomatic season of the year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In the General Assembly General Debate, starting at 9 a.m. on 20 September, Heads of State and Government explore solutions to the intertwined global challenges under the theme, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” This year’s General Debate, which runs through 26 September, is expected to be fully in-person. Watch the meeting live at UN Web TV.

19 September 2022, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
SDG Moment
United Nations General Assembly Hall

The SDG Moment serves to place an annual spotlight on the Sustainable Development Goals and will be held in person at the beginning of the United Nation’s General Assembly’s High-Level Week. It takes place as the world faces a deepening cost-of-living crisis that carries huge implications for the advancement of the SDGs, especially in developing countries. Watch the meeting live on UN Web TV. See an overview here.

16, 17 & 19 September 2022
Transforming Education Summit
In person, United Nations General Assembly Hall

Amid an education crisis, the UN Secretary-General is convening the Transforming Education Summit to mobilize solidarity and solutions to recover pandemic-related learning losses, reimagine education for the future and reignite global efforts to deliver the education-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  World leaders will join “Leaders Day” discussions, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on 19 September – a major highlight of the General Assembly’s seventy-seventh session. The event will be preceded by a two-day segment focused on youth and solutions on Friday, 16 and Saturday, 17 September to scale up global support and action. Watch the meeting live at UN Web TV. For more information see here.

21 September 2022
Leaders' Roundtable on Climate Action
In person

Amidst the worsening climate crisis, the Secretary-General, with the President of Egypt, will host a Leaders’ Roundtable on Climate Action, bringing together a small but diverse and representative group of heads of state and government to reboot international cooperation on climate action. This is a closed event, taking place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and aims for a frank and informal exchange in the lead-up to COP27. Comments to the media as well as a Chair’s summary of the meeting are expected to be published immediately following the event.

22 September 2022
Security Council High-Level Debate on Ukraine
In person

World leaders, gathering at the United Nations Headquarters, will address the Security Council at 10:00 a.m. on 22 September to discuss the situation in Ukraine. Watch the meeting live at UN Web TV.

22 September 2022
General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Sahel
In person

For years, the Sahel’s development and economic growth have been overshadowed by complex, multi-dimensional and interlocking challenges, including poverty, insecurity, terrorism, displacement, and climate change.  The General Assembly will convene a high-level meeting on the region from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on 22 September. Watch the meeting live at UN Web TV.

Tomorrow Wednesday, September 14. 8:30 AM ET.
WEBINAR SERIES From Fragmented Fields to a Unity of Efforts for Early Childhood Development: The SDGs and Multisectoral ECD Monitoring and Evaluation Systems
Online

Webinar #1: What to measure and monitor? Defining ECD data needs and available data sources and systems.

This first webinar will include an overall introduction to the new Webinar Series ‘From Fragmented Fields to a Unity of Efforts for Early Childhood Development: The SDGs and Multisectoral ECD Monitoring and Evaluation Systems’ co-hosted by The Rise Institute and UNICEF.

The topic of the first webinar will be on defining data needs for early childhood development (ECD) and matching such needs with available data sources, measures and systems. The uses, differences, strengths and limitations of different data types such as population-level data, national child tracking data, and individual-child level data will be explored. More details here.

Register here

Friday, September 16. 9:30 - 10:45 AM ET.
Can Pay Transparency Measures Help Reduce the Gender Pay Gap?
Online

Globally, women on average, are paid about 20 per cent less than men. While individual characteristics such as education, working time, occupational segregation, skills, or experience explain part of the gender pay gap, a large part is due to discrimination based on one’s gender or sex. In addition, women have been among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including in terms of their income security, representation in sectors hardest hit, and gendered division of family responsibilities.

Friday, September 16. 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET.
United Nations International Day of Peace Youth Observance
In Person, UNHQ in NYC

The United Nations Department of Global Communications is pleased to invite your students or youth group to the United Nations on Friday 16 September 2022, to participate in the annual youth commemoration of the International Day of Peace from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Approximately 700 young people will have an opportunity to interact with UN officials and Messengers of Peace, artists and prominent members of civil society. Theme: End racism. Build peace. More info.

15 - 25 September.
Global Week to #Act4 SDGSG
Online

Join millions of people around the world taking action on the SDGs, to show that we can #FlipTheScript for people and the planet.ÔÇ»Together with key partners, the UN SDG Action Campaign is mobilizing people everywhere to accelerate sustainable impact across the world, with a goal of 1 billion actions by 2030.

