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IO/UNS Newsletter [10/12]

Yun Liang - Tuesday, October 12, 2021
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 
October 12, 2021

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

We hope this message finds you well despite a busy week ahead with midterm exams and upcoming deadlines. 

Starting this week, you can watch the session of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund that you can watch through the World Bank Live platform. And get ready for UN World Statistics Day, considering how International organizations play a key role in working with national and regional organizations to create, collect, manage and analyze data.
You can also join the virtual UNCTAD World Investment Forum as the pre-eminent global platform for investment and development.

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • What We’re Listening To
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight
  • Event Recap: Rethinking Peace Mediation
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities
If you see us on campus, please do say hi! And as always, watch out for the "clipped message" notice and make sure to read the entire email.

Daniel, Nate & Yun
IO/UNS Specialization Team
UN-Scripted

What We're Reading & Listening To

In this column, we highlight IO/UNS-related podcasts, movies, news sources, and more that might be of interest to students in our community.

As president of the Security Council in October, Kenya is leading the Council on its first international trip since the pandemic began, to Mali and Niger. In this episode of the UN-Scripted Podcast, Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani discusses his country’s priorities for the month, including counterterrorism, small-arms weapons, and women, peace and security. The podcast also features Dr. Geoffrey Lugano, a lecturer at Kenyatta University, based in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.

Do you have a favorite podcast, news series, or blog that you think your peers would enjoy? Send us an email with your recommendations!
Alyse LaVoie

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, please meet Alyse LaVoie (MIA/EPD 2023). 

With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, multilateralism and global governance will continue to play a large role in working to solve issues that transcend borders. In particular, I am interested in how international organizations can work together to eliminate corruption, eradicate poverty, advance women's equality, and combat climate change around the world. Before entering the SIPA program, I worked in international public affairs working with sovereign governments on European integration, NATO ascension, and international trade issues. In my spare time, you can find me cooking, trying out a new coffee shop, and eating my way through in the city!

We know that each of you has something to offer. Don't be shy and please fill out our questionnaire here - we'd love to shine a light on you!

Event Recap: Rethinking Peace Mediation

Last Friday, the IO/UNS specialization hosted an expert panel on Rethinking Peace Mediation: Challenges of Contemporary Peacemaking Practice to examine the complex developments in peace mediation and the multifaceted approach needed to build a critical understanding of international peace and conflict resolution. Moderated by SIPA Professor Jean-Marie Guéhenno, the editors and authors of the newly published volume discussed the new peace mediation framework set out by the UN with policy and real-world examples on peace processes. The discussions focused on the role and professionalization of the mediator, challenges of including various stakeholders, and the importance of power and context factors.

To watch a recording of the meeting, click here.

Events at SIPA & Beyond

Spotlighted Events
 

Wed, Oct 13. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

IO/UNS Career Series with Professor Daniel Naujoks

RSVP | EVENT INFO
IO/UNS event Wednesday, October 13. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET.
IO/UNS Career Series: Professor Daniel Naujoks

Location: Hybrid (Online & In-Person)

 

Ever wondered how to get a job at the UN? Wondering how the UN recruitment process works and how best to prepare for the UN interview?

In this IO/UNS Career Talk, Professor Daniel Naujoks, director a.i. of SIPA's International Organization and UN Studies specialization, shares key pointers on how you can use your time at SIPA to:
  • Build expertise & a hirable profile (skill & resume-building)
  • Build & nurture networks
  • Understand processes, paperwork, & markers
to land one of the coveted jobs at the UN.
 
SIPA students have the option to attend in person or online (see the different registration options). As per SIPA guidelines, in-person participation will be limited to 25 students.

For more information and to register, click here.

October 11-17, 2021    
Annual Meetings of World Bank & IMF

Location: Hybrid (Virtual & Washington, D.C.)

 

2021 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. More information on the events and programme here and many of the meetings can viewed online at the World Bank Live platform
Thursday, October 14. 8:00 - 8:30 AM ET. 
Opening Ceremony of the Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference

Location: Hybrid (Online & In-Person)

 

The second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference will take place from 14 to 16 October 2021 in Beijing, China with an opening ceremony that features the UN Secretary-General and the President of China. The Conference underscores the importance of sustainable transport for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. It will build on the first Global Sustainable Transport Conference, held on 26 and 27 November 2016 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, which resulted in the “Ashgabat Statement on Commitments and Policy Recommendations”.

For more information about the conference, click here. To watch live on UN Web TV, click here. 

Thursday, October 14. 8:00 - 10:00 AM ET. 
UNFCCC: Update on Gender@COP 26

Location: Online

The #ActOnTheGAP virtual workshop series, included workshops on the implementation of the Gender Action Plan, Gender Analysis and Gender Budgeting, and is going to be rounded out in 2021 with an additional virtual workshop to provide an Update on Gender@COP 26.

