4 hours ago
The legendary liberation fighter, the late Dr. John Garang, once said: "I will continue fighting the war, it is the responsibility of the international community to feed the people".
14 hours ago
Are the taxpayers in the global north to be held more responsible for the welfare of the Sudanese people than the sovereign country's own leaders?
Fouad Kronfol commented on "The Pentaptych: Detlef Palm"
17 hours ago
With its far-flung offices and its growth in size, it seems appropriate for a new Executive Director to meet all the senior managers early in her/his tenure. After all the UNICEF Reps. also personally represent the ED who would want to know firsthand about them. Moreover, the Reps. should have an occasion to meet their new leader and other executives and get an idea of what new priorities/directions the organization is to go. There are many ways this can be done, including a global meeting like the one in Istanbul.
It is difficult for outsiders to fully understand the writings on the 5 panels shown but they are certainly of significant artistic quality. I suggest that they be used as Greeting Cards this next holiday season. Meanwhile, it would be useful to get the opinions of our many XUNICEF artists on the technical aspects of these drawings.
It is difficult for outsiders to fully understand the writings on the 5 panels shown but they are certainly of significant artistic quality. I suggest that they be used as Greeting Cards this next holiday season. Meanwhile, it would be useful to get the opinions of our many XUNICEF artists on the technical aspects of these drawings.
20 hours ago
True, but more importantly most poor countries have done little to develop or address poverty and inequality themselves. The tragedy in Sudan is a case in point.
20 hours ago
Agree with Jason's conclusion....it has been the inability of the international "development" organizations to tackle the real issues of poverty and inequality in the world that has spawned the constant adoption of new wording for essentially the same actions. The advent of new technology and the digital age has only increased the trend and made it even more complicated.
Unknown commented on "The Pentaptych: Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
it's solace that we looked after ourselves
Ken Gibbs commented on "The Pentaptych: Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
Have we learned nothing in the last 40 years ?
UNICEF was created for the welfare of children, wasn’t it ? The Istanbul Global Leadership Meeting in March appears to have been more about the gizmos/devices to provide that welfare than about the welfare itself.
In around 1992, the then UNICEF Deputy ExDir launched WASAMS (Check out WASAMS Evaluated, Aug 9th, 2022: https://xunicefnewsandviews.blogspot.com/2022/08/wasams-evaluated-ken-gibbs.html) which was supposed to have been the springboard to evaluating water and sanitation projects and programmes the better to deliver UNICEF support to children, globally. It, too, was about the gizmos and devices and was such a catastrophic failure that it was swept under the UNICEF carpet so that future staff could not be allowed to know how to use plain, common sense.
In today’s world, the waste of common sense comes a lot more expensive at US$ 8 billion PER YEAR, each year. It is as if the cost of the catastrophe justifies the actions.
When, oh when, will Members of the UNICEF Board say, “Enough is Enough” ?
UNICEF was created for the welfare of children, wasn’t it ? The Istanbul Global Leadership Meeting in March appears to have been more about the gizmos/devices to provide that welfare than about the welfare itself.
In around 1992, the then UNICEF Deputy ExDir launched WASAMS (Check out WASAMS Evaluated, Aug 9th, 2022: https://xunicefnewsandviews.blogspot.com/2022/08/wasams-evaluated-ken-gibbs.html) which was supposed to have been the springboard to evaluating water and sanitation projects and programmes the better to deliver UNICEF support to children, globally. It, too, was about the gizmos and devices and was such a catastrophic failure that it was swept under the UNICEF carpet so that future staff could not be allowed to know how to use plain, common sense.
In today’s world, the waste of common sense comes a lot more expensive at US$ 8 billion PER YEAR, each year. It is as if the cost of the catastrophe justifies the actions.
When, oh when, will Members of the UNICEF Board say, “Enough is Enough” ?
Yesterday
Ha!ha! Most girls all over the world k ow they are smarter than their brothers😀 We didn’t need a huge survey to tell us this but essential to convince the men - fathers, brothers, husbands, colleagues etc- Despite the author ‘s concern, in the IT industry here( India) , women are in equal numbers and many in managerial positions. Further, their achievements at the secondary school level is higher. As the author says, girls need to be given the opportunities.
