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Comments from our Readers: July 13-20, 2024

Thanks Fouad. Blanche was my favorite aunt and godmother. She wss my mentor and taught me so much about art and creativity. And she taught me how to paint. I am overjoyed to give her the long-deserved exposure as an artist and a unique woman.
In Response to a comment by Fouad Kronfol
This sounds too complicated. Instead, rich countries should take a good portion of their ‘climate change funds’, and all their ‘development aid’, and invest it in ‘green projects’ in so called developing countries (such as hydrogen production in Africa). We need to stop thinking about climate goals in national terms. Every reduction of emission counts, regardless where it happens. This reduction happens most efficiently where land is cheap and labour is more affordable. It will help the economy and the development of the host country, more than any run-of-the-mill UN project. See also Foreign Policy: How to Get More Bang for Your Climate-Change Buck
sree Gurruraja commented on "Summer where we live: Ken Gibbs"
Yesterday
Thank you for sharing this story- enjoy your humor and optimism! Sree
Dear Muffy, what a delightful article and a wonderful text..one can see it is a work of love. I really enjoyed reading it. So glad that you have become one more in the small group of XUNICEF contributors to our Blog....we sorely need it and I thank you. Hope to continue reading your comments, articles and other items on a regular basis.
Best.
Unknown commented on "Aama's Smile: Rajendra Shrestha"
2 days ago
Thank you Rajendra for your contribution! I enjoyed reading it!
Watched quite a lot of EURO 2024 and of course was bitterly disappointed that England did not win despite having many outstanding individual players. Spain were definitely better as a team. I remember watching England win the World Cup in 1966 as a teenager so the 58 year wait for a major trophy has to continue! As for the Copa America, coverage here in Europe was very limited (well, bad planning to have it clash with the EUROs) and sounds like it was a poor quality tournament - in terms of the organisation and the football. The final was a disgrace which almost ended in tragedy. btw re "their 1-0 victory" - it was 2-1 in the EURO Final.
Unknown commented on "Aama's Smile: Rajendra Shrestha"
Jul 17, 2024
Thank you.
Unknown commented on "Aama's Smile: Rajendra Shrestha"
Jul 17, 2024
What a delightful read!
What a charming human interest story this is! But "real life" also continues to draw the two professional football players together many years later. In the recent EURO cup and COPA AMERICANA competitions, both Messi and Yammine were instrumental in leading their respective teams to victory. Although he was injured Messi played a big role in the Argentine team's victory in the tournament and in the final against Colombia....his being injured was a heart-breaker for his team and he broke down in tears when he had to be replaced. As for the young Yammine (at 16 years of age he is the youngest player to represent his country in these competitions) his incredible goal is still being talked about in football circles which clinched the final victory of Spain against England.
Yes indeed ! But the "numbers" game does not stop at FIVE ! Since the P5 in the UNSC are sometimes/somewhat annoyed by reactions from the other 187 countries in the UNGA, they devised other groupings like the G7, the G20, NATO, etc. where they can plan and implement their activities among themselves without being bothered by the rest of the world.
Thanks for this otherwise extremely depressing bit of news. Together with white phosphorus which burns everything to a scorched earth, the IDF has shown there are no limits to its policy of attacking the children in Palestine/Gaza.
So glad to learn of the positive developments from the GSA Week which have spawned meetings with UNICEF retirees, such as the one in Iran. This event and the report on it brought fond memories to mind. But first some historical background.
The Basic Agreement was signed in 1951 and projects grew especially the anti-malaria campaign which was the largest one in the EMRO (now MENA) region. Teheran became the area office covering Iran and Iraq from 1954 to 1972. One of its first national officers was the late Manoucher Assadi who joined UNICEF in 1958. From 1973-1976 Teheran became a separate Country Office.
When I was Chief of the Middle East Section in HQ (one of my Programme Officers was Shahnaz Kianian Firouzgar) UNICEF received an official request from the Imperial Government stating that Iran no longer needed aid and was planning to join the rank of UNICEF donors. The Executive Director, Henry Labouisse, sent me to Teheran to ascertain the fact that UNICEF assistance would be stopped. During my mission I was accompanied by Hamid Hosseini ?and we visited the Plan Organization and most of the Ministries which dealt with UNICEF. I reported to NYHQ that the programme and the office should therefore be closed. Thus, from 1977 - 1982 there was no UNICEF presence in Iran. During that period the Shah left and the Revolution brought in a new government. Jim Grant was keen on restarting UNICEF relations in order to include Iran in the activities around CSDR, UCI etc. and UNICEF's presence was re-established as a country office in 1984.

