From: Economic and Political Development Concentration
Date: December 4, 2023
Subject: EPD Newsletter | December 4, 2023


Dear EPD-ers,

Greetings from December, the month of celebrations and festivity! As the month gets intense with submissions and deadlines, don’t forget to distress and have fun in the city. With so many fun things happening in New York, we don’t want you to miss the fun because of course workload. So we have included activities for you to check out in New York before (and during) your winter break.

We are also aware that all of you have been doing your best and may be a little (it’s an understatement) burnt out. We are here to tell you that it is normal and it is all of us, so you are not alone. Remember to take breaks and with that mindset, we wanted to invite you to a wonderful end of semester social for y’all. For details, keep reading below.

Also, those of you still looking to add an EPD elective to your spring schedules, Prof. Timothy Mitchell will be teaching his course on Technopolitics, Democracy and Development (U6205, Call #18364).

Additionally, we want to take a moment to congratulate our EPD Co-Director, Prof. José Antonio Ocampo, as he has been granted the prestigious Schumpeter-Haberler Distinguished Fellow award by the International Economic Association. This award is conferred every three years to up to six distinguished economists who, according to the IEA, “have made a significant contribution to economics, especially in the area of international economic development and who have an outstanding record of research and, ideally, some influence on policymaking.” We are immensely proud of Prof. Ocampo's achievement and are grateful for his continued dedication to excellence in the field.

This week’s newsletter includes:

  • EPD End of Semester Social
  • SIPA Events
  • Positions at Center for Sustainable Business at the University of Pittsburgh 
  • Academic Conference on Africa
  • Events Happening at Columbia 
  • Things to do in NYC this December
  • Career Advancement Center Events  
  • EPD Office Hours

EPD End of Semester Social 

  • End of Semester Social and December Grads Celebration 

When: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Where: Amity Hall

Join us to celebrate the end of semester and our December graduates, destress before finals and hang out with your fellow EPD and HRHP peers with festive food and drinks!

Click here to register! 

Events at SIPA

  • H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly: Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity

When: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 1 PM – 2 PM

Where: 1501 IAB

How can the global community rebuild trust and reignite global solidarity amid today’s various global crises? H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, shares the vision of his presidency on how the United Nations should promote peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability in the 21st century. He will highlight the role of multilateral cooperation in realizing the foundational aims of the UN, as well as in fulfilling the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and tackling the evolving effects of climate change. The President will explore these issues through the lens of human rights as the heart of multilateral cooperation and a key pillar of the UN system, particularly in light of this year’s 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Overall, his intervention will emphasize the actions the world community needs to take today to build a safer, more just, and prosperous future for all.  The talk will be moderated by Professor Daniel Naujoks, Director of UN Studies at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs.  Columbia students, faculty, and staff may attend in person; others please join us virtually. 

Please see the different registration options here. A light lunch will be offered during the event.

  • Journalism and Security
When: Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Where: 402 IAB

Student-Led Discussion tackling the Security aspect of Journalism, and the relevance it in International Affairs and Geopolitics.

Followed by a small reception. Click here to register. 

  • Journalistic Activism and Civic Engagement in High-Risk Contexts

When: Friday, December 8, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Where: 402B IAB

A conversation with one of Latin America’s most important research journalists about conducting research under high media and insecurity pressures.

Click here to register. 

  • Perspectives in Conflict

When: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Publique

Join the CRC for an intimate, informal conversation as 4+ Columbia students share their stories of personal, lived, and professional experiences with situations of conflict. This event is proudly co-sponsored by UNA!

 Food Provided (We will provide dinner and drinks, including wine, beer, and soft drinks. Only 21+ may attend. 2 forms of ID will be required for alcoholic drinks.)

Click here to register. 

Positions at Center for Sustainable Business at the University of Pittsburgh

Sustainable Business at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for two sustainability engagement managers 

Please apply for the positions on the given links.

Academic Conference on Africa

Where: United Nations Headquarters 
Conference Programme

  • Tuesday, 5 December, 9:00am to 12:00pm, Conference Room 2: “African Governance: Assessing the State of the State”
  • Wednesday, 6 December, 9:00am to 12:00pm, Conference Room 2: “Complexities of Resilience in Africa: Expanding the Perspective”
  • Thursday, 7 December, 9:00am to 12:00pm, Conference Room 2: “Looking to the Future: The Role of African Academics in Building the Africa and the World We Want”

The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa extends an open invitation to the rich community of Students, Academics, African Diaspora, people of African descent, and all individuals passionate about Africa, to join us at the Academic Conference on Africa, taking place on 5-7 December 2023 at the UN Headquarters in New York.  The event, which is the first of its kind, is poised to bring together some of the continent’s brightest minds and influential figures, touching on themes such as statehood, resilience, and pathways to progress.