Go girls go!👧🏻
Sree
Go girls go!👧🏻
Sree
Sree Gururaja commented on "The Pentaptych: Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
Thanks Detlef for sharing - like you say, I looked for something new- lots of words / slogans, grabbing media attention.
I wonder if this lot had read our mission statement or maybe that is
archived? Sree
I wonder if this lot had read our mission statement or maybe that is
archived? Sree
Unknown commented on "The Pentaptych: Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
I left UNICEF in 2010. If you had told me that these were from a leadership retreat in that year I would have believed you.
If you'd told me it was from a leadership retreat the year I joined a decade earlier I'd have believed you too.
If you'd told me it was from a leadership retreat the year I joined a decade earlier I'd have believed you too.
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "The Pentaptych: Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
It is indeed quite colourful although all the jargons remains as they are. The biggest issue in the policy I still see is the continuation of One Size Fit All design without any alternatives.
Apr 26, 2023
Dear Fawzia, I must have met you when I had a mission to Sanaa with Habib Hammam as UNICEF Rep.in relation to office management and programme development. Let me hasten to congratulate you for this wonderfully personal and human letter to your colleagues. It nearly brought tears to my eyes. It is one of the best retirement letters I have ever read and should be shared not only with the retirees, but also all current staff in UNICEF. You so ably and simply described what the organization meant to its personnel and especially to women who served in difficult posts like Yemen. We hope and pray that peace will once again reign in your beloved country and that its children will face a better and more prosperous life. M'AA ALF SALAMA !
Apr 26, 2023
As I live in a bi-lingual country I will try a Ditty in Franglais!
Chere Marie-Pierre, or MPP dear,
What is this news that I hear?
De tes collegues j'ai pu lire,
That you will retire this year !
I remember a JPO still wet behind the ear,
But those who knew her were clear,
She would have a great UNICEF career.
And in four decades you served in many a sphere.
Donc, j'ai hate de m'enscrire
A la longue liste pour t'ecrire,
Ces mots dans la langue de Moliere et de Shakespeare.
Some colleagues will surely shed a tear,
But I am quite certain and do not fear,
You will, your retirement, ably steer.
Au Quebec nous aimons dire,
La retraite n'est pas si pire !
Do remember the XUNICEF network is near.
So, sit back, relax and have a beer,
Better still, un Bordeaux Grand Cru of vintage year !!
Good luck, adieu et a bientot.
Fouad
Chere Marie-Pierre, or MPP dear,
What is this news that I hear?
De tes collegues j'ai pu lire,
That you will retire this year !
I remember a JPO still wet behind the ear,
But those who knew her were clear,
She would have a great UNICEF career.
And in four decades you served in many a sphere.
Donc, j'ai hate de m'enscrire
A la longue liste pour t'ecrire,
Ces mots dans la langue de Moliere et de Shakespeare.
Some colleagues will surely shed a tear,
But I am quite certain and do not fear,
You will, your retirement, ably steer.
Au Quebec nous aimons dire,
La retraite n'est pas si pire !
Do remember the XUNICEF network is near.
So, sit back, relax and have a beer,
Better still, un Bordeaux Grand Cru of vintage year !!
Good luck, adieu et a bientot.
Fouad
Apr 26, 2023
We lost a giant and a visionary friend who advocated and acted on his commitment for a better world for children. His contribution will be felt for many years, and I wish to thank our colleagues for putting this material together for it is inspiration for many generations to come.
Gloria Kodzwa
Gloria Kodzwa
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Missing-You: Harry Belafonte - Memories : Fouad Kronfol"
Apr 26, 2023
Legends never die! Shine with the stars, great man!
Apr 26, 2023
Thanks so much for these memories. I do hope that these are exposed to the existing young staff of UNICEF. But almost 24hrs on I do not see this headlining the UNICEF.ORG public website nor on ICON (internal intranet). Pity.
