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Unknown commented on "Follow up to UNICEF Town Hall Meeting : Catherine Russell"
18 hours ago
Leadership is indeed postponing the Global Meeting. Small token act with a high positive perception - pity the initial message on the cuts included a line saying that it would continue.
Jim Mayrides commented on "How the Internet Started, According to the Bible : Red Power"
5 Feb 2025
Wei done. Could well be real.
Luis Oliveros commented on "How the Internet Started, According to the Bible : Red Power"
5 Feb 2025
Wonderful.
Unknown commented on "Catherine Russell Message to UNICEF Retirees Attending the 2025 XUNICEF Reunion"
5 Feb 2025
Wow; that was so scripted. Poorly and dispassionately “read” from the teleprompter. Disappointing - but not surprising.
Paul Edwards commented on "The UN's Silent Workforce - Non Staff Personnel : Nadine Kaddoura / Linkedin"
4 Feb 2025
There needs to be a radical rethink of the various modes of employment in the UN. With the current funding situation likely to get even more challenging, the need for flexible staffing options is clear. But, of course, this should not be done at the expense of ethical considerations, especially safety and security of personnel. There is a great need to come up with new models for the future.
3 Feb 2025
Talking about exploitation of UN consultants is a little far fetched. I am more concerned about the need to employ consultants to do work that would be considered ‘core’ in any office-set up, such as preparing country programme documents or management plans. What are the UNICEF staff doing, who were hired to do exactly this?
3 Feb 2025
This must rank among the worst interview ever by a head of a UN agency. The full interview symbolizes why trust in UN agencies is at an all-time low. Totally free of content; no analysis, no sense of strategy nor vision, not even an explanation what UNICEF is trying to do. Hardly any sentence gets finished. Russel is unable to pick up the clues given to her by Fleming (head of the United Nations Department of Global Communications since 2019). I also cannot fathom why Fleming decides to put this online. If you can read faster than listening to the ramble, click here for the transcript of the interview.
The Executive Board, meeting from 4th February, is unlikely to affect any change in leadership or management, as it will be busy, inter alia, approving (on a no objection basis) the new Iraq country programme, where the UNICEF office will be spending more than 77 percent of Regular Resources on itself – euphemistically called programme effectiveness.
The Executive Board, meeting from 4th February, is unlikely to affect any change in leadership or management, as it will be busy, inter alia, approving (on a no objection basis) the new Iraq country programme, where the UNICEF office will be spending more than 77 percent of Regular Resources on itself – euphemistically called programme effectiveness.
Nuzhat Shahzadi commented on "Holocaust Remembrance : Habib Hammam"
3 Feb 2025
Fully agree with you, Richard.
One of the strongest voices in politics is that of US Senator Bernie Sanders, the son of Jewish immigrant parents from Poland. He vehemently opposed armament shipment to Israel by the Biden Administration and demanded humanitarian aid in Gaza. Power players/enablers and Israel should be forced to comply with international standards of law and justice.
One of the strongest voices in politics is that of US Senator Bernie Sanders, the son of Jewish immigrant parents from Poland. He vehemently opposed armament shipment to Israel by the Biden Administration and demanded humanitarian aid in Gaza. Power players/enablers and Israel should be forced to comply with international standards of law and justice.
In response to a comment by Sree
3 Feb 2025
USAID was established in 1961, when JFK signed an executive order after the Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act. Konyndyk said. "To actually disestablish the agency and dissolve it into the State Department will take an act of Congress." He is the president of the aid group Refugees International. He led disaster relief under Obama and the COVID and mpox responses under Biden at USAID.
I am sure legal battles will begin soon.
I am sure legal battles will begin soon.
3 Feb 2025
Antisemitism is racism and should be denounced as such. The more the term antisemitism is weaponised, the more important it is for us and everyone else to be aware of and clarify the difference between (i) racism and (ii) criticism of government policies and actions.
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Suomi Sakai, RIP Sad news from Ian MacLeod"
3 Feb 2025
Sad, very sad to hear ofnthe passing of Suomi. A wonderful person, amiable and supportive. May her soul rest in peace.
3 Feb 2025
It seems UNICEF leadership is managing by feelings ("we feel it is necessary to take further measures") instead by analysis and strategy.....
3 Feb 2025
What about IOM
Editors @ News & Views commented on "In light of the expected freeze on US funding, UNICEF takes precautions"
2 Feb 2025
We received only an excerpt from the original memo, so we are grateful that you have shared the missing paragraph and raised this important issue. Please keep us updated as this situation unfolds.
In response to a comment by Unknown
2 Feb 2025
Many thanks, Horst. Yes, I intend to go back again. I loved everything about San Juan. I did two tenures in two island countries––Sri Lanka, Kiribati (Fiji). San Juan felt like home-coming.
In response to a comment by Horst Max Cerni
2 Feb 2025
I loved your island. No matter who says what, it's absolutely stunning! I felt a soul-connection with San Juan.
I agree with you––some people in the US are becoming intolerant but there are also amazingly kind people here belonging to all races and genders. Let's hope the current political nastiness ends soon and decency, compassion return.
