A Mini-Reunion in Washington, D.C. and a Call for More Reflections on UNICEF's History : Baquer Namazi and Mary Racelis

Together with Ian Hopwood, Sheila Barry Tacon and Victoria Quinn, we had a wonderful mini reunion on October 19. Victoria graciously treated us to a splendish lunch at her Washington, DC home, featuring delicious Spanish cuisine. The five of us toasted to the fond memory of her late husband, Ken Williams, UNICEF's famous nutrition and social statistics specialist. Sadly, we lost him in 2022. We shared multiple reminiscences and laughed recalling many funny experiences. As usual, though, we focused on the challenge of creating a better world for children. Attached are a few photos of the happy celebration.

In the course of our very stimulating discourse, Sheila raised an exciting idea. Why not encourage retirees to write about their UNICEF experiences in promoting cutting-edge approaches to women's empowerment? In effect, it would mean former UNICEF staff contributing pieces of the history of what has made UNICEF a great promoter of children's and women's well-being.

Building on the concept of retirees becoming UNICEF's biographers, Baquer wanted to look more closely at the African continent and bring to light some of its distinctive strengths, particularly its community-based solidarity structures and social capital. These have demonstrated spectacular resilience, self-reliance and capacity to adapt collective efforts to cope with disasters and more.

Others might suggest their particular area for contributions to UNICEF's history and achievements as we did in the with respect to CRC and peace for children in the special issue of News and Views. Starting with specific topics related to children's well-being, individuals could share their experiences in special issues of News and Views as the forum for the discourse.

If you agree to this suggestion, we can request Sheila to be the first to make her contribution, perhaps with a concept note and one vignette. That may entice others interested in contributing their experiences of UNICEF support to women in the context of their everyday lives, highlighting not only their role as mothers but also as entrepreneurs, community leaders and defenders of children's rights

We look forward to your response.

Thanks,
Mary and Baquer