Apr 25, 2023
I met Victor Soler-Sala in 1975 at the training seminar entitled "Paris/Berlin and Copenhagen". Herman Stein always managed to present staffers with an opportunity for a wonderful learning trip. I had the opportunity to meet and work with Victor and found him to be extremely intelligent and analytical. Upon our return, I understand that he spoke with Dick Heyward and asked for my transfer to the Bogota A/O as Programme Coordinator. I spent 3 years with Victor from 1976 to 1978 and handled Colombia, the English-speaking Caribbean countries, especially Guyana and Surinam as well as Jamaica until we turned over that country to Fritz Lherisson. I also provided support to our P.O. for Ecuador. Victor and I made a few visits to Venezuela which in those days was doing quite well, unlike today.
Victor was a visionary. He taught me about UNICEF and its workings since I joined in 1973 after having worked with Catholic Relief Services for 9 years.
He became one of my many mentors in UNICEF and enabled me to be named Acting Representative for 15 months in 1979 and part of 1980. He had been a Planning Officer and taught me the tricks of the trade to go along with my programme and managerial experience with CRS.
He and his family welcomed my family and his dear spouse, Suzanne and their children adopted our 5 boys into a wider society. They had a marvelous sense of family and friendship and both families spent some wonderful vacations together in Colombia. Parties and receptions at Casa Soler-Sala were legendary and he and Suzanne were always able to charm everyone with their personality and kindness.
One of Victor's memorable and unique legacies involved a request to Quino, a famous and revered political commentator in Argentina. He had created Mafalda, an 8-year-old girl wise beyond her years She commented on everything political as well as cultural and of daily social happenings in Argentina, but applicable everywhere. Victor wrote Quino asking if Mafalda and her friends would comment on the recently adopted 10 Principles of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Quino did a magnificent job of drawing Mafalda whose comments on each Principle were right on.
The 1977 copyright was published by UNICEF in Bogota and distributed widely throughout the Americas. It was a major legacy for Victor and probably only one of his many on behalf of the world's children.
My own favorite comic involved Mafalda stepping onto her little chair and declaring that from her chair, she was asking for world peace. After standing a bit, she got off, stating that "it seems that my chair has the same power of conviction as the U.N. and the Vatican."
I will remember my friendship with Victor Soler-Sala who worked tirelessly for the children of the world with dignity and elan. Descanse en paz amigo. Elayne and I share the loss of our friend and mentor Victor and send our condoleces to their family. Jim Mayrides
Victor was a visionary. He taught me about UNICEF and its workings since I joined in 1973 after having worked with Catholic Relief Services for 9 years.
He became one of my many mentors in UNICEF and enabled me to be named Acting Representative for 15 months in 1979 and part of 1980. He had been a Planning Officer and taught me the tricks of the trade to go along with my programme and managerial experience with CRS.
He and his family welcomed my family and his dear spouse, Suzanne and their children adopted our 5 boys into a wider society. They had a marvelous sense of family and friendship and both families spent some wonderful vacations together in Colombia. Parties and receptions at Casa Soler-Sala were legendary and he and Suzanne were always able to charm everyone with their personality and kindness.
One of Victor's memorable and unique legacies involved a request to Quino, a famous and revered political commentator in Argentina. He had created Mafalda, an 8-year-old girl wise beyond her years She commented on everything political as well as cultural and of daily social happenings in Argentina, but applicable everywhere. Victor wrote Quino asking if Mafalda and her friends would comment on the recently adopted 10 Principles of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Quino did a magnificent job of drawing Mafalda whose comments on each Principle were right on.
The 1977 copyright was published by UNICEF in Bogota and distributed widely throughout the Americas. It was a major legacy for Victor and probably only one of his many on behalf of the world's children.
My own favorite comic involved Mafalda stepping onto her little chair and declaring that from her chair, she was asking for world peace. After standing a bit, she got off, stating that "it seems that my chair has the same power of conviction as the U.N. and the Vatican."