Although I was critical about Manhattan and the NY sub way, when I was young I used to love NY, especially Manhattan . . . times square, Broadway shows . . . there is also beauty in NY . . . in our parks and trails . . . though a bit litter strewn sometimes . . . we are the forgiving kind.
I agree with you––some people in the US are becoming intolerant but there are also amazingly kind people here belonging to all races and genders. Let's hope the current political nastiness ends soon and decency, compassion return.
Although I was critical about Manhattan and the NY sub way, when I was young I used to love NY, especially Manhattan . . . times square, Broadway shows . . . there is also beauty in NY . . . in our parks and trails . . . though a bit litter strewn sometimes . . . we are the forgiving kind.
2 Feb 2025
I fully agree that we have built on the work of others who came before us.
I encourage you to write your stories––share your experiences during the time you worked with UNICEF and the accounts of your predecessors and successors if you feel confident to pen them . . .
In my column I TRUTHFULLY write ONLY about my experiences and interactions that happened during my employment in the various duty stations I served. I write as a UN official and as a woman. My narratives are not about achievements––it's about the people I connected with, their life stories––how we navigated through good times and hard times.
I also write about personal stuff that has no connection with UNICEF.
. . . We are all retired now––who cares about taking credit?
I encourage you to write your stories––share your experiences during the time you worked with UNICEF and the accounts of your predecessors and successors if you feel confident to pen them . . .
In my column I TRUTHFULLY write ONLY about my experiences and interactions that happened during my employment in the various duty stations I served. I write as a UN official and as a woman. My narratives are not about achievements––it's about the people I connected with, their life stories––how we navigated through good times and hard times.
I also write about personal stuff that has no connection with UNICEF.
. . . We are all retired now––who cares about taking credit?
Unknown commented on "In light of the expected freeze on US funding, UNICEF takes precautions"
2 Feb 2025
You missed the most shocking part of the email from the Dep ExDir:
"I would like to share that the Global Leadership Meeting will proceed as planned, as most expenses have already been accrued, and it is also an opportunity for the leadership of the organization to come together and strategize during these times."
We know that it is far from the reality that 'most expenses have already been accrued' and than some US$ 2-3 million could be saved (plus a significant carbon emission reduction) by cancelling this get-together in Istanbul later this month and holding it as a virtual meeting.
Let's hope that there is an internal (and external) backlash and mobilisation effort to stop UNICEF from throwing money away.
"I would like to share that the Global Leadership Meeting will proceed as planned, as most expenses have already been accrued, and it is also an opportunity for the leadership of the organization to come together and strategize during these times."
We know that it is far from the reality that 'most expenses have already been accrued' and than some US$ 2-3 million could be saved (plus a significant carbon emission reduction) by cancelling this get-together in Istanbul later this month and holding it as a virtual meeting.
Let's hope that there is an internal (and external) backlash and mobilisation effort to stop UNICEF from throwing money away.
Unknown commented on "Tragedy of Traveling Light . . . And E4 by Nuzhat Shahzadi"
2 Feb 2025
You are exaggerating and also acquiring any credit due. These programmes evolved and foundations of which were laid way before you or Mbengue landed in Afghanistan. There were joint programmes, there were community run and based services etc etc etc. while your account of various events are exciting and interesting, please try and see if there is space for the others who worked on these topics before and during your employment in these places.
In response to a comment by Nuzhat Shahzadi
Unknown commented on "Puerto Rico Part I - Who dares? Who cares!: Nuzhat Shahzadi"
2 Feb 2025
You did an amazing job with the pictures. I try going every year with my grandson since he was born in 2013 and he loves it. I was born her in Puerto Rico and no matter what those fools say about the island they do not know what beauty is. I know there are other countries that are beautiful but the USA has become a nasty country and I live here all my life. It is not what it was when I was growing up in the 60. Praying that I can go back to my island.
2 Feb 2025
Your phrase "the Jewish propaganda" is itself antisemitic.
In response to a comment by Unknown
2 Feb 2025
Dear Fouad, with respect: antisemitism is not a religious issue. We are not defined by our religion. It is an issue of ethnic identity. Nobody ever asked my father's religious beliefs before discriminating against him.
In response to a comment by Fouad Kronfol
Richard Morgan commented on "Holocaust Remembrance : Habib Hammam"
2 Feb 2025
And, in addition, you may wish to consider the role of all those Governments who have long enabled the policies and actions of the State of Israel through massive subsidies and supplies of arms, rather than holding Israel to international standards of law and justice.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Richard Morgan commented on "Holocaust Remembrance : Habib Hammam"
2 Feb 2025
Do not - repeat, do not - equate the policies and actions of the State of Israel with
the people who bore the brunt of the Holocaust. Very many of us oppose those policies and actions, and have done so for decades.
the people who bore the brunt of the Holocaust. Very many of us oppose those policies and actions, and have done so for decades.
