From: International Organization/UN Studies Specialization
Date: April 11, 2023
Subject: Int'l Organizations & UN News #12/2023


 International Organizations and UN News #11/2023 - April 11, 2023

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

As the end of the semester approaches, the IO/UNS Specialization Team wishes you good luck with exams and assignments!

In this newsletter, you will find: 
Daniel, Laura, Asha & Aurelian
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 UN on Thursday, April 6, condemned the multiple rockets fired into Israel from across its northern border with Lebanon, urging “all actors to exercise maximum restraint”, following several days of rising tension and violence, centred around Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque. According to news reports, as yet unidentified militants fired a barrage of rockets across the border, forcing Israeli civilians to seek shelter, and wounding at least two people. Read more here.

  • A Taliban decision banning women from working for the UN inside Afghanistan, will have devastating consequence for aid delivery, the UN’s top humanitarian official in the country warned on Thursday, April 6. Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, said that amid severe underfunding, the move would “further undermine humanitarian partners’ ability to support the population, especially the most vulnerable such as women and girls”. Read more here.

  • “We mourn the more than one million children, women, and men who perished in one hundred days of horror 29 years ago,” António Guterres said in his annual commemorative message on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, on April 7. He also said: “We honour the memory of the victims – the overwhelming majority Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide. We pay tribute to the resilience of the survivors. We recognize the journey of the Rwandan people towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation. And we remember – with shame – the failure of the international community.” Read more here.

  • There is just one LGBTI+ community and health centre in El Salvador, and it has become a refuge for many people who have been expelled from their homes, simply because of their sexual identity. The centre, run by the Diké organization, provides a host of services to the LBGTI+ community, including sexual healthcare, psychological care, and human rights education. Read more about it here.

  • An unprecedented number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants have entered northern Brazil since 2017; the way they have been welcomed and dealt with at a UN-run facility has been praised as a model for the region. Read more about it here.

Tech Against Terrorism: Building Resilience Against Terrorism and Violent Extremism

The team speaks with two of the country's leading experts who are working to counter terrorism and violent extremism through the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence. Hear how the centre leads the Government of Canada's efforts to counter radicalisation to violence through a number of initiatives, including its Community Resilience Fund. In this edition, Anne Craanen speaks to Brett Kubicek, Research Manager, and Rob Burley, Senior Director at the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence. Details about the podcast: The Tech Against Terrorism podcast is a deep dive into the evolving use of the internet by terrorists and violent extremists, how this relates to real world harms, and what can be done to support the tech sector to disrupt this threat. Listen to the podcast here.

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

This week, we are excited to introduce Victoire Mandonnaud (MIA, ISP 2024).

Victoire is interested in changing the international system of multilateral organizations by promoting reforms which aim to give a voice to multiple stakeholders unable to participate in global policymaking. In addition, she is an artist doing painting, photography, and music.

You can find her artist website at victoiremandonnaud.com and you can find her album on Spotify: The Very Best of The Victories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We'd like to shine a light on each amazing member of our IO/UNS family. Please fill out our questionnaire here.

In United Nations and International Organizations Roundtable Conversations shows the Human Face of Multilateral Cooperation, Aurelian Dragos Mohan and Asha Jhanay Richards, both Program Assistants for Columbia-SIPA’s International Organization & United Nations Studies (IO/UNS) Specialization, reflect on the Roundtable Discussions that brought together more than 150 students of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) with 20 United Nations experts. Seated at roundtables and joined by small, rotating groups of students, the experts discussed their work and provided advice on UN careers. Quoting participating students, UN staff members and faculty, Mohan and Richards show that the event was not only a transformative experience for students but also a refreshing and thought-provoking experience for UN experts. Read the full think-piece here.