I will remember my friendship with Victor Soler-Sala who worked tirelessly for the children of the world with dignity and elan. Descanse en paz amigo. Elayne and I share the loss of our friend and mentor Victor and send our condoleces to their family. Jim Mayrides
Apr 24, 2023
baquer namazi
Wow! Marie has reached retirement age. I knew her since 1984 and we worked together on the issue of children in difficult circumstances, when she was a young JPO. She showed talent, initiative and vision, even at this young age. We worked as a team under the able leadership of the late Bill Cousins, guru on urban policies for children and designer of the Urban Basic Services strategy.
She visited me accompanied by another urban development guru, Vesna, when I was rep in Kenya. She played the role of assistant to the late NYi NYI, Director of the Programme Division, but contribute more as a deputy, having the confidence of Nyi Nyi. She also gave us much support in the field, when I was in Somalia. I wish her success in any course she choses for the future. I am sure she will be an active humanitarian, even in retirement
Wow! Marie has reached retirement age. I knew her since 1984 and we worked together on the issue of children in difficult circumstances, when she was a young JPO. She showed talent, initiative and vision, even at this young age. We worked as a team under the able leadership of the late Bill Cousins, guru on urban policies for children and designer of the Urban Basic Services strategy.
She visited me accompanied by another urban development guru, Vesna, when I was rep in Kenya. She played the role of assistant to the late NYi NYI, Director of the Programme Division, but contribute more as a deputy, having the confidence of Nyi Nyi. She also gave us much support in the field, when I was in Somalia. I wish her success in any course she choses for the future. I am sure she will be an active humanitarian, even in retirement
Apr 24, 2023
A good start would perhaps be to prosecute the culprits rather than pay them off to leave.
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Afghanistan: UN ready for ‘heartbreaking’ decision to pull out of Afghanistan : The Guardian"
Apr 23, 2023
Everything Taliban do or don't do are heartbreaking! They are taking the country and its people to dark ages. Over 50% of its population is heading towards complete illiteracy. What a disaster!
Gulbadan
Gulbadan
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Eid Mubarak with Photos of 22 Beautiful Mosques Around the World"
Apr 23, 2023
Eid Mubarak! عيد مبارک
Unknown commented on "Missing You: Victor Soler-Sala, RIP : Sad news from his family"
Apr 23, 2023
Victor and I first met in early 1967 when I joined the HQ Planning Unit. We both remained part of the early planning "establishment" of the organization, until we both drifted in to country office and programme management. Victor has a long and unwavering commitment to the mission of UNICEF and to the children of the world. He was innovative and inspired a considerable number of younger staff as well as government and civil society partners. Even in retirement his commitment to UNICEF continued through the Spanish nationl UNICEF Committee. My sincere cnodolences to VCictor and Suzanne's family. Steve Umemoto (London)
Apr 23, 2023
It’s a delight to see the fabulous, talented, art created by Peter and by Mehr
Thank you both for sharing
Thank you both for sharing
Apr 23, 2023
The tragedy that is playing out in Khartoum is the result of generations of poor governance. War in the streets of Khartoum may be new, but successive governments in Khartoum have bestowed similar violence on other parts of Sudan over many decades.
UINICEF's relations with the many governments of Sudan were unusual from the onset. We were, in order to be allowed to work in Sudan, forced to take on and pay for two nationals, picked by the government, to work in our office to keep a close eye on us.
This strange arrangement set the tone for our work. UNICEF has had more representatives declared persona non grata in Sudan than in any other country. It was common to hear from government officials: "If you want to work in my country you have to pay us". Many officials found UNICEF more useful as a milking cow than as a partner in development.
Even the deputy executive director got his hands dirty in Sudan having to agree to a percentage of the budget being skimmed off by the staff of the Ministry of Health for them to immunize their children.
Sudan is poorer today than it was five or ten years ago in spite of receiving more aid than probably anyone else. Geopolitics and outside interference have not helped.
Things look bleak in Sudan, but let us pray for peace and tranquility. Let us hope that the people of Sudan can rid themselves of their abusive government to give their bright children a future.