More info here.
Register your action here.
Wednesday, September 21. 8:00 - 11:30 AM ET
Financed Emissions: Leading the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy
In Person, MSCI, 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, 48th Floor, New York, NY 10007

The in-person breakfast will take place during Climate Week NYC, which will bring together policymakers, business leaders and stakeholders from across society in conjunction with the opening of the 77th session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.ÔÇ»More info here.

Register here

19-20 September
10th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD)
Hybrid

The International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) provides a forum for academia, government, civil society, UN agencies, and the private sector to come together to share practical solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2021 event welcomed 2,057 participants from 119 different countries and a larger audience is expected for 2022 event.

Register for the webinar here.
Internship Opportunities
UNDP Intern – SDG Financing and South-South Cooperation
Application Deadline: September 15, 2022
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Language: English
Category: Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

To support governments in the Africa region to plan sequenced strategies for mobilizing and aligning public and private resources to the 2030 Agenda, UNDP has established its Africa Sustainable Finance Hub (ASFH) in Pretoria, South Africa. The SDG Finance and South-South Cooperation team of ASFH is providing services to its members states to put SDGs at the heart of financial systems. The team also contributes to regional and global South-South and Triangular Cooperation, through regional reporting, capacity development to enable South-South exchanges, codifying Africa-based innovative development solutions and showcasing through UNOSSC’s South-South Galaxy platform.

Competencies
  • Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
  • Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
  • Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
  • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
  • Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Apply here.
UNICEF Intern – Business Administration Internship (Finance Section) with UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre
Application Deadline: September 23, 2022
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Language: English
Category: Human Resources, Administration, Financial Management

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

Established in 2015, UNICEF’s Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) provides services to UNICEF offices across the world in the areas of Finance, Master Data Management, Human Resources Administration, Payroll, and Customer Care (IT Global Help Desk).

Our mission is to be a centre of excellence for the global delivery of efficient services within a culture of customer service, continuous business improvement, knowledge-sharing and innovation to support the effective achievement of UNICEF's programme results worldwide. ÔÇï

At the GSSC, a global career is built on strong foundations of our core values accompanied by continuous learning and professional development for our staff to become committed international civil servants.

Apply here.
UNDP Intern – Communication Intern, Prevention of Violent Extremism
Application Deadline: September 26, 2022
Location: NYC
Language: English
Category: Communication

UNDP’s Crisis Bureau (CB) has corporate responsibility for UNDP’s corporate crisis-related work and driving UNDP’s vision and priorities for crisis prevention, response, and recovery, to support the strategic results, outcomes and outputs of UNDP's Strategic Plan. CB teams provide technical advice to Country Offices; advocate UNDP corporate messages; represent UNDP as required, including at multi-stakeholder fora, public-private, and government-civil society dialogue initiatives; promote and support South-South and Triangular cooperation initiatives; and engage in UN interagency coordination in the areas of work the Strategic Plan – building resilience to shocks and crises, in order to safeguard development gains.

It is within this context that UNDP is seeking a Communication Intern to support the graphic visualisation of operational information, management of websites, communication and outreach efforts, based on the 2023/23 Communication Plan. The intern will engage with the PVE Team in New York as well as colleagues in Country Offices and Regional Hubs to enhance communication across the practice. As such, the intern is expected to be flexible with regards to working hours.

This position will expose the intern to unique insights on implementation of peacebuilding and prevention of violent extremism programmes across the 42 countries in which UNDP implements PVE projects. Furthermore, the nature of the tasks will offer the intern great opportunities to develop analytical skills, strategic writing and communication within international development. The intern will have a unique opportunity to operate in a diverse and dynamic global workspace and expand personal and professional networks. The supervisor will work closely with the intern to identify and track learning objectives, provide quality assurance and feedback.

Please note that this is a paid internship, and the intern will receive a stipend of 1000 USD/month.

Apply here.

UNFPA Internship Roster
Application Deadline: December 21, 2022, at 05:00 PM
Location: Headquarters New York
Language: English

The inclusive UNFPA Internship Programme offers outstanding students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNFPA operations. It is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of UNFPA work.

Applicants should have expressed interest in the field of development; ability to adapt to new environments and work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Interns work as part of agile teams that support and hold each other accountable. In addition, they will have supervisory support from an assigned UNFPA staff member. The background of the interns is matched with the needs of the organization.

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.

Asha Jhanay Richard, Program Assistant, ajr2264@columbia.edu
Aurelian D. Mohan, Program Assistant, aurelian.d.mohan@columbia.edu