Events at SIPA & Beyond

Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 1 PM – 2 PM EDT
Navigating U.N. Internships, Fellowships & Consultancies
IAB 324

RSVP | EVENT INFO

Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 1:30 PM – 4 PM EDT
Trip to the EU Delegation at the UN!
European Union Delegation to the United Nations, 666 3rd Ave

RSVP | EVENT INFO


Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST 
Power of Storytelling

IAB 407

RSVP | EVENT INFO

Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7 PM EDT
Navigating Life as a Conflict Resolution Practitioner

IAB 1219

RSVP | EVENT INFO

Mon, Apr 17, 2023, 4 PM – 5:30 PM EDT
From Liberia to Yemen, Nepal and South Sudan: How Women in Leadership Can Affect Durable Change

IAB 407

RSVP | EVENT INFO
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 1 PM – 2 PM EDT
IAB 324
Navigating U.N. Internships, Fellowships & Consultancies

Join the SIPA UN Association for a panel and Q&A session on planning for and finding the right summer internships with second years with experiences in the UN such as internships, fellowships and the transition to consultancy positions. Open to first-year students interested in the UN and related agencies.

Register here.
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 1:30 PM – 4 PM EDT
European Union Delegation to the United Nations, 666 3rd Ave
Trip to the EU Delegation at the UN!
The European Union Delegation to the United Nations has invited our students to return to the UN HQ for a meeting with the Ambassador. Students will have the opportunity to speak freely with the Ambassador about the EU's priorities at the UN in policy and decision making.

The Ambassador will speak for 15 minutes before we will open to Q&A. Please submit all questions in advance.

The group will travel together from The International Affairs Building, on Wednesday 12th of April at 1.30pm, to the offices.

Register here.

Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 1 PM – 2 PM EDT
IAB 407
Power of Storytelling
We are delighted to invite you to the book launch (Voice for Refuge) and a conversation about the power of storytelling with Zaynab Abdi, MPA-DP 2023. 

Zaynab Abdi, an emerging global leader, chronicles her journey from Somalia to Yemen and Egypt, and ultimately the United States in her new graphic memoir. At this event, she will talk about her journey, owning the narrative of being a refugee and the power of storytelling for breaking down barriers.

There will be a book signing at the end of the event for those who want to purchase the book.

Register here.
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7 PM EDT
IAB 1219
Navigating Life as a Conflict Resolution Practitioner
Join CRC for a practitioner panel to reflect on the unique challenges of pursuing a career and striking a work-life balance in the fields of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian aid. Speakers will share how and why they made the personal decisions to pursue this line of work, how they have navigated the difficulties of working in various countries and conflict-affected areas, how they have balanced family and personal life with the demands of work, and so on. Panelists include Sethu Nair, Senior Conflict Resolution Specialist within New York City Government; Zachary Metz, Partner at Consensus Global Network; and Marc Jacquand, Officer-in-Charge of the Strategic Planning Service of UNDSS.
 
We will provide light dinner and drinks to go.

Register here.
Thu, Apr 13, 2023 6 PM – 8 PM EDT
Publique Cafe 420 West 118th Street, New York
Activism Under Oppression: Forced Labor and Human Rights Abuses of the Uyghurs
The Human Rights Working Group is hosting a conversation with author and activist Jewher Ilham and Professor Andrew J. Nathan. Jewher Ilham is the daughter of Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti, an internationally noted moderate voice who was dedicated to bridging the gap between the Uyghur people and the Han Chinese. As an advocate for her father, she testified before the U.S. Congressional-Executive Committee on China, wrote op-eds in the New York Times, met with a number of government officials including former Secretary of State John Kerry, and received numerous awards worldwide on behalf of her father. Jewher Ilham will speak about the challenges the Uyghur people continue to face. 
Apr 10-16, 2023, Multiple times
Online
World Bank & IMF Spring Meetings Live Events

The WBG-IMF Spring Meetings are open to anyone online, and present a unique opportunity for all to join central bankers, ministers, private sector executives, civil society representatives, youth leaders, academics, and others to discuss the most pressing challenges facing our world today and how we can best respond to these to promote growth, equity, and prosperity for all.

How can the World Bank Group, in coordination with the global community, support countries in their efforts to address the crises facing development? How can the institution create new models for solving debt and financing global public goods in developing countries and middle-income countries alike? How can we make development work for people when governments are weak? And how can the private sector be more engaged in financing the necessary development to help address these challenges? These questions will underpin the discussions broadcast live from Washington, DC, beginning April 10.

