From: Economic and Political Development Concentration
Date: December 11, 2023
Subject: EPD Newsletter | December 11, 2023


Dear EPD-ers,

As we dive into the final stretch of the semester, we hope this newsletter finds you resilient and ready to conquer your finals. 

Winter break is just around the corner, and it brings with it a well-deserved respite from the hustle and bustle of academia. This also marks the last newsletter of the fall semester, and we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your engagement and enthusiasm throughout the fall. We'll miss keeping you updated, but rest assured, we'll be back with more exciting content in January.

Before we bid adieu to 2023, please join us for this week's EPD social event - a fantastic opportunity to unwind, celebrate your achievements, and connect with your fellow EPD-ers. 

We also highlighted several EPD and IO/UN courses that have available seats for those still looking to add courses to their spring schedule. 

As you navigate through your finals and prepare for the holiday season, remember to take breaks, cherish the moments, and recharge. Wishing you success in your exams, a joyful holiday season, and a fantastic start to the upcoming year.

This week’s newsletter includes:

  • EPD and IO/UN courses with available seats
  • EPD Social
  • SIPA events
  • Events Happening at Columbia 
  • Discover New York City's Hidden Gems This Winter Break! 
  • Internship Opportunities
  • EPD Office Hours

EPD and IO/UN courses with available seats

Political dimensions of sustainable development core:
INAF U6189 Political Development
Instructor: Olivier Nay (visiting professor from Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne)
Monday, 4:10 - 6:00 PM
Call #: 14137 

Economic dimensions of sustainable development core:
INAF U6602 Economic Development for International Affairs
Instructor: Andrew Simons
Section 2: Thursday, 2:10 - 4:00 PM
Call #: 10237

INAF U8145 Advanced Economic Development for International Affairs Instructor: Eric Verhoogen (note: Prof. Verhoogen will be on leave in 2024-25 so students who wish to take a course with Prof. Verhoogen should consider enrolling this spring.) Section 1: Thursday, 9:00 - 10:50 AM Call#: 10245 Section 2: Thursday, 2:10 - 4:00 PM Call#: 10246 Pre-requisite: SIPA U6400 (students who haven't taken U6400 but are comfortable with higher level math and/or have strong background in economics are encouraged to enroll in this course. Please reach out to Prof. Verhoogen if this applies to you and request a permission to be enrolled by OSA). 

EPD Electives:
INAF U6163 African Development Strategies: Policies, Institutions and Governance
Instructor: Akbar Noman
Wednesday, 2:10 – 4:00 PM
Call #: 10233

INAF U6205 Technopolitics, Democracy and Development
Instructor: Timothy Mitchell
Tuesday, 4:10-6:00pm
Call #: 18364

INAF U6303 Selected Topics in Financial Inclusion: Enhancing Financial Access for the Poor (short course)
Instructors: Camilla Nestor and Louise Schneider-Moretto
Monday, 6:10 - 8:00 PM
Call #: 14138
Course dates: 3/18 - 4/29

INAF U6658 Politics and Policies in South Asia 
Instructor: Rumela Sen
Monday, 2:10 - 4:00 PM
Call #: 10240 

INAF U6736 Innovations in Development Finance (short course)
Instructor: Radha Kulkarni
Course dates: Fri/Sat, Jan 26 & 27, Feb 2 & 3, Feb 9 &10 (Fridays: 11 - 1:20pm, Saturdays 10:30-12:50pm)
Call #: 14143

INAF U6774 Public Policy and Inequality in Developing Countries
Instructor: Marcelo Medeiros Coelho de Souza
Section 1: Thursday, 2:10 - 4:00 PM
Call #: 10242
Section 2: Thursday, 4:10-6:00 PM
Call #: 14141

INAF U6892 Monitoring and Evaluation: Driving Evidence-Based Development and Humanitarian Aid
Instructor: Kevin Hong
Wednesday, 6:10 - 8:00 PM
Call #: 10244

INAF U6914 Policies and Practices in Human-Centered Digital Development
Instructors: Savita Bailur 
Friday, 11:00 – 12:50 PM
Call #: 10719

IO/UN Courses:
INAF U6341 UN Development System in Action: Governance, Funding and Country-level Results  (1.5 credits)
Course Dates: Mar 7 - April 25
Thursdays, 11:00am - 12:50pm

INAF U6343 Global Governance:Climate Change & Migration (3 credits)
Mondays, 4.10-6.00pm
(NB due to a glitch in the registration system, the course day and time do not show - but this is the correct slot) 

EPD Social 

  • End of Semester Social and December Grads Social 
When: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Where: Calaveras Corner

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

  • Across the Aisle with Ron Klain and Mick Mulvaney 
When: Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Where: IAB, 15th floor

On Thursday, December 14, the Institute of Global Politics will host former White House Chiefs of Staff Ron Klain and Mick Mulvaney for the latest installment of its Across the Aisle series. Moderated by Amna Nawaz, co-anchor of PBS NewsHour, the discussion will delve into the important role of advisers in the Executive Office of the President, navigating political crises, and finding common ground during times of deep polarization.

Introductory remarks by:

  • Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs; Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Relations; IGP Faculty Advisory Board Member
Speakers:
  • Ron Klain, White House Chief of Staff 2021–2023
  • Mick Mulvaney, White House Chief of Staff 2019–2020
  • Amna Nawaz, co anchor of PBS NewsHour (moderator)

For more information, please visit here.

