UN – Elliott360

November 9, 2021November 10, 2021

Stephen C. Smith

Environmental deterioration is probably the most important global development challenge. Climate change is harming many of the world’s poorest people; and far worse impact is already unavoidable; achieving effective resilience and adaptation is growing in urgency. Southern Madagascar is facing the “first famine driven entirely by climate change.” At COP26, various country coalitions have announced initial agreements, notably to stop funding overseas coal plants; reach international assistance targets; cut methane emissions by 30%; and stop forest destruction this decade. The scale and reliability of many commitments were doubted, but the extent of pessimism seems unwarranted. What has been accomplished so far is partial, but it is significant. Going forward, wider solutions need financing; and while climate mitigation and adaptation financing mechanisms have been established, they face daunting problems: we need better data and better projects; and better implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Even doing that, as a Dec. 2020 UN survey report argued, the almost-achieved $100 billion annual assistance target will need to become a floor, not a ceiling. Still, we must keep in mind that there is indeed room for optimism – for the results of COP26, but more importantly for the years of work ahead.

Stephen C. Smith
Professor and Chair, Department of Economics

November 9, 2021November 10, 2021

Nina Kelsey

Climate politics invite cynicism. The longer I follow them, the more I notice how certain narratives recur: UN officials and environmental advocacy groups declare that this meeting is the final chance to avert catastrophe. Big nations make lofty statements, followed by near-term commitments that are substantially less so. Media profile fiery young activists as “fresh voices”. Pundits write explainers on why some apparently minor variation in wording has become a deal-breaker. Negotiations run to the last minute and usually past it. In the end, whether the negotiations are an inspiring success or a crushing failure will depend on who you ask. It’s exhausting and often baffling.

But climate policy runs on patience and optimism. There is never one moment when everything changes at the international level; but this fact obscures how much continuous change has built up over time. Enormous innovation has occurred since the early rounds of climate negotiation in the 1990s: renewable energy has gone from exotic to affordable; electric vehicles are everywhere; and battery “giga-factories” are the new crown jewel for a manufacturing economy. Changes at the political level have been equally profound: nations that had to be coaxed in the 1997 Kyoto negotiations to make emissions reduction commitments of even a few percentage points are now talking about when they could achieve net-zero, while China has become a renewable energy superpower. I would challenge observers of this year’s talks to think about climate negotiations not as bounded, make-or-break openings, but as especially salient moments in a process that is playing out continuously. Climate change is a long-term global problem; but its solutions happen year by year at the level of cities, businesses, farms, and households. Those actions aggregate up, slowly shaping over time what is possible in international negotiations. In turn, negotiations codify what we have accomplished and reflect back signals to countries, cities, and citizens. What we should ask when we watch a round of climate negotiation is not whether we arrived at a comprehensive solution, but rather whether we made the most of what chances it offers to coordinate, support, and accelerate the myriad actions that are already occurring and will continue to occur at every level.

Nina Kelsey
Assistant Professor of Public Policy and International Affairs

October 28, 2021June 21, 2023

Youth Observer to the United Nations is Elliott School Senior

Tasked with finding the next Youth Observer to the United Nations, an interviewer asked applicant Cynthia Yue, a George Washington University senior international affairs major, what superpower she possessed.

Growing up in Tennessee as a first-generation American and woman of color, Ms. Yue knew creating a better world for all doesn’t just happen at the snap of a finger. It takes hard work, forging relationships and providing opportunities for people from all representations.

“I don’t have a superpower, but what I can do is see what other people are doing and bring them together by seeing their strengths and amplifying their voices,” Ms. Yue said.

Ms. Yue earned the job and was inaugurated in August as UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations, where she’s tasked with engaging young Americans and bringing their voices to the table at UN events throughout her one-year term.

She has done virtual listening and amplifying tours with hundreds of young people across the country, hearing directly from those who will one day shape the policies and procedures of the world. Ms. Yue created a diversity bloc and has set up a case competition with UNA-USA and UNICEF USA so young citizens from all backgrounds and geographic locations can have their voices directly heard.

“We inherited a broken world and one that was plagued by climate crisis, hunger and systemic inequities,” Ms. Yue said. “What I have seen is that young people are at the forefront of these movements to build back a better world.”

She is doing all of this while balancing coursework at GW, where she is expected to graduate in May. Ms. Yue noted how understanding Elliott School of International Affairs faculty members have been as she lives out GW’s mission of immersion and service education.

Ms. Yue first came to Washington, D.C., in high school, when she served as a Senate page. She fell in love with the city and chose GW because it gave her front-row access to change. Ms. Yue, who spent seven years as a UNICEF volunteer, knew early on she wanted to make a difference. She’s doing just that by listening to and lifting all voices who seek progress.

“We can only make change if the young people are advocating for them, and young people are doing so many great works of activism to make statements and hold our leaders accountable,” Ms. Yue said. “That brings me hope.”

And hope may just be the world’s most influential superpower.

April 4, 2019May 6, 2019

New York City Career Trek- Elliott School Grad Life

For 12 Elliott M.A. students, spring break brought a special opportunity: a journey to Manhattan for the second annual New York City Career Trek. In Manhattan, they met with industry professionals at coveted employers to gain insight into opportunities in the Big Apple.

“This trip is really interesting and a good way to explore various career opportunities,” said one student.

Among the sites where students met with potential employers were The Century Foundation, the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Eurasia Group, IIE, and Acquis Consulting. They heard about the organizations’ roles in the international affairs sphere and learned of updates on current work they are accomplishing. Many employers had advice for the students on how to make the most of their studies and leverage their resumes and experience to launch ideal careers.

The group also toured the United Nations and a chance to peek into the “Women in Power” press conference being held in the iconic U.N. General Assembly. Viewing incredible relics of history such as the original Nobel Peace Prize and a statue that survived the Nagasaki atomic bomb, the Elliott School students were inspired to join the ranks of the international leaders who walked the very same halls.

In addition to the tours and employer site visits, students were able to enjoy a reception in Times Square with Elliott School alumni, who shared their individual stories of life at Elliott and beyond as they mingled with current students.

“I always feel proud as a member of the Elliott School community, and I appreciate it more for the helpful networking,” one student said. “This site visit brought me eye-opening experiences and helped me make close bonds with Elliott Fellows.”