Mon, Apr 17, 2023, 4 PM – 5:30 PM EDT
IAB 407
From Liberia to Yemen, Nepal and South Sudan: How Women in Leadership Can Affect Durable Change

Join the HRHP Concentration for a conversation with Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the current Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Ms. Nyanti brings more than 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian affairs including in conflict and post-conflict settings, most recently serving as Resident Coordinator in Nepal (2021). She also served as United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Yemen (2019-2020) and in The Gambia (2015-2017). Prior to her senior-level representational roles, she served in numerous technical capacities in UNICEF and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) related to setting up systems for large scale grant management, social protection/cash transfers, HIV/AIDS, health and education.

Before joining the United Nations in Liberia where she worked during the conflict and transitional government periods, Ms. Nyanti held senior positions in the Ministry of Health of the Government of Liberia (1999-2003). She served as the Director of the National AIDS Control Programme and prior to that, she served as Special Assistant to the Minister of Health.

Wed, April 19, 4 PM - 5.30 PM
8th Floor Auditorium, Allan Rosenfield Building, 722 W 168th Street or Online
US Settler Colonialism, Genocide, and the Right to Health: A Conversation with the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Working Group is hosting a conversation with the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission abotu the U.S. settler colonialism and genocide of North American native populations.
Thu, April 27, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
91 Claremont Avenue, 10T
End of Year Celebration - ISHR
Save the date for ISHR's annual End of Year Celebration. Join them for a social to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 graduating class and spend time with human rights students, faculty, and staff. Student speakers and fun surprises to be announced.
Internship Opportunities

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.

International Telecommunication Union - UN Affairs Intern
Application Deadline: April 2023

The UN agency for tech ITU New York office is looking for a UN Affairs intern, with an ideal start date of late April or early May. 3-6 months, full-time or part-time. Key responsibility: Tracks, researches, and analyzes information on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for sustainable development issues. Candidates with strong writing skills are preferred. Please contact: itu.newyork@itu.int

Apply Here

Executive Office of the Secretary-General - Interns
Application Deadline: 11 April 2023

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) is seeking  motivated interns to support the work of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. The interns can take up assignments with any team in the Office, including the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit; the Political, Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Human Rights Unit; the Rule of Law Unit; the Sustainable Development Unit; the Policy Advisor’s Office; or other units.

Interns report to full-time professional staff and focus on one of the three tracks set out under Responsibilities.

Apply Here

UN Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Office of Human Resources - HR Intern
Application Deadline: 31 May 2023

The Organizational Development Section within the Office of Human Resources (OHR), Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC), of the United Nations in New York is seeking interns who are interested in joining a very dynamic and international office that is mandated to identify and respond to Organizational learning and development needs.

To address an ongoing need, they are seeking several interns specializing in a range of areas including Communications, Marketing, Visual Design, Data Visualization, Video Production, Instructional Design, Knowledge Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Finance and budgeting, and/or other fields such as Industrial/Organizational/Occupational Psychology.

The internships are UNPAID and full-time. Interns normally work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a Staff Development Officer, and typically work as a team of interns who support various projects throughout the Section and Division.

Apply Here

Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Economic Affairs Interns
Application Deadline: 04 June 2023

The internship with the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch (IISB) of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) is for two months, with an opportunity for extension, pending on the needs of the Department.

The internship is UNPAID and full time.

Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in IISB to which they are assigned.

Apply Here

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - Human Rights Intern
Application Deadline: 29 June 2023

The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented.

This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. 

Based in New York, United States of America, under the overall leadership of the High Commissioner, the intern reports to the respective Chief of Section or Human Rights Officer in the area of assignment. This internship will be offered for an initial period of two (2) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months.

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 Dankowski Mercado, IO/UNS Coordinator, ld3071@sipa.columbia.edu
Asha Jhanay Richards, Program Assistant, ajr2264@columbia.edu
Aurelian Dragos Mohan, Program Assistant, aurelian.d.mohan@columbia.edu