In response to a comment by Sree
Richard Morgan commented on "Holocaust Remembrance : Habib Hammam"
2 Feb 2025
Do not - repeat, do not - equate the policies and actions of the State of Israel with "Jews around the world". Very many of us oppose those policies and actions, and have done so for decades.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Kul C Gautam commented on "Statement of Catherine Russell on Anti-Semitism"
1 Feb 2025
Agree with Fouad & Nuzhat - at a time when the concept of "antisemitism" is being weaponized by blind supporters of Israel in the US and elsewhere; when ANY criticism of Israel is equated with antisemitism, this statement by UNICEF ED was uncalled for.
In response to a comment by Nuzhat Shahzadi
Kul C Gautam commented on "Missing You - Suomi Sakai, RIP Sad news from Ian MacLeod"
1 Feb 2025
So sad to learn about Suomi Sakai's untimely passing. She was a first rate professional and a warm, wonderful human being. I recall her leadership in health and as UNICEF Rep in Nepal. In all of her UNICEF assignments, she was a model of competence, commitment and compassion. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
1 Feb 2025
A nice first report, Nuzhat. A week is too short for "La isla del Encanto" (the island of enchantment). Your photos give an inviting glimpse into an island full of wonderful landscapes and amazing, fun loving people. So, maybe you can plan another trip and also visit baches, El Yunque forest and other towns. It's worth it.
1 Feb 2025
We have done good work, definitely––and we have done things that we can't be proud of. General Resources (GR) have been handled very poorly (in the cos I have worked in)––at the end of the year the unspent GR funds weren't returned to HQ but spent in unnecessary travels and not-needed workshops that required staff travel in business class, higher DSA, and expensive venues. There are other examples . . . The funds were meant for the children.
Unknown commented on "In light of the expected freeze on US funding, UNICEF takes precautions"
1 Feb 2025
Why would anyone want to establish new positions, given that UNICEF has more han 17,000 employees already, including 900 in Regional Offices? And hasn't it been established long time ago that people who go to conferences are the ones who shouldn't?
1 Feb 2025
Thanks, Susan. One day you will definitely know the taste of love of grandkids. These tiny people carry larger than life of love that they offer without restrain, without thinking . . .
1 Feb 2025
BCO staff association was a trend setter when I first joined UNICEF. It seems that the association of former staff are equally exceptional! Many thanks for sharing the report Masood bhai.
1 Feb 2025
Dear Anonymous colleague,
many thanks for your comments. While I was Herat (4 years) I wasn't aware that the UNICEF designed toilets had failed. Moorthy and engineers (RRD in Herat) from the government––both at the central and provincial levels were fully engaged in designing the toilets. I am sure consultations were also held with UNICEF HQ and country level experts as UNICEF maintains uniformity in toilet designs (taking into consideration varied physical conditions–soil, climate, availability of materials, population density, etc. required adjustments are made as needed). According to experts: "An Eco Toilet can be built inside or outside the home. It consists of a toilet seat, a sealed sceptic box where the waste is stored, a water filter and a long, tall pipe for the excretion of fumes and oxygen. It can last for 20 years or more if it is maintained well." Proper maintenance could also be a factor?
You are also admitting that our education and WASH in schools were successful : "UNICEF supported education under the guidance of Cathrine Mbengue was one of the biggest programme and success in the country. WASH in school was also attached parallel , because this was also a serious problem that girls were facing." I find your comment somewhat contradictory. Both education and WASH in school were successful?
As a Public health and communication professional, my role was to advocate, garner support and promote use of the toilets––the software part. The hardware part/technology or designs came from the technical experts (Moorthy and co). To draw a similar parallel, I did the same with the promotion of vaccines but the technical aspects of the vaccines which included efficacy, dosage etc was the responsibility of medical experts.
I am glad as UNICEF we are humble enough to learn. I will contact Moorthy to find out why his design failed as claimed by you.
many thanks for your comments. While I was Herat (4 years) I wasn't aware that the UNICEF designed toilets had failed. Moorthy and engineers (RRD in Herat) from the government––both at the central and provincial levels were fully engaged in designing the toilets. I am sure consultations were also held with UNICEF HQ and country level experts as UNICEF maintains uniformity in toilet designs (taking into consideration varied physical conditions–soil, climate, availability of materials, population density, etc. required adjustments are made as needed). According to experts: "An Eco Toilet can be built inside or outside the home. It consists of a toilet seat, a sealed sceptic box where the waste is stored, a water filter and a long, tall pipe for the excretion of fumes and oxygen. It can last for 20 years or more if it is maintained well." Proper maintenance could also be a factor?
You are also admitting that our education and WASH in schools were successful : "UNICEF supported education under the guidance of Cathrine Mbengue was one of the biggest programme and success in the country. WASH in school was also attached parallel , because this was also a serious problem that girls were facing." I find your comment somewhat contradictory. Both education and WASH in school were successful?
As a Public health and communication professional, my role was to advocate, garner support and promote use of the toilets––the software part. The hardware part/technology or designs came from the technical experts (Moorthy and co). To draw a similar parallel, I did the same with the promotion of vaccines but the technical aspects of the vaccines which included efficacy, dosage etc was the responsibility of medical experts.
I am glad as UNICEF we are humble enough to learn. I will contact Moorthy to find out why his design failed as claimed by you.
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