Participants will hear about progress on implementation of the gender action plan with a focus on the gender composition report and synthesis report on progress in integrating a gender perspective into constituted body processes as well as other issues, which are going to be considered at COP26. An update will be provided on planned events and ways to participate at COP26 and Parties and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to discuss and share views.

The event will include simultaneous interpretation into Spanish and French and participants will have the option of joining Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish discussion groups.

Agenda and registration available in this here.

18-22 October 2021
UNCTAD's 7th World Investment Forum

Location: Online 

The UNCTAD World Investment Forum is the pre-eminent global platform for investment and development. The Forum devises strategies and solutions for global investment and development challenges. It facilitates multi-stakeholder collective action to stimulate investment in development. The Forum offers a unique opportunity to influence investment-related policymaking, shape the global investment environment, and to network with global leaders in business and politics.

Programme and registration here.

Wednesday, October 22
UN World Statistics Day

Location: Online 

National statistical offices act as national coordinators, translating promotional materials into national languages and organizing events and outreach efforts at national and subnational levels.

International organizations play a key role in amplifying campaigns at the global and regional levels and organizing their own events. You can register your event at worldstatisticsday.org and you find additional information here.
 

Wednesday, October 22
UN World Development Information Day

Location: Online 

The information and communications technologies have the potential to provide new solutions to development challenges, particularly in the context of globalization, and can foster economic growth, competitiveness, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication, and social inclusion that will help to expedite the integration of all countries, especially developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, into the global economy.

Join the UN celebrations for this year's UN World Development Information Day that will focus on 'Information and Communications Technologies — New Solutions to Development Challenges'. 

For more information and registration, see here.

October 1, 2021- March 31, 31, 2022 
UN at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai

 

Check out the UN participation at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai held from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” with a focus on programming that champions international cooperation and the SDGs for the Decade of Action. To learn more about the #UNHub is leveraging Expo 2020 to build lasting engagement for action and impact in tackling global challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change, please visit here.
Internship Opportunities
Traineeship in the Protection Data Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Application Deadline: October 20, 2021
Location: Geneva

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. ICRC takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. The associate’s main tasks will be to support the Unit’s activities by:

  1. Support the Data Analysis / Evidence Based Protection team with quantitative and qualitative analysis
  2. Supporting the Unit with the development and management of a resource centre and
  3. Supporting the conceptualization, implementation, promotion, and management of a data collection tool

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

OECD Junior Policy Analyst
Application Deadline: October 25, 2021
Location: Paris, France

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is seeking a dynamic Junior Policy Analyst to contribute to the Division’s work to support reform efforts in relation to corporate governance frameworks, policies and practices, with a view towards supporting access to corporate finance and capital market development. Work will involve both a regional focus as well as country-specific policies and practices, including both OECD members as well as non-OECD developed and emerging market economies.

The selected candidate will work under the supervision of a Senior Policy Analyst or Economist and the Head of Division.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina - Intern, Department of Security Cooperation
Application Deadline: October 27, 2021
Location: Sarajevo

The Department for Security Cooperation (DSC) implements a range of support activities related to countering terrorism (CT) and to preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/C VERLT). The successful candidate will conduct thematic research on anti-terrorism topics, assist with project management and implementation, and contribute to cross-departmental collaboration with the Mission's Human Dimension Department. 

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

Program Assistant, Ford Foundation 
Application Deadline: ASAP
Location: New York

Ford Foundation  implements a pioneering, cross-cutting program called Building Institutions and Networks (BUILD), which aims to support and develop robust, effective and sustainable organizations addressing inequality around the world. In the course of a 6-year period, the Foundation will invest approximately $1 billion in a limited number of organizations, providing them with flexible operational and organizational strengthening support. By strengthening organizations that are core to the social justice infrastructure, the Foundation aims to ensure BUILD organizations have the stability it takes to drive change over the long term and in turn achieve greater impact. 

The Program Assistant (PA) will provide administrative and logistical support to two Program Officers from the BUILD team. As such, the PA will contribute to the Foundation’s grant making and grant oversight processes, as well as support special events and projects that advance the BUILD  strategies. This is a unique opportunity to work across the Foundation’s thematic areas and regions and learn more about capacity building in the non-profit sector. 

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

Follow the IO/UNS Specialization on
CampusGroups, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Feel free to reach out to us:
Daniel Naujoks, Interim Director, daniel.naujoks@columbia.edu
To book office hours, click here.

Yun Liang, Program Assistant, yun.liang@columbia.edu
Nate Edwards, Program Assistant, nke2113@columbia.edu