A Ditty for Sir Richard Jolly

A belated Happy Birthday to our favorite Knight
All of Ninety and ever as bright.
So good to know that he is doing alright.
So well known for leading the UNICEF fight
With the IMF and World Bank and all their might,
But succeeding to convince them to see the light,
That their "adjustment policies" were worsening the plight
Of vulnerable children and women, yes quite,
While denying them their human right.
Dear Richard, the space here is too tight
And it is getting late at night,
So to shorten this Ditty on the XUNICEF site,
Nadia and I wish you good health, long life and everything else in sight !
I also would like to add my condolences to the Family of the late Andrea Cornia. While we did not work together, we were colleagues in the programme function and had regular and frequent exchanges on many subjects related to Africa. His work together with Francis Stewart on adjustment issues was largely done in connexion with Ghana, where Denis Cailleux was the Rep. I respected his professionalism, but above all his pleasant personality and sense of humour. Rest in Peace, Andrea !
Sad news and Jowshan appa will be missed. A warm, sensitive sister and dedicated to women’s and girls rights , she was key player in our South Asia UNICEF network supporting SAARC- we met several times and I recollect how we were both in the meeting with Hanna Barbera one rainy afternoon in Chittagong .which resulted in Meena. I would smuggle India Today and other magazines by pouch for her husband’s reading. I have fond memories of visits to her home and our shopping for Dhakai sarees. Rest in peace .
In Response to a comment by Rolf Carriere
Sorry to hear of Jowshan's passing. She was not only a role model for many of the (younger) women in our office, but also a highly respected and wise counselor to UNICEF representatives, on just about any topic. That UNICEF had the privilege to support Dr. Yunus' Grameen Bank project was entirely due to Jowshan's excellent relationship with him and her subtle diplomacy. Jowshan's contribution to the wellbeing of Bangladeshi women and children was outstanding and her voice and smile will be missed. RIP.
Thanks, Neill.
It felt strange to write this brief to announce her death. All those years ago when she and I took the same pick up car to Unicef-Dhaka did I in my wildest dreams ever think that I would be writing about her passing away?! My heart is so saddened. Rest in Power, Jowshan apa!
I posted the great story of Richard Jolly and the British Alpine Hannibal Expedition. Meant to make my name public.
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Jul 15, 2024
On a lighter note, I recently read a memoir titled "Persistence of Light" by John Hoyte, a classmate of Richard Jolly's at Cambridge. In 1959, he and Richard with a few others launched the British Alpine Hannibal Expedition, tracing the route of Hannibal's invasion of Europe and trek over the alps in 218 BCE. To be authentic, this band of scholars even brought along an elephant!
Thanks, Nuzhat, for the tribute to Jowshan , a wonderful, peaceful soul in my memory too. She was quietly effective.
I knew Andrea well and admired his deep knowledge and insight enriched by his passion to serve the cause of the poor and more vulnerable, particularly deprived children. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Baquer Namazi
Rest in eternal peace, Robert..
Jul 15, 2024
Myra, you've done it again..you have managed to capture exceptional images from ordinary objects, and have found the appropriate words to describe them; definitely one of your best todate.
It is so sad to learn about the passing of Andrea. We were neighbours and friends on Roosevelt Island in New York and enjoyed many an animated discussion walking to and from work. For a brief period, Andrea and I, with Jim Himes and Josephine Rajasegera were together in the Planning Office. It was the heady period of Adjustment With A Human Face and GOBI-FFF just before UCI 1990. He was and is an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.
Jul 14, 2024
Belated Birthday wishes Richard. May it be a great new Richard Year and congratulations on the book!
Pauline (O'Dea Knutsson)
Envious of Niloufar, who sees so many UNICEF colleagues as they pass through Toronto. Wish more would pass through Taos, though it is off the beaten path. You are always welcome in our large adobe home. The only pre-requisite is that you love dogs! Niloufar, thank you for posting about your get-togethers, often accompanied by photos.
Envious of Niloufar, who sees so many UNICEF friends as they pass through Toronto. Hope more of you will pass through Taos, too! You are always welcome in large adobe home. The only pre-requisite is that you love dogs. Niloufar, thank you for sharing your get-togethers, often accompanied by photos.
Vicky Haeri commented on "Reflections : Myra Rudin"
Jul 14, 2024
What stunning photos! You have such a creative eye, coupled with excellent technique. Occasionally I have seen some of the types of scenes you have depicted, but then been unable to capture the magic on camera. Thank you so much.
Louise Yuen commented on "Reflections : Myra Rudin"
Jul 14, 2024
Wonderful photos! You certainly have a talent! Would love to see more!
Powerful and important film. It has won several awards not only as best film, but also for cinematography, acting, etc. Io Capitano is being screened in schools in Italy and France as an advocacy tool to bring more understanding to the issues related to migration, especially of minors. It has also been shown at the European Parliament.
Margherita Amodeo commented on "Reflections : Myra Rudin"
Jul 14, 2024
Wow. What fun. Amazing shots. Thanks.
Jul 14, 2024
Richard’s life and achievement are an inspiration for us all!! Happy birthday Richard and best wishes Ashok. It was a pleasure to work with you as RC in Riyadh!!
I too am very sad to know about Andrea’s passing. A knew him and his family well in the 80’s at Hq when he was working with Dr Jolly . We both lived in the same building in Roosevelt Island. I met him much later in Florence to ask for his advice on Innocentti. A wonderful person, professional ,and a friend. May he rest in eternal peace
Sad news indeed! You have done a great work. Your contribution in adjustment with human face was a breakthrough in development support to Africa. Will miss you Andrea
RIP.

YoshiI Itamoto
Unknown commented on "Reflections : Myra Rudin"
Jul 14, 2024
Very creative, particularly the mannequin shots.
Beautiful and truly unique..wow
Unknown commented on "Reflections : Myra Rudin"
Jul 14, 2024
What beautiful and inspired photos Myrna! Thank you for sharing. Marjan
Sree Gururaja commented on "Reflections : Myra Rudin"
Jul 14, 2024
brilliant photos! incredibly creative- thanks for sharing
Sree




 

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