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Unknown commented on "Gaza - Ted Chaiban on his visit : UNICEF Statement shared by Robert Cohen"
3 hours ago
Extremist leadership on both sides have created this nightmare scenario for all. Robust political action by the Big Actors needed to twist arms, current Israeli PM and his ultras need the boot. Hand wringing won't do it. Security for bothe sides. Given Unicef's mega surplus lit has to be the cornerstone for scaled up action. Security provided by Egypt, Jordan and dare I say, the US which has the lift and logistics capacity. Why not a 3 state solution: Viable West Bank, City state of Gaza ( like Singapore -- make wealth not war) and Israel.
Tesfaye Shiferaw commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
6 hours ago
Perhaps all of the above with extra comments . The north-south divide is expanding not only with GNP but digitally. I believe the latter (technology) is the most powerful accelerator of transformation at individual and population levels. The "aid industry" including the UN system be mandated to strategize, program and invest in Technology . Another key area of programming by all entities be LMG (leadership , management and governance) which is much said but less done - the crux of development at all levels. In the UN system, LMG has been mandated to UNDP only, never understood the logic. I am afraid the divide will be exacerbated if the above are not addressed.
Thomas Ekvall commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
10 hours ago
The Economist's "Special Report Philanthropy" January 13th-19th 2024 suggests a different tack - do away with the middlemen. That would be you, me, and all the men of the governments in Africa (they are mainly men). Imagine if the trillions of dollars in aid had gone straight into the pockets of the poorest one-third in Africa over the past 75 years. There may not have been any reunions and our children and grandchildren might have been worse off, but Africa would probably be better off.
Thomas Ekvall commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
19 hours ago
There is truth in this Ramesh. The logical conclusion would therefore be to start advocating for dismantling the USD 70 billion aid industry. It would be interesting to ask the 1000 or so on this blog if they would support that.
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
22 hours ago
First, external aid is not going to make any country better tomorrow or in ten years. Fair trade and stopping labour exploitation might help. Secondly, the powerful countries need to stop interfering in the politics of low- and mid-income countries, which are perpetrated to keep ‘their boys’ in power to keep a foothold in the region. Needless to say, all these ‘boys’ are corrupt to the core. With what is happening in the Middle East, which country still has the moral authority to preach about democracy and human rights? The ceasefire resolution in the EU parliament was vetoed by two and abstained by ten countries. There are two types of autocrats: one supported by the West including in Europe for their own vested interest and the second type are those most of whom are doing fairly good for their citizens but are hated by the West and are often the targets for a coup d’état. Let the countries find their own path.
Thomas Ekvall commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
Does anyone, familiar with the aid industry, really believe that more aid would help the global south develop? It is easy to make a very strong case that the trillions of dollars of aid have done just the opposite over the past 75 years. The only thing that would change things for the better would be competent, caring governance with corruption under control. This can not be imposed from the outside. By pretending anything else we are justifying our past and defending our fat pensions.
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Missing-You - Dr. Kamla Gopal Rao, RIP - Sad news from Nandini Dumblekar, UPGI"
2 days ago
May Dr Rao Rest in Peace!
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Celebrations by Horst Cerni"
2 days ago
Absolutely beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing the celebrations and the pictures.
Unknown commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
In a nutshell - most countries we work in - aside from some of the extreme poor - could finance and manage their own development. Obviously, us being in these places for 75 years has not done the trick. We are not taking an order of magnitude change in their budget - just concerted efforts to collect tax from their wealthy, from their natural resources, and allocating just a single digit percent to that towards social sector spending - it would completely COVER what donors put in - and without the hassled of UNICEF CDPs, UNICEF DCTs, UNICEF HACT, MOUs. etc. The aid system is broken.
Unknown commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
What I mean is: Not workshops, not frameworks, not private jets for the head of state, not a huge army, not huge football stadiums, not plans of actions, not task forces - plain and simple investment in the nuts and bolts that pave the way to rise out of poverty. So what would all the donors, UN and NGOs and consultants do? They could bid to provide technical advice on those services if they thought they had better ideas to offer - or the government could consult the wealth of data and examples on this and get on with it. No country ever caught up to the north by having a strong UNRC or a UN joint programme - they moved forward on their own steam, their onw determination, and did not wait for the UN or anyone.
