Nuzhat Shahzadi commented on "Happy Birthday, Happy 90th, Horst - Best Wishes for the Day and Many Happy Returns Plus a B'day Ditty: The Editors"
58 mins ago
Dear Horst
many happy returns of the day!! I am sure the birthday celebrations are going to be extraordinary, memorable!
I remember the time we first began communicating. It was while we were working on your article “Life after Unicef.” Since then we have become email-pals. I am remembering our many charming email exchanges…If you’re too quiet on the blog, I feel the need to check on you. And there you are- prompt with your response, always.
I am so glad I met you via email, dear Horst! Let’s keep writing on the blog, off the blog. One day, I will definitely visit your enchanting island as promised.
Happy Birthday!!!
many happy returns of the day!! I am sure the birthday celebrations are going to be extraordinary, memorable!
I remember the time we first began communicating. It was while we were working on your article “Life after Unicef.” Since then we have become email-pals. I am remembering our many charming email exchanges…If you’re too quiet on the blog, I feel the need to check on you. And there you are- prompt with your response, always.
I am so glad I met you via email, dear Horst! Let’s keep writing on the blog, off the blog. One day, I will definitely visit your enchanting island as promised.
Happy Birthday!!!
23 hours ago
Seems like the ED is frequently “deeply alarmed”. Not sure if that is any help to those affected. Call for a special session of the SC, the GA and whatever else and put on the table the “deeply alarmed” matters to the members of the two and put them all on the spot. Please do not ask for more money. Increased budgets don’t do much!
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Kunio Waki, RIP - Sad news from Eimi Watanabe"
24 hours ago
Deeply saddened to learn about the death of Kunio. Have known Kunio since mid 70s when he was posted in Bangladesh. Our friendship continued since then, even though we were posted in different duty stations . He touched everyone with his warmth, friendship and positive attitude.
Kunio will be dearly missed. Rest in eternal peace.
Kunio will be dearly missed. Rest in eternal peace.
Unknown commented on "Blind Faith and No Objections"
Yesterday
For those of us old enough to remember and still with a working memory, UN Reform and the way UN Agency leaderships took what little prospects it held for a more focused, cost effective, values driven UN and drowned it in the framework of over complex frameworks typified by what passed for the UN working as One. The CPDs later were more the product of inter agency, govt word smithing which in passing muster by all, also made is mush for all. Now Trump and his insurgents are getting on with the deconstruction of what they see as an over arching secular, Liberal democratic ideologies and programmes that to them, could spell the end of White America. The major corporates are now also busy scrubbing their public and private references to Climate Action, DEI etc. Which really speaks to their original espousal of same values and approaches as being nothing more than skin deep. What then of the UN and UNICEF, multilateralism is the arch nemisis of the Ultra Right and its armies of the Night, there is a point beyond which we cannot bend, because we will break. So, can we de-link from the US? Relocate to Bonn ( there was an offer once), scale down programmes and wait out this phase, though I beleive that the US landscape may not be the one we now know. And yes, time to do away with the unofficial official norm that UNICEF has always got to have a US national. The other story is the increasing role of other rising economies like China who are also in their imposing costs and barriers to the UN's work. No time to wring hands. Time for evasive actions and new alliances.
Yesterday
an impartial assessment is the need of the hour
Detlef Palm commented on "Blind Faith and No Objections"
Yesterday
Yes, the CPDs in this form have become totally irrelevant.
All those who spoke up at the latest Board meeting should collectively urge the SG, at the end of Russel’s term, to appoint as ED a national from a middle income country, who knows what it takes to get a country from low-income to middle-income status – even if it results in a reduction or loss of US ODA to UNICEF. An ED from a programme country is more likely to cut out self-serving bureaucracy, identify and reduce inefficiencies and pet projects, and be interested in real results. The aid industry would not have to react to Trump’s antics, but be in the driving seat.
All those who spoke up at the latest Board meeting should collectively urge the SG, at the end of Russel’s term, to appoint as ED a national from a middle income country, who knows what it takes to get a country from low-income to middle-income status – even if it results in a reduction or loss of US ODA to UNICEF. An ED from a programme country is more likely to cut out self-serving bureaucracy, identify and reduce inefficiencies and pet projects, and be interested in real results. The aid industry would not have to react to Trump’s antics, but be in the driving seat.
In Response to a comment by Ken Gibbs
Ken Gibbs commented on "Blind Faith and No Objections"
Yesterday
You suggest that the CPD process is not very relevant – for all the reasons you listed.
If the USA is sufficiently motivated to vote against the process, maybe the time has come for Members of the Board to consider the relevance of having a US National as the ExDir, by default.
