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UNICEF has just published its SOWCR 2024. Here is an address Peter Adamson gave to the Canadian National Committee in January 1994 recounting his work in publishing the SOWCR each year from 1980 to 1995. . Thirty years later I feel Peter's address remains the very best account of Jim Grant's message, so eloquently expressed in Peter's inimitable words. Some of the facts and figures may have changed since he delivered it, but the salience of the message for UNICEF and the world remains still very valid. In my humble view, this speech deserves to be published in our Newsletter once a year - every year - to inspire us all.
Warmly, Kul
Click here for Peter Adamson's 1994 address to the Canadian National Committee
Summary
Peter Adamson's address summarizes the core messages of the 15 annual SOWCR reports written for UNICEF between 1980 and 1994.
Quotes
"The great lesson of UNICEF’s advocacy over the years... is that if you want to achieve anything you not only have to select priorities you have to stick with them as well."
"The problem today is not that overcoming the worst aspects of world poverty is too vast or too expensive a task; it is that it has not seriously been tried."
"For the sake of children today, and of society tomorrow, it is essential to protect the growth and normal development of children during those early years."
"These deaths are not news. But those children are just as dead. And their families are just as grieved."
Summary
Peter Adamson's address summarizes the core messages of the 15 annual SOWCR reports written for UNICEF between 1980 and 1994.
Quotes
"The great lesson of UNICEF’s advocacy over the years... is that if you want to achieve anything you not only have to select priorities you have to stick with them as well."
"The problem today is not that overcoming the worst aspects of world poverty is too vast or too expensive a task; it is that it has not seriously been tried."
"For the sake of children today, and of society tomorrow, it is essential to protect the growth and normal development of children during those early years."
"These deaths are not news. But those children are just as dead. And their families are just as grieved."
I agree with Kul, Peter's address is one for the records, a historical event that should be required reading for all current ...and former...UNICEF staff. I remember the speech as I was then winding down my UNICEF career, helping direct the Booz-Allen management review, but had also been accepted for an emigrant landing in Canada upon retirement. Our dear friend and colleague Wah Wong was the President of the Canadian NatCom while Harry Black was the executive Director. Wah had asked me if I would serve on the NatCom Board in charge of the programme section which I was looking forward to as soon as we moved in fall 1995. I felt very proud of the work of the Nat Com and Peter's speech only strengthened my enthusiasm.
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