Unknown commented on "Will They Ever Catch Up? : Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
None of the above - a minor shift in revenue collection by most governments of countries where we work would be a game changer - it would completely fill most of the resource gaps we whinge about. This would entail taxing the wealthy upper class and their diaspora as well as recalculating their cut of the international contracts they have to extract their natural resources. With revenue in hand - these governments would need to do to further in ensuring these resources get to their people in the form of better schools, medicine, health facilities, water supply, etc...
Unknown commented on "Strangest Things in the Invictus Islands . . . Nuzhat Shahzadi"
Jan 17, 2024
Simple Kirabati life sounds so magical inspite of the constraints. You were fortunate to experience it. Enjoyed reading.
Jan 17, 2024
25 years ago I explained to my children that “the UN” is a meeting, and the Secretary General (as the title implies) keeps notes. If the UN cannot create peace, it simply means that countries can’t agree during the meeting.
UN agencies are something different.
UN agencies are something different.
Jan 17, 2024
Do you think that Joe and Jill don’t know? They surely might have had a call from the UNICEF executive director of the eminent global agency for children, who happened to have worked for Biden herself. If not, we may have to conclude that any US nominated executive director cannot be fit for purpose.
In Response to a comment by Steve Umemoto
Jan 17, 2024
I just wish there were at least some small steps we could take to broaden awareness of the plight of children in Gaza among those who might be able to stem the tide of this disaster.
Jan 16, 2024
In the realm of international diplomacy, the United Nations serves as a bastion for fostering constructive dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. It is crucial for the UN staff to uphold these values, particularly when addressing complex geopolitical issues like the conflict in the Middle East. While criticisms of Israel are not inherently antisemitic, it is equally imperative to avoid making sweeping statements that oversimplify a deeply nuanced situation.
Critics argue that Israel often attempts to equate criticism with antisemitism, undermining legitimate concerns about its policies. However, responding with generalized statements against Israel can inadvertently perpetuate a counterproductive narrative. It is essential to differentiate between criticizing government actions and making sweeping statements about an entire nation or its people.
The recent events in Gaza have indeed sparked outrage and concern worldwide. The call for an end to the war is a valid and humane plea, irrespective of one's stance on the political complexities involved. However, attributing the conflict solely to one party, such as the insinuation of President Biden's influence, oversimplifies the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play.
Drawing attention to Israel's historical cooperation with the apartheid regime in South Africa is a legitimate point of discussion. It is essential to acknowledge past wrongs and learn from history. However, it is equally crucial to avoid framing this historical cooperation as a definitive reflection of the current geopolitical landscape.
Acknowledging the success of the Jewish community in the United States in politics, media, and finance is fair, but it is equally important not to conflate this success with a collective responsibility. Encouraging a well-informed and benevolent Jewish community to guide Israeli politics is a positive suggestion. Still, it should be framed as an invitation to contribute constructively rather than as a critique of their current engagement.
In a democratic society, it is inappropriate for an author to condemn a community solely based on their success. Such a stance echoes the troubling historical parallels witnessed in Nazi Germany, where discriminatory attitudes were fuelled by unfounded resentment towards successful communities. In the spirit of democratic values, authors should refrain from perpetuating stereotypes or unfairly targeting any group based on their achievements. Constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than scapegoating success, should be encouraged to foster a harmonious and inclusive society.
Effective diplomacy requires a measured and rational approach, devoid of emotional rhetoric. United Nations staff members must refrain from engaging in impassioned diatribes against nations or peoples, especially from the comfort of their secure positions within safe havens. Diplomacy demands a level-headed and thoughtful discourse, where individuals focus on constructive dialogue rather than indulging in emotive outbursts that may hinder the pursuit of peaceful solutions.
In conclusion, fostering a nuanced and informed discourse is crucial when addressing complex geopolitical issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict. Making generalized statements, even in the face of legitimate concerns, risks oversimplifying the situation and hindering progress toward a lasting and peaceful resolution. The international community, including the United Nations, should strive for dialogue that promotes understanding and collaboration rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.
Critics argue that Israel often attempts to equate criticism with antisemitism, undermining legitimate concerns about its policies. However, responding with generalized statements against Israel can inadvertently perpetuate a counterproductive narrative. It is essential to differentiate between criticizing government actions and making sweeping statements about an entire nation or its people.
The recent events in Gaza have indeed sparked outrage and concern worldwide. The call for an end to the war is a valid and humane plea, irrespective of one's stance on the political complexities involved. However, attributing the conflict solely to one party, such as the insinuation of President Biden's influence, oversimplifies the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play.