We are pleased to invite you to participate in this event and lend your voices to dynamic discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping Africa's future. In addition to high-level panel discussions, each day will feature interactive dialogue sessions open to all participants, designed to amplify your voice in the global conversation as the collective recommendations from these discussions will help to shape the direction of the United Nations’ work.  The event will also provide a powerful opportunity for participants to connect with other academics, policymakers, and professionals, while collectively contributing to the broader narrative on Africa.

*Participants are welcome to attend all or part of the conference and should feel welcome register for the sessions that best fit their interests and availability.*

To secure your seat at this event, please register here. Space is Limited. We look forward to your participation!

Events Happening at Columbia 

  • City of Migrants: Students Involvement in Local Immigration Advocacy and Activism

When: Monday, December 4, 2023 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Where: Room 802, IAB 

This panel brings together undergraduate and graduate students involved in Local immigration issues, ranging from legal assistance to tutoring. Join us to discuss the role students can play in addressing the challenges of migrant newcomers in the city, the relationship between academic and extracurricular work on these issues, and what advice those who have gotten involved have for others who would like to do so.

Speakers:

  • Victoria Jones, Teachers College
  • Laura Giselle Romero, Columbia College
  • Paola Abril, Teachers College
  • Gabriela Diaz-Vendrell, Barnard College
  • Parisa Harvey, Barnard College

Moderator: Sofia Cruz, Barnard College & CeMeCA/ILAS

  • Supportive Study Session for Students with Snacks
When: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Where: 2910 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

The DEIAAAJ Unit would like to create a supportive space for students to gather to work through final projects, papers and exams. This will be a space that allows students to nourish their minds and bodies, as they finish the semester and will be held in the Student Lounge, Flr. B. This event is designed to foster a positive and engaging environment where students can come together to learn, share ideas, and conquer challenging coursework.

Click here for details.

  • Film Screening & Discussion. "In the Rearview"

When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Harriman Institute Atrium, 12th floor, IAB

The Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia University will screen and discuss the feature documentary In the Rearview, 2023, directed by Maciek Hamela. Yuri Shevchuk will introduce director Maciek Hamela and lead the post-screening Q&A.

In the Rearview is an authentic, intimate observation of war as it unfolds, following multiple generations of Ukrainian civilians as they abandon their homes and rely on the help of Maciek Hamela’s volunteer aid van to escape the life-threatening conflict. As he steers through minefields to leave Ukraine and tries to get through numerous military checkpoints, Hamela offers us a seat in his car, guiding the documentary from behind the wheel and behind the camera, crisscrossing Ukraine to transport refugees safely to Poland. The van covers tens of thousands of kilometers and serves as a waiting room, hospital, shelter, and zone for confidence and confessions among compatriots thrown together by the war. In the Rearview is a collective portrait composed of an array of experiences of Ukrainians who share a single goal: finding a safe haven in the throes of conflict. With temporary asylum granted to all passengers, their differences in gender, age, skin tone, physical condition, origin, identity, worldviews and faith become irrelevant. While the war itself remains in the backdrop, its reflection and impact are evident and raw.

In Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish with English subtitles.

Click here for details.

Things to do in NYC this December 

  • Make Music Winter

On December 21, a free outdoor music-making celebration will be hosted throughout the city to commemorate the winter solstice — the shortest day of the year.

Make Music Alliance New York is a nonprofit that uses music to connect fellow New Yorkers with their community.

This free annual festival involves pop-up musical events around the city. You can attend or even participate. Dance, sing, and play your own instruments, whether it’s your smartphone or a harmonica. The events tend to be musical parades, each one a little different. Be sure to read the specific descriptions of each event before you go.

  • Ice Skating

Are winters even here if you didn’t do ice skating in the city? There are three major ice skating rinks in NYC:

  • Rockefeller Center
  • Wollman Rink
  • Bryant Park

While skating at Rockefeller Center might be on your bucket list, choosing to venture to one of the others might be a safer bet. The crowds will be smaller and that means less of a wait. 

Wollman Rink is right inside Central Park, just behind the zoo. The combination of the beautiful trees surrounded by the architecture of the city makes this one of the most enjoyable rinks in the city.

By contrast, the Bryant Park ice skating rink is smack in the middle of the Winter Village. If you’re looking to go skating at night, this rink would be much better suited. It’s got classic holiday music, lights, and plenty of food and shopping to entertain you when you’re not skating.