  • 2024 IRC Emergency Watchlist: No Myths, Just Facts
When: Monday, December 18, 2023 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Where: Online Event

David Miliband, the IRC's president and CEO and IGP Carnegie Distinguished Fellow, will be joined by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Professor of International and Public Affairs and Chair of the IGP Faculty Advisory Board at Columbia SIPA, 67th Secretary of State, and former Senator from New York, to discuss the 2024 Emergency Watchlist, the IRC’s annual report highlighting the humanitarian crises that are expected to significantly deteriorate in the coming year. This exclusive conversation will provide insights into not only the deepening global humanitarian crises found in the 2024 Emergency Watchlist, but also what is getting in the way of effective policies to address and prevent humanitarian crises.

Introductory remarks by: 

  • Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs; Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Relations; IGP Faculty Advisory Board Member
Speakers:
  • David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee; 74th UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; Inaugural IGP Carnegie Distinguished Fellow
  • Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Professor of International and Public Affairs and Chair of the IGP Faculty Advisory Board, Columbia SIPA; 67th Secretary of State and former Senator from New York

For more information, please visit here.

Events Happening at Columbia 

  • New Informal & Shared Mobility Program: A Global Virtual Launch  

When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Where: Online Event

Welcome to the launch of our new International Research Program within our Informal and Shared Mobility in Low- and Middle Income Countries Program (ISM). The launch takes place 12 December and is an opportunity for you to meet the researchers, hear about their plans for the coming years and – and get connected to future initiatives and activities!  

For more information, please visit here.

  • Embracing Cultural Fluidity in Business and Society  

When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Where: Online Event

On December 12th from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm ET, IKNS Lecturer Dr. Nara Altmann will engage in a dynamic conversation with author, keynote speaker, and IKNS Alumna Sharon Gai. During the conversation, the two will discuss the meaning of cultural fluidity, how to use cultural fluidity to build bridges across our increasingly polarized society, how it can be deployed in business strategy to better serve customers, and how AI impacts cultural dynamics. Take advantage of this engaging conversation about a concept shaping the future.  

For more information, please visit here.

Discover New York City's Hidden Gems This Winter Break!

Winter in New York City isn't just about the usual tourist spots. As EPD students, you have the unique opportunity to explore some of the city's lesser-known treasures.

Here are some off-the-beaten-path recommendations to make your winter break truly memorable:

  • Winter Botanical Gardens: Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Even in winter, these gardens offer serene landscapes, greenhouses with tropical plants, and special winter exhibitions.
  • Historic Neighborhood Tours: Join a guided tour of historic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or the Lower East Side. These tours often reveal hidden histories and architectural marvels that even long-time residents might not know.
  • Jazz and Poetry Nights: Explore the vibrant jazz scene in Harlem or the spoken word and poetry slams in the East Village. These intimate performances offer a warm and culturally rich escape from the winter cold.
  • Photography Walks: Engage in a photography walk across the city's lesser-known bridges like the Queensboro Bridge or explore the street art in Bushwick, Brooklyn. These areas provide stunning views and artistic inspirations, away from the typical tourist paths.
  • Culinary Adventures in Queens: Queens is known for its incredible ethnic diversity. Spend a day exploring restaurants and food markets in neighborhoods like Flushing for Asian cuisine, Jackson Heights for Indian and Latin American flavors, or Astoria for Middle Eastern and Greek delicacies.
  • Indoor Rock Climbing: For those seeking an active break, try indoor rock climbing at facilities like Brooklyn Boulders or The Cliffs at LIC. It’s a fun way to stay fit and challenge yourself.
  • Volunteering Opportunities: Give back to the community by engaging in volunteering opportunities. Organizations across the city offer various ways to help, from serving meals to participating in environmental conservation projects.
  • Unique Workshops and Classes: Utilize the break to learn something new. Attend workshops or classes ranging from pottery making in Manhattan’s art studios to cooking classes featuring international cuisines.

New York City is full of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Use this winter break to explore these hidden gems and create lasting memories!

Internship Opportunities

  • Internship Opportunities with CARE's Women's Economic Justice Team

We are thrilled to announce a range of internship opportunities with CARE, specifically within the dynamic Women's Economic Justice team. These roles offer a unique chance to contribute to impactful research and policy work, with a special focus on private sector engagement.

  • Team Focus: Work as part of the Women's Economic Justice team, engaging in meaningful research and policy initiatives.
  • Roles Available: Multiple positions are open, ranging from research and policy development to a private sector-focused role.
  • Start Date: Ideal candidates will be ready to start in the Spring Semester.
  • Academic Credit: While these internships are unpaid, CARE is committed to facilitating academic credit for your efforts (details on this process will be provided).
For more information, please visit here.
  • Paid Internship Opportunity at Rights CoLab

Join the Business and Finance Team at Rights CoLab:

  • Focus Areas: This opportunity is a blend of finance, corporate governance, and human rights, offering a comprehensive development experience.
  • Commitment: Candidates should be able to commit a minimum of 15 hours per week.
  • Start Date: The internship is set to commence in mid-January.

For more information, please visit here.

EPD Office Hours 

Your favorite PAs,
Paras and Orcun