If the USA is sufficiently motivated to vote against the process, maybe the time has come for Members of the Board to consider the relevance of having a US National as the ExDir, by default.
Sree Gururaja commented on "Missing You - Kunio Waki, RIP - Sad news from Eimi Watanabe"
2 days ago
We will miss Kunio’s smile and friendly interactions- he is remembered in India as the person who opened Chandigarh Office for North India. When we met in Bali, several decades later he asked about his former colleague, Mr Muralidhar and the driver. His hospitality was well known whether it was Islamabad or Bangkok…
Rest in peace, Kunio
Rest in peace, Kunio
Unknown commented on "Blind Faith and No Objections"
2 days ago
I totally agree the Board should vote and the process is very flawed relative to the original intent of a CPD. The other more shocking thing was USA delegate using the DEI card - that since the US hates to hire people based on diversity, equity and inclusion - then any UNICEF document where a WORD SEARCH churns up those words - should be banned. I think this was a pre-text for USA to do this next week at WFP board any other board - and to use it as a reason to slash their contributions. One can only hope that as UNICEF reels from this shock - and the budget cuts to follow - the belt tightening will shake up the way UNICEF does business. We cannot have donors fund a model where 49% of international staff in the world are sitting at a HQ or Regional office location? We need to look at our business model and streamline the layers and steps we create. We have a great asset in our natcoms - but are they thrilled with our top heavy approach?
Alot to think - i just wish we had the fortitude to think about our way of working without having to get kicked in the head at a EXBRD meeting. We have financed millions in studies on our structure - the BOOZ ALANS and all - but do we ever learn?' A glimpse of the new strategic plan looks like business as usual.
Alot to think - i just wish we had the fortitude to think about our way of working without having to get kicked in the head at a EXBRD meeting. We have financed millions in studies on our structure - the BOOZ ALANS and all - but do we ever learn?' A glimpse of the new strategic plan looks like business as usual.
2 days ago
It is sad to learn of the passing of Kunio. Our careers intersected a few times. We first met in the summer of 1973 when UNICEF held one of its first staff training programmes at the University of Sussex, then we worked together at the Division of Programme Field Services at NYHQ when Kunio was desk officer in Asia Section and I on the Middle East desk. Our paths crossed again in SCARO meetings when Kunio was Representative in Pakistan and I in Nepal. Later I succeeded Kunio at the UN Development Group when he went to UNFPA. Kunio was always a very pleasant person to work with. He formulated his opinions carefully and expressed them persuasively and was calmly persistent in a most agreeable way. I will always think of him fondly. May he rest in peace. Habib
Feb 13, 2025
Dear Ivette, time and again the MAGA idiots have been proven grossly incorrect. I loved my time in San Juan and planning to go back again in the future. I lived in two islands countries and supported many others during my tenure with UNICEF.
The salty-sea island-air feels like home coming . . . Puerto Rico is a beautiful, magical country.
The salty-sea island-air feels like home coming . . . Puerto Rico is a beautiful, magical country.
Feb 13, 2025
Thanks Fouad. I understand your reactions as I have experienced Puerto Rico first hand––up close and personal.. It's indeed an enchanting island country!!
In Response to a comment by Fouad Kronfol
Nuzhat Shahzadi commented on "Days Gone By … by Nuzhat Shahzadi"
Feb 13, 2025
UNICEF Somalia also has smart women drivers.
Feb 12, 2025
US is not an epitome of democracy––we know what America has done and doing to keep its supremacy in the global political arena. We are talking about MAGA policies but let's also remember president FDR (EO 9066) had thrown thousands of Japanese-Americans in internment camps under inhumane conditions . . . Canada did the same (22,000 Japanese-Canadians forcibly relocated and incarcerated) . . . Bush invaded Iraq under false claims, etc., etc. . . . US kept providing weapons that killed over 40,000 people in Gaza . . . we should not forget the migrant children separated from their parents at the border during Trump's first term. Many have never been reunited with their families even today. Modi's so called democracy is shameful . . . it's the same story almost everywhere. There is no democracy no decency . . . I think UNICEF should consider taking grants/donations from China now to save the hungry, vulnerable, children, women and families around the world. (China is America's one of the largest creditors––owning about $859.4 in US debts). The question we need to ask––how bad it can be to go to China for funds??? Let Trump face some competition ... and let's save some lives.
Ivette Martinez commented on "Puerto Rico Part I - Who dares? Who cares!: Nuzhat Shahzadi"
Feb 11, 2025
I’m so glad to have read another article about Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised. So, thanks much Nuzhat, for the narrative and the photos! As a Puertorrican in the diaspora, am always grateful to hear people’s feedback after vacationing there. The most significant piece of information I usually receive when visitors return from a stay in the Island has a great deal to do about the warmth and generous character of the people.
