Volume 3 l Issue 8 l April 2012
This newsletter is a monthly effort from the Millennium Development Goals Awareness Project (MDGAP) to provide information on Millennium Goal developments around the world, related research and volunteer opportunities, funding and training options, and MDGAP events.
IN THIS ISSUE: FOCUS ON THE UNITED NATIONS
UN Wire
UN Internships
Young Professionals Program
Junior Professional Officers
UN Volunteer Programme
Rio+20: Working Together Toward The Future We Want
Leading Up To Rio+20: Volunteer Action Counts
Community Service Day at Ronald McDonald Charities
MDGAP Newsletter Survey
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 FOCUS ON THE UNITED NATIONS
This issue of the MDGAP newsletter focuses on ways for readers to follow or get involved with United Nations over the summer and beyond. Most submissions, therefore, point to these goals. Notice of additional UN programs, internships, and ways of connecting will also be published in the May newsletter.
UN WIRE
Imagine learning of key developments happening around the globe on a daily basis and of the United Nations’ responses to them. Envision being well informed about the status of the Millennium Development Goals worldwide and different solutions that are being tried with great success. The UN Wire, the UN’s daily electronic newsletter, is the source for accessing this high level information and insight. Consider signing up to receive notices and staying “in the know” at: https://www.smartbrief.com/un_wire/index.jsp.
UN INTERNSHIPS
Hundreds of internship opportunities are hosted at the United Nations and its agencies, funds, and special programs each year. They are highly sought after and typically go to those with advanced degrees and fluency in more than one of the UN major languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, French). Not all require previous experience, but exposure to important issues enhances a resume. MDGAP interns Brigit Calder and Beau Trapp, researched internships at the UN over the course of the past year and found sixteen internship programs dealing with issues as varied as children, families, finance, and the environment. See the fruits of their research at: http://www.iss.wisc.edu/mdgap/internships.html
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM
The United Nations Young Professionals Program targets individuals aiming to begin professional careers as international civil servants. Applicants must hold a first level university degree, be age 32 or younger, speak either English or French fluently, and be a national of a participating country. Only certain countries participate in this program and the list changes from year to year. Besides the basic application process, one also needs to complete two exams. The first part, a written examination, tests substantive knowledge, analytical thinking, drafting skills, and overall awareness of international affairs. Applicants may also be asked to complete an oral exam. Those fortunate enough to be accepted into the program are appointed for two years at which point they are reviewed in order to continue on for another three years. https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=NCEA
JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS
The United Nations Junior Professional Officer Program (JPO) provides young professionals with hands-on experience in a field of their interest. The applicant must be a national of a participating country. Some participating countries include Austria, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Italy, Norway, France, Greece, and many others. Each country has its own requirements, with the specific agency having unique requirements. The following are some of the participating agencies: UN Women, UN AIDS, UNDP, UN Volunteers, UN University, among others. http://www.jposc.org/content/programme/presentation-en.html
 UN VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
The UN Volunteer Programme has sent close to 8, 000 individuals from 160 countries into situations all around the world that support peace and development. Volunteers engage in a wide variety of assignments that bring them into close contact with the work of the UN on the ground. The minimum age for participation is 25 and there are other requirements, such as two years of experience and fluency in at least two languages including English, Spanish or French. Once a volunteer, however, it is hard to imagine a more exciting volunteer opportunity and being closer to the heartbeat of UN on a day-to-day basis. For more information: http://www.unv.org/about-us.html.
RIO+20: WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD THE FUTURE WE WANT
By Arif Fazil
“Rio+20 will be one of the most important global meetings on sustainable development in our time." Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General
The current deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is 2015. With only three years left, progress toward achieving the MDGs is varied. Certain countries may accomplish all the goals, most will accomplish some, and others not at all. Therefore, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), that will be held in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will be a vital process of negotiation for United Nations member states to draft the post-2015 development agenda. During Rio+20, the UN is gathering member states, international societies and major NGO groups to agree on a range of frameworks for numerous global initiatives to integrate sustainable development in economic, social and environment issues. Rio+20 discussions will comprise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are mainly planned as sets of goals to complement the MDGs. SDGs are proposed to be a set of measurable, action-oriented and time-bound goals that create a more sustainable world for all. Rio+20 is indeed crucial for world development and we as a civil society should ensure that this conference meets its targets. For more information, visit http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/about.html.
LEADING UP TO RIO+20: VOLUNTEER ACTION COUNTS
In preparing for Rio+20, the UN wants to record all efforts to preserve the environment, however large or small, by individuals and groups Whether you use reusable grocery bags, energy efficient light bulbs, participate in an organization that educates about the environment or engage in other activities, the UN considers it important and wants to know about it. Learn how you can contribute to the UN count at http://www.unv.org/en/news-resources/news/doc/press-release-launch-of.html.
 COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY AT RONALD MCDONALD
Two weeks ago ten intrepid students gave up their Saturday morning and afternoon to learn about Ronald McDonald Charities in Madison and around the globe and to clean a house that the charity provides to families of severely ill children being treated in nearby hospitals. Ronald McDonald Charities operate in 56 countries around the world and offer a variety of social services and educational support to families. The photo captures the group debriefing on the Terrace after their day of hard work.
MDGAP NEWSLETTER SURVEY
The MDGAP team would like to make sure the newsletter and quick announcements are serving the needs and interests of its readers. Please take a few moments to fill out the following online survey and help us shape the newsletter in the year to come: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q23F28S. Your input will be anonymous and valued.
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