  • Holiday markets in NYC

The most popular markets operating this December are:

  • Winter Village at Bryant Park
  • Grand Central Holiday Fair
  • Holiday Market at the Oculus

Each market has its advantages. The markets at Grand Central and the Oculus are both indoors, which could provide a much needed break from the cold weather. This means they are on the smaller side as well.

The biggest and most diverse, in terms of vendors, is definitely Bryant Park. On top of having an ice skating rink, there’s also an entire section of shops dedicated to food and drink. You should definitely go there hungry.

  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

It’s time for you to get out of Manhattan for this one. One of Brooklyn’s greatest holiday traditions is hosted in the Dyker Heights neighborhood. Each year, the houses from 11th to 13th avenues between 83rd and 86th streets are decorated from head to toe with spectacular Christmas light displays. Some are more simple or traditional while others are decked out with giant nutcrackers, nativity scenes, reindeer, blow ups, and more. If you’re a Brooklyn lover, this one's for you!

Holiday decorations at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

The interior of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is even more stunning in December, due to the added Christmas decorations and life-size nativity scene placed by the altar. If you’re lucky enough to visit while a mass is in session, you can even enjoy the beautiful melodies of the choir.

Career Advancement Center Events

  • Washington DC Conference Mandatory Orientation (ONLY FOR REGISTERED STUDENTS) 

When/Time: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Virtual
Dress Code: Casual
Work Authorization Requirement: All Work Authorizations Accepted

This is a MANDATORY orientation for the 2024 Washington DC Conference registered students. Please assure to attend ONE of these sessions, as we will be recording attendance. ALL students participating in the Washington DC Conference are required to attend one of these session in total, in order to participate in the conference. Register for a date and time that works for your schedule, make sure to be on time, and come with any questions you may have! Student packets filled with resources will be provided to all students participating in this orientation to further assist in your travels.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

  • OECD

When/Time: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Room 411
Dress Code: Casual
Work Authorization Requirement: All Work Authorizations Accepted

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. We draw on 60 years of experience and insights to better prepare the world of tomorrow. This information session will present the OECD, how it works, who we are and provides information on the opportunities available to join us including the Internship Programme, the Young Associates Programme and regular job vacancies. We will also explain the recruitment process and welcome any questions in an interactive Q&A session.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

  • Washington DC Conference Mandatory Orientation (ONLY FOR REGISTERED STUDENTS) 

When/Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Virtual
Dress Code: Casual
Work Authorization Requirement: All Work Authorizations Accepted

This is a MANDATORY orientation for the 2024 Washington DC Conference registered students. Please assure to attend ONE of these sessions, as we will be recording attendance. ALL students participating in the Washington DC Conference are required to attend one of these session in total, in order to participate in the conference. Register for a date and time that works for your schedule, make sure to be on time, and come with any questions you may have! Student packets filled with resources will be provided to all students participating in this orientation to further assist in your travels.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

  • Get Hired!: Demystifying the Hiring Process at USAID/BHA (Hybrid) Event

When/Time: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm 
Where: Virtual
Dress Code: Casual
Work Authorization Requirement: All Work Authorizations Accepted

Navigating the hiring process for positions in the U.S. Government should not be daunting. Join  the U.S Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) for an informative and engaging hybrid event that aims to demystify the hiring process!  From understanding the different ways to get hired, completing the application process, to resume tips, we want to clarify the various steps in BHA’s hiring process. 

For more information, CLICK HERE.

  • Explore Pathways in the US Energy Industry: From Consulting to Industry

When/Time: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: IAB 410
Dress Code: Business Casual
Work Authorization Requirement: Other Work Authorization Required

Explore Pathways in the US Energy Industry: From Consulting to Industry. Join us for an enlightening session with Christopher MacRae Ham and Nick Wagner of energyRe, an American developer of clean energy solutions.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

  • GAO Employer Information Session

When/Time: Thursday, December 7, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 
Where: Zoom
Dress Code: Casual
Work Authorization Requirement: Permanent US Work Authorization Required

We know you are busy with end of semester activities, exams, and writing memos and papers. BUT, THIS EVENT WILL BE WORTH YOUR WHILE! We would like to invite you to an informal zoom meeting with SIPA alumni at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). You’ll learn about GAO’s mission, opportunities for internships and employment, and life as an analyst at one of the best places to work in the federal government (#1 best mid-sized agency!!).

For more information, CLICK HERE.

EPD Office Hours 

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