While I live in NJ, I am always encouraging friends and acquaintances to visit the Island. Most of my friends and my children’s friends have gone more than once, always wishing to tag along when whenever we go.
Unlike may other places that separate visitors from the people and culture into resorts, the best part of visiting PR is that you are smacked into the swing of our local living, doing, going, eating, swimming at and within the local culture. I’m glad that you visited the island with a friend and experienced feeling at home as well a local.
As for that so called comedian, he showed what an ignoramus and an uncultured a person can be. On another hand, what we have not appreciate are individuals from mainland USA, weather in power or on power trip, who have gone and behaved unkindly. Perhaps, UNICEFX should plan an annual reunion there.
While I live in NJ, I am always encouraging friends and acquaintances to visit the Island. Most of my friends and my children’s friends have gone more than once, always wishing to tag along when whenever we go.
Unlike may other places that separate visitors from the people and culture into resorts, the best part of visiting PR is that you are smacked into the swing of our local living, doing, going, eating, swimming at and within the local culture. I’m glad that you visited the island with a friend and experienced feeling at home as well a local.
As for that so called comedian, he showed what an ignoramus and an uncultured a person can be. On another hand, what we have not appreciate are individuals from mainland USA, weather in power or on power trip, who have gone and behaved unkindly. Perhaps, UNICEFX should plan an annual reunion there.
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "A Few Thoughts on the US Vote at the ExBoard : Kul Gautam"
Feb 11, 2025
No matter who says NO, the USA will move on. The only possibility is for change to come from forces within the USA. EU has been considerably weakened, Russia has been injured and China is number ONE designated enemy. There are no other countries or organisations to negotiate with the USA. Freedom has gone rogue full scale.
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "A Few Thoughts on the US Vote at the ExBoard : Kul Gautam"
Feb 10, 2025
From Gaza to Mississippi and beyond the well being, rights and even the humanity of children and women are of no account, no value to the MAGA cult. Our hope is that the rest of the world says NO more!
Madeline Eisner commented on "A Few Thoughts on the US Vote at the ExBoard : Kul Gautam"
Feb 10, 2025
Thanks for this informative piece, Kun. Had wondered about the origins of The Federalist article and authors.
Feb 10, 2025
In 1996 we spent 10 days in Puerto Rico visiting San Juan and driving to other locations around the island. We stayed at a great resort ,the Horned Dorset in Rincon, which was a Relais &Chateau hotel with five star amenities. We were impressed with all the places we stayed at and talked about returning. A truly enchanting island to visit and you have shown it through your photos.
Feb 10, 2025
How sad, and how incomprehensible! The donor countries seem to want things both ways; help countries reach 2030 SDG's and at the same time reduce their contributions of ODA.
Fouad Kronfol commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 10, 2025
Birds & Butterflies, but no Bees?
On their beauty everyone agrees,
Pictured with so much ease,
And you dont charge us fees.
Any from Florida Keys?
This is just a friendly tease
About lovely photos as each one sees.
On their beauty everyone agrees,
Pictured with so much ease,
And you dont charge us fees.
Any from Florida Keys?
This is just a friendly tease
About lovely photos as each one sees.
Unknown commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 10, 2025
Just wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Juan Aguilar
Nuzhat Shahzadi commented on "Days Gone By … by Nuzhat Shahzadi"
Feb 10, 2025
Many thanks for your comments, Mary. Yes, I heard about Tehran and Amman and also South Sudan––isn't that great? Women are doing well in every field––flying jets, sanely governing (apologies about PM Hasina now hiding in Modi-land)), discovering . . .raising families . . .
In Response to a comment by Mary Sidawi
Robert Fuderich commented on "A Few Thoughts on the US Vote at the ExBoard : Kul Gautam"
Feb 10, 2025
MAGA at work even at UNICEF Ex Board! It’s going to be a long 2 years!
Mary Sidawi commented on "Days Gone By … by Nuzhat Shahzadi"
Feb 9, 2025
A very touching article. As far as I know both Tehran office and Amman office had female outstanding female drivers since late nineties
Sinéad commented on "US Votes Against CPDs at Executive Board"
Feb 9, 2025
I did a word search for gender in the Iraq CPD and found it once. But found the word 'rights' 14 times - I'd say that's what sent them over the edge. Although I suspect they don't need an excuse....
In Response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Bettydiaz@bellsouth.net commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 9, 2025
Beautiful photos Myra.