Drawing attention to Israel's historical cooperation with the apartheid regime in South Africa is a legitimate point of discussion. It is essential to acknowledge past wrongs and learn from history. However, it is equally crucial to avoid framing this historical cooperation as a definitive reflection of the current geopolitical landscape.
Acknowledging the success of the Jewish community in the United States in politics, media, and finance is fair, but it is equally important not to conflate this success with a collective responsibility. Encouraging a well-informed and benevolent Jewish community to guide Israeli politics is a positive suggestion. Still, it should be framed as an invitation to contribute constructively rather than as a critique of their current engagement.
In a democratic society, it is inappropriate for an author to condemn a community solely based on their success. Such a stance echoes the troubling historical parallels witnessed in Nazi Germany, where discriminatory attitudes were fuelled by unfounded resentment towards successful communities. In the spirit of democratic values, authors should refrain from perpetuating stereotypes or unfairly targeting any group based on their achievements. Constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than scapegoating success, should be encouraged to foster a harmonious and inclusive society.
Effective diplomacy requires a measured and rational approach, devoid of emotional rhetoric. United Nations staff members must refrain from engaging in impassioned diatribes against nations or peoples, especially from the comfort of their secure positions within safe havens. Diplomacy demands a level-headed and thoughtful discourse, where individuals focus on constructive dialogue rather than indulging in emotive outbursts that may hinder the pursuit of peaceful solutions.
In conclusion, fostering a nuanced and informed discourse is crucial when addressing complex geopolitical issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict. Making generalized statements, even in the face of legitimate concerns, risks oversimplifying the situation and hindering progress toward a lasting and peaceful resolution. The international community, including the United Nations, should strive for dialogue that promotes understanding and collaboration rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Jan 16, 2024
@ anonymous: Criticism of Israel is not antisemitic even if successive Israeli governments try to equate the two. Nor does calling for an end to the war in Gaza endorse the attack by Hamas on the 7th of October.
What is happening in Gaza is most upsetting and I am asking why this tragedy is not stopped. President Biden could do so with one phone call. So why doesn't he? That is the question that needs to be answered. I pointed at the strong lobby for the policies of Israel, that exists in the USA.
The ANC may not have forgotten Israel's cooperation with the Apartheid regime and perhaps it may have had some minor influence on their decision. Israel's cooperation with the racist regime in South Africa was a shameful period. If I remember correctly the cooperation even involved the development of nuclear weapons.
The insinuation that I broke the codes of conduct of international civil servants and spread disunity with what I wrote is a bit rich. I saw many codes blatantly broken during my 30 years with UNICEF. Some of the worst were committed by those abusing the organization for their political ends and the Zionist agenda.
The indisputable success of the Jewish community in the US particularly in politics, media, and finance is admirable. It is sad that the power that comes with this success is not used in the best interest of Israel itself and for finding a lasting and peaceful solution. A well-informed, benevolent Jewish community could help guide politics in Israel so that both Palestinians and Israelis would be able to live in peace. Further justifying the 75-year-old war will only ensure the continuation of death and destruction. If Palestinians will not be allowed to live in peace, neither will be the Israelis.
What is happening in Gaza is most upsetting and I am asking why this tragedy is not stopped. President Biden could do so with one phone call. So why doesn't he? That is the question that needs to be answered. I pointed at the strong lobby for the policies of Israel, that exists in the USA.
The ANC may not have forgotten Israel's cooperation with the Apartheid regime and perhaps it may have had some minor influence on their decision. Israel's cooperation with the racist regime in South Africa was a shameful period. If I remember correctly the cooperation even involved the development of nuclear weapons.
The insinuation that I broke the codes of conduct of international civil servants and spread disunity with what I wrote is a bit rich. I saw many codes blatantly broken during my 30 years with UNICEF. Some of the worst were committed by those abusing the organization for their political ends and the Zionist agenda.
The indisputable success of the Jewish community in the US particularly in politics, media, and finance is admirable. It is sad that the power that comes with this success is not used in the best interest of Israel itself and for finding a lasting and peaceful solution. A well-informed, benevolent Jewish community could help guide politics in Israel so that both Palestinians and Israelis would be able to live in peace. Further justifying the 75-year-old war will only ensure the continuation of death and destruction. If Palestinians will not be allowed to live in peace, neither will be the Israelis.
