SEMINAR 2 : February 28, 2024

Climate Politics Today

This session will provide an overview of the international climate change framework, highlighting gains and challenges from the most recent COP28 in Dubai. The discussion will delve into how climate change science, negotiations and solutions are impacting international and domestic politics and economies.

Guest lecturer: Tracy Raczek, Principal, TR Climate and former Senior Adviser, UN Office of the President of the General Assembly

Venue: Hungarian Mission to the UN, 227 East 52nd Street, New York, NY

SEMINAR 4 : March 13, 2024

Can the UN Do More to Prevent or End War?

The commission of an act of aggression by a state against another state violates a cogent norm of the United Nations Charter. How can accountability be achieved for the crime of aggression committed by a state’s leaders? How can the mandate of the United Nations to maintain peace and security be advanced? The seminar highlights the project to establish a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine and explains restrictions in the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over aggression.  The seminar focuses moreover on steps to limit or sidestep paralysis in the UN Security Council and points in particular to responsibilities linked with the veto power of the Security Council’s Permanent Members and to recent developments in the relationship between the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

Guest lecturer: H.E. Mr. Christian Wenaweser, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the UN

Venue: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Conference Room 44A, One Bryant Park, New York, NY

SEMINAR 6 : March 27, 2024

The Road to Nowhere or the Path to Peace? The Hamas Attack and Israel's War in Gaza

In this seminar, Dr. Omer Bartov will look into the deep historical roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analyze events on the ground since October 7, 2023, evaluate where the war may be heading to, and propose how this crisis may be used as an opportunity to set out on the path to peace.

Guest lecturer: Omer Bartov is the Samuel Pisar Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University

Venue: Elsevier, The Met Boardroom, 7th Floor, 230 Park Avenue, New York, NY

SEMINAR 8 : April 10, 2024

Russia, Ukraine, and the Imperative to Defend the International Order

In this session, Dr. Farkas will provide an overview of the current state of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the gravity of the challenges posed by Russian aggression, and the imperative for unified, strategic responses from democratic nations to secure global stability. She will discuss recent events and the prospects for Ukrainian victory. 

Guest lecturer: Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute

Venue: McCarter & English, 825 8th Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY (Note: When entering from 8th Avenue, do not go through the main doors. Walk left around the exterior corridor to the third entrance. McCarter & English is located on the 31st floor.)

SEMINAR 10 : April 24, 2024

Cultural Competency: Framework for Thriving in a Global Workplace

Cultural competence is essential for any company that conducts global business virtually, utilizes international travel, or features workspaces in different locations. By having a deep understanding of our own cultural backgrounds and workstyles, we are better prepared to overcome differences as we interact with others in our day to day lives. In this hands-on, highly interactive session, participants will:  

• Gain insight into how culture impacts business interactions

• Compare one’s work style to that of other people and other cultures

• Understand the “why” behind common culturally-influenced behaviors

• Learn to use a validated tool to help understand work style diversity in a multicultural setting

This session will rely on real-world examples and business cases for increasing cultural awareness. Participants will ideally walk away with a better grasp on their personal workstyle, and how to utilize the framework presented in the Aperian tool to improve their cross-cultural collaboration in future business and personal interactions. 

Guest lecturer: Lauren Jackson, Client Strategy Consultant, Aperian

Venue: Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, 885 Second Avenue, 41st Floor