UINICEF's relations with the many governments of Sudan were unusual from the onset. We were, in order to be allowed to work in Sudan, forced to take on and pay for two nationals, picked by the government, to work in our office to keep a close eye on us.
This strange arrangement set the tone for our work. UNICEF has had more representatives declared persona non grata in Sudan than in any other country. It was common to hear from government officials: "If you want to work in my country you have to pay us". Many officials found UNICEF more useful as a milking cow than as a partner in development.
Even the deputy executive director got his hands dirty in Sudan having to agree to a percentage of the budget being skimmed off by the staff of the Ministry of Health for them to immunize their children.
Sudan is poorer today than it was five or ten years ago in spite of receiving more aid than probably anyone else. Geopolitics and outside interference have not helped.
Things look bleak in Sudan, but let us pray for peace and tranquility. Let us hope that the people of Sudan can rid themselves of their abusive government to give their bright children a future.
Bilgae commented on "Comments from Readers: 15- 22 April 2023"
Apr 23, 2023
Victor was a noble soul. Will be remember by me and many for his love of life and many accomplishments. bilge
Apr 23, 2023
Really beautiful paintings dear Peter, and an inspiring note. I am privileged to have followed your development as a painter, and love what I see over the past couple of years. Thank you for sharing.
Karsten commented on "Can you teach yourself to paint? - Peter Delahaye"
Apr 23, 2023
Dear Peter, you put it really nicely together - everybody can paint!
While I had early contact with paper and colors through my profession as a printer, I started painting already before retirement in Acryl and encouraged my wife to start painting as well. She opted for Aquarell - colors. I found - and still find it - amazing how painting e.g. landscapes changed my perception of surroundings. You look at them with different eyes and can notice much more details. Also, I believe that painting in our age group keeps us curious and experimenting with different tools and colors can lead you to forget everything else around you. Could I convince anybody else to start painting right away? I hope so...
While I had early contact with paper and colors through my profession as a printer, I started painting already before retirement in Acryl and encouraged my wife to start painting as well. She opted for Aquarell - colors. I found - and still find it - amazing how painting e.g. landscapes changed my perception of surroundings. You look at them with different eyes and can notice much more details. Also, I believe that painting in our age group keeps us curious and experimenting with different tools and colors can lead you to forget everything else around you. Could I convince anybody else to start painting right away? I hope so...
Apr 23, 2023
I Admire those who have developed and mastered their interest later in life and are producing such amazing unbelievable works of art!!! Keep sharing !!!!🌹
Apr 22, 2023
It is indeed with great sorrow that we learn the news of our dear Victor's passing! We remember the great time we had in China with him both professionally and personally. He even immitated Peking opera to our children and was never short of unique gifts to them. We will truly miss him. May his soul be eternally happy with Suzanne's in heaven. We pray in mourning and condole the family in their difficult time. Bijaya & Gabriele Mallapaty
Apr 22, 2023
Inspiring Peter. Thanks, Everett
Apr 22, 2023
In 1980 I was presenting Save the Children’s participatory nutrition education work to NGO’s at the UNICEF Jakarta Office when Terril Hill dragged me down the hall to meet the Representative. Victor asked me to join his staff. It changed my life. Our paths rarely crossed but when they did I recognized the same passion and love of UNICEF he had when we met that day in 1980.
Truly a life well lived.
Truly a life well lived.
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Missing You: Victor Soler-Sala, RIP : Sad news from his family"
Apr 22, 2023
I am so sorry to learn of Victor's passing. May he Rest with the beautiful stars. In the 1970s and 1980s Victor made numerous trips to Kabul. He even brought his beautiful wife and his kids to Kabul and they toured parts of Afghanistan. He was a gentleman, kind and respectful. In more recent years I met him a few times at the HQ. My condolences, sympathey and respects to his family. Victor will be missed by many. Gulbadan
Apr 22, 2023
Peter has written a very good piece on overcoming the belief that one has to have talent to paint. I love his paintings but I know that what got him to where he is, is not just talent but immense interest and hard, hard,
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