Unknown commented on "New Year Message from Fritz Lherisson"
Jan 15, 2024
I believe on actions !!
Words wouldnot feed the children nor provide them with blankets n shelters
We need people to seat down with the ennemis and talk to them this is what’s we call diplomatie
Yes talk to the ennemis they are people too bring them to the table n share your concerns listen to them
Enough it’s enough of barbaries regardless of which side Ukraine Russia Gaza Israel Nigeria n
More
Thks Fritz
Thks kareen
For your sincères wishes
Liliane marks DFAM
Words wouldnot feed the children nor provide them with blankets n shelters
We need people to seat down with the ennemis and talk to them this is what’s we call diplomatie
Yes talk to the ennemis they are people too bring them to the table n share your concerns listen to them
Enough it’s enough of barbaries regardless of which side Ukraine Russia Gaza Israel Nigeria n
More
Thks Fritz
Thks kareen
For your sincères wishes
Liliane marks DFAM
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "New Year Message from Fritz Lherisson"
Jan 15, 2024
Thanks so much for sharing your message. You’re messages continue to be such an inspiration for all of us. Regards Karin Sham Poo
Jan 15, 2024
While advocating for the Palestinian cause may be seen as a legitimate perspective, the underlying principles on which the author builds his arguments give rise to notable concerns.
The United States is supposed to be a melting pot. It is disconcerting to note the author's focus on quantifying the Jewish representation, which detracts from the principle of unity. The United States, ideally, is a diverse amalgamation of cultures, and dwelling on specific ethnic or religious affiliations undermines the concept of inclusivity.
Regardless of the writer's nationality, it is inappropriate to gauge the influence of any group solely based on numbers. Such an approach is divisive and fails to recognize the rich diversity that makes the United States unique. The reference to the overrepresentation of Jews in various sectors, including finance and media, perpetuates stereotypes and fosters discord.
It is important to stress that the strength of the United States lies in its ability to embrace differences and foster a sense of unity among its citizens. Highlighting specific religious or ethnic groups' influence in a negative light contributes to a narrative that divides rather than unites.
Furthermore, insinuating a correlation between ownership changes in media outlets and shifts in reporting on Israel based on the religion of individuals involved oversimplifies complex dynamics. Such generalizations can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and detract from constructive dialogue.
Promoting unity and discouraging divisive perspectives should be upheld within the United Nations, and any attempt to perpetuate racial or ethnic divisions is contrary to the organization's principles. A staff member, or former staff member, adopting such an approach has no place in the UN system, which strives for global cooperation and understanding.
After all, numerous retired UN staff members, hailing from diverse nations, choose to reside in Western countries upon retirement. There must be a compelling reason behind this widespread trend. Most often it is for the freedom they have in the West and the concept of the melting pot.
The United States is supposed to be a melting pot. It is disconcerting to note the author's focus on quantifying the Jewish representation, which detracts from the principle of unity. The United States, ideally, is a diverse amalgamation of cultures, and dwelling on specific ethnic or religious affiliations undermines the concept of inclusivity.
Regardless of the writer's nationality, it is inappropriate to gauge the influence of any group solely based on numbers. Such an approach is divisive and fails to recognize the rich diversity that makes the United States unique. The reference to the overrepresentation of Jews in various sectors, including finance and media, perpetuates stereotypes and fosters discord.
It is important to stress that the strength of the United States lies in its ability to embrace differences and foster a sense of unity among its citizens. Highlighting specific religious or ethnic groups' influence in a negative light contributes to a narrative that divides rather than unites.
Furthermore, insinuating a correlation between ownership changes in media outlets and shifts in reporting on Israel based on the religion of individuals involved oversimplifies complex dynamics. Such generalizations can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and detract from constructive dialogue.
Promoting unity and discouraging divisive perspectives should be upheld within the United Nations, and any attempt to perpetuate racial or ethnic divisions is contrary to the organization's principles. A staff member, or former staff member, adopting such an approach has no place in the UN system, which strives for global cooperation and understanding.
After all, numerous retired UN staff members, hailing from diverse nations, choose to reside in Western countries upon retirement. There must be a compelling reason behind this widespread trend. Most often it is for the freedom they have in the West and the concept of the melting pot.
