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UN Studies Program (UNSP)
The United Nations Studies Program at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) promotes teaching, training, and career development in the pursuit of multilateral solutions to global dilemmas. Under the direction of Elisabeth Lindenmayer, the Program brings together scholars and practitioners to address the main priorities of the UN – security, development, human rights and the environment – strengthening synergies between the Columbia community and those within the UN system.
The UN Studies Program offers courses, panels and practical opportunities to increase students’ understanding of the history, inner workings, and challenges associated with the UN’s role in the world today. It aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and insight to work towards effective and efficient solutions to global problems through multilateral cooperation.
The Program’s main areas of activity include:
- Teaching focuses first and foremost on theories of international organizations; second, on the management of the UN system; and third, on the UN’s functional areas such as peace operations and development coordination. The Program supports and complements SIPA’s regional and thematic centers, offering insights from the UN system that can enhance understanding and developments within such fields as conflict resolution in Africa, economic and political development, and the environment.
- Panels and structured discussions between experts and students explore key issues such as the Responsibility to Protect, the evolution of peacekeeping, and Security Council reform.
- Capitalizing on the proximity of the UN headquarters to SIPA, students gain first hand experience of the United Nations through observing key meetings of the Security Council and the General Assembly as well as attending other pertinent UN events. The Program also helps to place students as interns at the UN and offers guidance to students developing and clarifying their career paths.
- The Program’s outreach component creates links between SIPA alumni, the UN, and affiliated organizations to foster networks in New York and throughout the world. It has established relationships with such organizations as the International Peace Academy, the Security Council Report, the UN University (UNU), the UNA/USA, the UN Foundation, and many NGOs.
The Program is supported by The UN Studies Working Group, a student initiative that compliments and enriches the Program’s endeavors.