Ramesh Shrestha commented on "Insights from Outside the Bubble: The Rough and Rowdy Ways…."
18 mins ago
Indeed, earlier years of UNICEF Woodstock!
Nils Arne Kastberg commented on "Insights from Outside the Bubble: The Rough and Rowdy Ways…."
48 mins ago
Nicely worded reflection, Detlef. The challenge or question to ask, as we have so many wonderful friends presently in the UN, is why they just hang in there... in part, is that when I joined the UN in January 1980, in all the operational agencies, such as UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, seventy percent of the staff were involved in program delivery. Now seventy percent of the staff are in administrative and support functions, with the right to kill creative staff members. I wish we could seek to reflect on the various factors that dampen the energy of colleagues...
Fouad, I eagerly anticipate your soliloquy series. Agree with Detlef that the history of each stamp is fascinating & unique! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Doreen
Doreen Lobo commented on "A Little History - the Tycoon and the Do-gooder : Tom McDermott"
3 hours ago
A fascinating encounter with history. Thanks for writing and sharing with us. Doreen Lobo
Bravo! Some pictures are truly worthy of National Geographic! Doreen Lobo
AI is everywhere and learning fast. Ever wondered, why you have to identify traffic lights, buses or zebra-crossings in those 'I am not a robot' captchas? Captchas are tests that can tell humans and computers apart. Your response to the traffic-light-zebra-crossing captcha is provided to car manufacturers. It helps them to programme their self-driving cars, making the streets safer.
Fascinating! Including the history lesson...
Horst Max Cerni commented on "Murmurs from the Springs - Is It Time to Face Up? : Tom McDermott"
Feb 15, 2021
Your concerns, Tom, about the facial recognition initiative by the UNJSPF brought out an issue that I was not aware of. I had missed the articles by Elaine Fultz and Deborah Raji and only read them now, as you recommended. Very well researched and certainly raising many questions. I started the process last week and scanned my driver's license and took my photo. (I admit that I was concerned about the quality. The process went relatively fast.). I now have a video call appointment to verify ,my data on April 14. I had to install a specific app for the Digital Certificate and it only works with my iPhone. To answer Ms. Raji's questions: Since I applied, I obviously consented. Is data meticulously verified? I don't know, neither do I know if thorough documentation was required. One thing I don't understand is how this system would use up so much energy (- Ms. Fultz mentions 14 gall of gas for one transaction). Maybe a better idea might have been to use the secure email system like the Credit Union and Cigna use. Anyhow, I am in the loop - for better or worse...
Thanks Fouad. This part of your collection is fascinating . Your ditty and description were most informative. We look forward to your next set.Sree
Sree Gururaja commented on "Insights from Outside the Bubble - What Happened? : Detlef Palm"
Feb 15, 2021
While I agree with the need to simplify and make reports more readable , would that make the professionals both in UNICEF and the donor community uncomfortable?
Unknown commented on "A Little History : A Young Man - One Hundred Years Ago : Tom McDermott"
Feb 15, 2021
A great and interesting summary on the history of UNICEF and WHO, and the pathfinders. Thanks Tom.
Great talent Patricia, God bless you 🙏🏾.
Anis Salem commented on "Egypt : Proposal to Put Street Kids in Camps Stirs Opposition : Al Monitor / Viviane Sakkal"
Feb 15, 2021
Many thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have sent messages to several members of the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as a couple of Ministers, former Ministers, and some editors. I don't think this will fly. My concern is that UNICEF advocacy (globally, regionally and at the country level) has been shrinking thus allowing these ridiculous ideas to come out of the cracks.
Virtual Zoom meeting with UN Retirees to review Guide on Digital Certificate of Entitlement (DCE). Last Friday 11th February 2021, we held a virtual Zoom meeting with UN Retirees, in Guatemala. We're able to review the guide in Spanish and gave personal experiences in processing the app, which proved very useful for participants. In recent years we had many difficulties in processing the CE, since the regular postal service has not been operating in the country. This digital innovation is very welcome and hope soon all Retirees will be able to have a successful registration. Warmest regards.
Horst Max Cerni commented on "A Little History : A Young Man - One Hundred Years Ago : Tom McDermott"
Feb 14, 2021
Fully second the above comments. Although I knew bits and pieces of UNICEF, this article is a most valuable reminder. Thanks Tom.
What talent. Thanks for sharing Rohinidesilva
Kul Gautam commented on "A Little History : A Young Man - One Hundred Years Ago : Tom McDermott"
Feb 14, 2021
Nice piece, Tom. I hope XUNICEFers who have not had the chance to read or re-read Maggie Black's two volumes of UNICEF history will take advantage of some free time now to do so.These and many other UNICEF pioneers' stories are inspiring and fascinating. When I was UNICEF DED, in the annual briefing for new UNICEF Board members, I used to share a condensed history of UNICEF, drawing largely from Maggie's books. In my farewell remarks when I retired from UNICEF in 2007, I shared a 10-point plan to keep UNICEF strong & vibrant. Point #1 was encouraging all new staff to read & learn from UNICEF's glorious history and recommended a list of 6 books that all new staff should read, including Maggie's two volumes. Alas, very few people actually read & learn from history.
Unknown commented on "A Little History : A Young Man - One Hundred Years Ago : Tom McDermott"
Feb 14, 2021
Excellent reminder of the pathfinders, Everett
Paul Adovohekpe commented on "A Little History : A Young Man - One Hundred Years Ago : Tom McDermott"
Feb 14, 2021
Thank you, Tom, for this fascinating story of the beginnings of UNICEF as well as the World Health Organization. The story of these great men is inspiring in more ways than one. It's good to know who laid the foundations for these great institutions. And to know that the late and much loved Jim Grant, the well-known UNICEF Executive Director, the one who visited countries with a packet of oral rehydration salts in his pockets, was predestined for these roles from the age of 3 years. Thanks again, Tom.
Great work by Patricia. Am saddened to learn of her stroke, but very pleased that she has recovered enough to practice her art and further her talents in this field of mosaics which is relatively less known. Last saw her at the 2015 Budapest Reunion when I learned about her artistic endeavours. We had met in Santiago, Chile, when I was in Personnel Division and had encouraged her to come to New York for a posting that eventually contributed to her technical improvement.
Detlef Palm replied to a comment on "Insights from Outside the Bubble - What Happened? : Detlef Palm"
Feb 12, 2021
I recommend to look at one or more CPDs whose term ended in 2019. They can be found here. (https://sites.unicef.org/about/execboard/index_103772.html) Compare with the 2019 annual report of the respective country. They can be found here. (https://open.unicef.org/program-fund-goal?year=2019) When you open the CPDs and COARs in two different windows, you can read them side-by-side. Spot the difference in what was planned and what was achieved.
In Response to a comment by SureFoundation
SureFoundation commented on "Insights from Outside the Bubble - What Happened? : Detlef Palm"
Feb 12, 2021
Detlef, is that not what we already do in country offices? At least in those offices where I served, that is what happened at the end of every yera end but not in so few words.
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