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Jan 14, 2024
South Africa had more courage than any Arab country who « stand » with the Palestinians
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "52 Places to Go in 2024 : NY Times / Jim Mohan"
Jan 14, 2024
Thank you! Hope we can all continue enjoying fulfilling and enriching travels. N
Jan 14, 2024
South Africa can't provide security, water or electricity to it's people. Clearly the right time to be prosecuting a case about genocide in the Hague... Suspect that this case has a lot more to do with Israel's prior relationship with the apartheid regime than any real moral concerns on behalf of a failed state.
Jan 14, 2024
Thanks for the anti-semitic tropes, Thomas. Read the Protocols of the Elders of Zion recently?
Jan 14, 2024
Fully agree with Steve and Thomas
Jan 14, 2024
I agree with Steve Woodhouse, it is indeed courageous of South Africa to take Israel to the ICJ risking the wrath of the US and other Western powers. That the occupied have the right to defend themselves is enshrined in law, however, the right of the occupier to defend themselves is not. Even so, Western political leaders incessantly emphasize Israel's right to defend themselves. ICJ now has a timely opportunity to provide clarity on this and if genocide is being committed.
The reason for the increasingly irrational, and often unconditional, Israeli support in the West in general and in the US in particular needs to be revisited. That Israel has enjoyed this support for some 75 years is surprising to many observers considering the blood and treasure they have cost the US in particular. Israel has consistently repaid this loyalty and support by ignoring binding Security Council resolutions. Over these past 75 years, virtually all wars in the Middle East have had Israel as its root cause. If everyone in the US understood this their support for Israel would likely wane.
Israel gets upset whenever their outsized power and influence in the US is mentioned as a possible reason for its support. There are presently nine Jewish Senators in the US Senate. That makes the Jews overrepresented by a factor of four. On the other hand, African Americans a group that is six times larger have had less than nine Senators over the past 200 years. The Jewish community is even more overrepresented in finance and media, two very powerful industries. As most readers of this blog also read The Economist it may be interesting to reflect on how their reporting on Israel changed after the Agnelis and the Rotchilds bought the paper and installed a Jewish editor-in-chief some years back.
I trust we are all looking forward to the preliminary ruling of the ICJ that could call for an immediate halt to the war. Israel's reaction to the ruling will be most interesting.
The reason for the increasingly irrational, and often unconditional, Israeli support in the West in general and in the US in particular needs to be revisited. That Israel has enjoyed this support for some 75 years is surprising to many observers considering the blood and treasure they have cost the US in particular. Israel has consistently repaid this loyalty and support by ignoring binding Security Council resolutions. Over these past 75 years, virtually all wars in the Middle East have had Israel as its root cause. If everyone in the US understood this their support for Israel would likely wane.
Israel gets upset whenever their outsized power and influence in the US is mentioned as a possible reason for its support. There are presently nine Jewish Senators in the US Senate. That makes the Jews overrepresented by a factor of four. On the other hand, African Americans a group that is six times larger have had less than nine Senators over the past 200 years. The Jewish community is even more overrepresented in finance and media, two very powerful industries. As most readers of this blog also read The Economist it may be interesting to reflect on how their reporting on Israel changed after the Agnelis and the Rotchilds bought the paper and installed a Jewish editor-in-chief some years back.
I trust we are all looking forward to the preliminary ruling of the ICJ that could call for an immediate halt to the war. Israel's reaction to the ruling will be most interesting.
Ute Deseniss-Gros commented on "Looking back to our features from July through December 2023"
Jan 14, 2024
Beautiful selection, thank you very much!
We are retired but still so creative!
In this perspective let us look forward what 2024 might offer us.
We are retired but still so creative!
In this perspective let us look forward what 2024 might offer us.
Jan 14, 2024
I believe that Madiba would be very proud of his belived South Africa taking the lead in promoting what is the essence of human rights...Bravo
Unknown commented on "12 Billion High: Detlef Palm"
Jan 13, 2024
Yet the organisation tries to get everything at the lowest possible price, regardless of quality. So it is not only absurd that UNICEF is pilling up money. It is often also a practice that is detrimental to the quality of support that it is supposed to offer to its beneficiaries and clients.
Unknown commented on "Thoughts on Genocide : Baquer Namazi"
Jan 13, 2024
You cannot commit genocide against an occupying power. Its called resistance. This is for our misguided xunicef member who wrote about Hamas
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Akram Piracha, RIP - Sad news from Tahira Piracha"
Jan 13, 2024
Dear Mrs. Piracha and family, so sorry to hear about Mr. Piracha’s passing. He was a great boss. May his soul Rest In Peace and God’s blessings to you and the family.
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