George McBean commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 9, 2025
Great photography Myra.
Soma De Silva commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 9, 2025
Animal kingdom is so vivid. You have a great gift to capture that vividness so others others can enjoy it. Thank you Myra.
Unknown commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 9, 2025
Beautiful bright colors...A feast for your eyes!!
Sudha Murali commented on "Birds and Butterflies by Myra Rudin"
Feb 9, 2025
Breathtaking ! Thank you for sharing
Rohini de silva commented on "US Presents Amendment Rejecting DEI Language in CPDs at the Executive Board"
Feb 9, 2025
What have we come to? The notion that DEI does prevent equal opportunity and minimizes merit is so wrong. It is meant to exercise merit within the framework of recognizing the importance of diversity of thinking from a diverse group of people. So sad.
Paula Claycomb commented on "Shame on those concerned and bravo to those who are resisting : Niloufar Pourzand"
Feb 9, 2025
Sorry, Anonymous, but I do not believe we "must live with this". Au contraire, it is the reality, but those who believe in the US Constitution, the UN HDR, the CRC and other such instruments, must try to reverse some, if not all, of the egregious decisions and actions the US President has taken. I agree that he did not hide what he was going to do. The margin of victory was slim: 49.8 to 48.3. While the Democratic candidate conceded, the Republican victor does not have an overwhelming mandate to do what he is doing.
Paula Claycomb commented on "US Votes Against CPDs at Executive Board"
Feb 9, 2025
When I tried to find a phone number for the US Mission, to protest the new position of the US, I could not find one. There is no phone number either at the end of Shrier's statement or on the US Mission's webiste. Honestly!
Unknown commented on "Shame on those concerned and bravo to those who are resisting : Niloufar Pourzand"
Feb 9, 2025
Elections have consequences. Americans have spoken. They voted for him. He did not hide what he was going to do. So I hear your pain. But we must live with this.
Unknown commented on "Catherine Russell Message to UNICEF Retirees Attending the 2025 XUNICEF Reunion"
Feb 9, 2025
Disappointing to say the least. Her lack of passion and enthusiasm is so evident. Why bother to arrange these things. Mary Racelis could have just read a written statement with better effect.
Unknown commented on "Glimpses of Tehran - Part 1 - Ken Gibbs"
Feb 9, 2025
Thank you to write about my motherland.
Feb 8, 2025
We've come full circle!!! It's all about the CRC, hehe! Proud of the Board :)
Detlef Palm commented on "US Votes Against CPDs at Executive Board"
Feb 8, 2025
The theater that the US delegation creates is wacky, as is the text of the final justification. Equally hysterical is that Oman had explicitly approved the Iraq CPD in its written comments, but then voted against it (as the only country aligning with the USA during the vote). I have read the Iraq CPD several times, as well of those of Paraguay and Ruanda and cannot detect any DEI propaganda. However, language such as ‘gender-transformative’ services might have attracted the attention of Elon Musk’s algorithms.
Obviously nobody (including those who voted in favour of the CPDs and spoke up against the intervention by the USA) read the CPDs in detail, which are difficult to digest because of their endless prattle. Still, it would have been better if the European, South American and Asian delegations would have challenged the USA on its obviously unfounded assertions, instead of simply expressing their faith in UNICEF and defending the Board’s dysfunctional processes.
Because there is much to criticise about the CPDs. I was invited, before and after retirement, to assist country office in preparing their CPDs until I got tired of the charade. Consultations with and ownership by governments of CPDs has declined continuously over the years. and more rapidly since the UN reform. A sensible Executive Board would insist on CPDs being prepared and presented by the recipient countries, testing the governments’ seriousness of their intended reforms.
Obviously nobody (including those who voted in favour of the CPDs and spoke up against the intervention by the USA) read the CPDs in detail, which are difficult to digest because of their endless prattle. Still, it would have been better if the European, South American and Asian delegations would have challenged the USA on its obviously unfounded assertions, instead of simply expressing their faith in UNICEF and defending the Board’s dysfunctional processes.
Because there is much to criticise about the CPDs. I was invited, before and after retirement, to assist country office in preparing their CPDs until I got tired of the charade. Consultations with and ownership by governments of CPDs has declined continuously over the years. and more rapidly since the UN reform. A sensible Executive Board would insist on CPDs being prepared and presented by the recipient countries, testing the governments’ seriousness of their intended reforms.
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Labels
Comments
Labels:
Comments
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment
If you are a member of XUNICEF, you can comment directly on a post. Or, send your comments to us at xunicef.news.views@gmail.com and we will publish them for you.