Just now
If I read this correctly there was a global leadership meeting where many issues were discussed but nothing was decided.
Unknown commented on "Blind Faith and No Objections"
8 hours ago
Maurice Pate would not recognise UNICEF to today. Rarely self-critical. Not learning - doing the same things over and over. And hardly field oriented - almot 50% of international positions, especially those P5 and above - are clumped at Regional and HQ level. Back in 2000 I was deployed to support a Regional Office - it consisted of 1 RD and 3 senior advisors and maybe 5 or 6 support staff. Maybe 10 people - that same Regional Office has exploded to consist of: 140 staff of which 100 are P5 to P3. What more programming for children are we delivering in that region with 140 staff than when we had just 10? Our business model is top heavy, multi layers and sluggish. The belt tightening will be ugly.
In Response to a comment by John Skoda
Unknown commented on "From rethinking to remaking humanitarianism : Tammam Aloudat"
Feb 20, 2025
This description of the history is ignorant and has racist undertones.
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Feb 20, 2025
It is easy and intellectually lazy to blame the West for all the world's ills, from slavery, colonisation and capitalist exploitation to geopolitical manipulation. Yes, the West has, with its economic and military dominance, been responsible for a lot of wars and atrocities over the last several hundred years. The West has also, over the same period, been a provider of a lot of good in science, medicine, engineering, technology, etc.
The rest of the world is fully capable of wars and abuse without the involvement of the West. The Arabs were involved in slavery long after it was abolished in the West. Some African countries made slavery illegal just recently. Most countries have been occupied or colonised; it is not a uniquely Western phenomenon against the rest of the world. My own country, Sweden, has been colonised several times. Spain, where I now live, was occupied by the Arabs for hundreds of years. The left's denouncing of capitalism as evil is ignorant. There has never been any sustainable economic development of any significance anywhere without capitalism. Even communist China had to resort to capitalism to get their economy to grow. Nor is geopolitical manipulation restricted to Western powers. What are Russia, UAE, China, etc., doing in Africa as I write this?
Africa's problems are not caused by a lack of aid from the West. It has received trillions of dollars in aid over the past 60 years. Most of it was wasted, Africa is relatively poorer today than it was 60 years ago. The continent's problems are primarily caused by incompetent, corrupt and abusive governments.
The rest of the world is fully capable of wars and abuse without the involvement of the West. The Arabs were involved in slavery long after it was abolished in the West. Some African countries made slavery illegal just recently. Most countries have been occupied or colonised; it is not a uniquely Western phenomenon against the rest of the world. My own country, Sweden, has been colonised several times. Spain, where I now live, was occupied by the Arabs for hundreds of years. The left's denouncing of capitalism as evil is ignorant. There has never been any sustainable economic development of any significance anywhere without capitalism. Even communist China had to resort to capitalism to get their economy to grow. Nor is geopolitical manipulation restricted to Western powers. What are Russia, UAE, China, etc., doing in Africa as I write this?
Africa's problems are not caused by a lack of aid from the West. It has received trillions of dollars in aid over the past 60 years. Most of it was wasted, Africa is relatively poorer today than it was 60 years ago. The continent's problems are primarily caused by incompetent, corrupt and abusive governments.
Feb 19, 2025
I agree with a lot of what is being said – including his statement that humanitarians have morphed from “rebels to bookkeepers”. I recommend the article to all of us. I agree also with him that we need to start to “shift the conversation.” Sadly, there aren’t many people who want to engage in this (or any) conversation.
According to the author, the existing model of humanitarism is inequitable and Eurocentric. He concludes that Europeans need to rethink their model, which is fair enough. I would add that – as important as anything else - we need more governments and leaders of non-European countries to live up to their own accountability, first and foremost to their own people, for securing peace.
According to the author, the existing model of humanitarism is inequitable and Eurocentric. He concludes that Europeans need to rethink their model, which is fair enough. I would add that – as important as anything else - we need more governments and leaders of non-European countries to live up to their own accountability, first and foremost to their own people, for securing peace.
Feb 19, 2025
The importance of growth is what Detlef talks about. Without growth, there is no development, but UNICEF has never articulated that simple fact. Why would someone from a programme country necessarily be better at cutting self-serving bureaucracy, reforming programme processes or be more interested in results than someone from a rich country? Moving HQ to Africa would not necessarily get staff "in touch with reality". I dare say staff in places like Nairobi are often as out of touch as those in NY.
In Response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Gautam Banerji commented on "Oh Island in the Sun! by Gautam Banerji - 2025 XUNICEF Reunion"
Feb 19, 2025
Missed you, too, Nuzhat! Bhalo theko!
In Response to a comment by Nuzhat Shahzadi
Gautam Banerji commented on "Oh Island in the Sun! by Gautam Banerji - 2025 XUNICEF Reunion"
Feb 19, 2025
We missed you at the Reunion, Horst! Many happy returns of your special day, which you celebrated recently!
In Response to a comment by Horst Max Cerni
Feb 18, 2025
Very nice photos, Gautam! I am sure it was a great reunion.
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Kunio Waki, RIP - Sad news from Eimi Watanabe"
Feb 18, 2025
Our dearest Kunio Waki :
Adieu . Some guys give their best to the times and the world they live in.
Some people belong to the world and what they do. You have been a role model person for us.
Words cannot say how grieved we are to hear that one of the most gentle and caring persons we had the honour to know and work as a member of team has passed away.
Certainly he was one of the best Country Representatives who served in Pakistan and made a phenomenal contribution to advance the cause of children.
Kunio Waki has been an embodiment of a kind, caring professional par excellence and a team leader who inspired us to give our best. We recall with great respect and love what Sachi , gone too soon and now Kunio’s passing away have stirred fond memories of your mission in Pakistan. Your hearts and doors of their home were always open for international and national colleages in equal measure. So much so that I recall with relish a dinner at their home with James Grant our great leader. Kunio waki, you were not just a mentor to me; you were a true friend. Your unwavering support and genuine care for my well-being touched my heart. May your soul rest in peace.
Naseem ur Rehman
Adieu . Some guys give their best to the times and the world they live in.
Some people belong to the world and what they do. You have been a role model person for us.
Words cannot say how grieved we are to hear that one of the most gentle and caring persons we had the honour to know and work as a member of team has passed away.
Certainly he was one of the best Country Representatives who served in Pakistan and made a phenomenal contribution to advance the cause of children.
Kunio Waki has been an embodiment of a kind, caring professional par excellence and a team leader who inspired us to give our best. We recall with great respect and love what Sachi , gone too soon and now Kunio’s passing away have stirred fond memories of your mission in Pakistan. Your hearts and doors of their home were always open for international and national colleages in equal measure. So much so that I recall with relish a dinner at their home with James Grant our great leader. Kunio waki, you were not just a mentor to me; you were a true friend. Your unwavering support and genuine care for my well-being touched my heart. May your soul rest in peace.
Naseem ur Rehman
Feb 18, 2025
Yes, Ken. I agree. At the end of Russel’s term, the SG should 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. An ED from a programme country is
(i) more likely to cut out self-serving bureaucracy,
(ii) is more likely to reform the programme process so it serves the host countries instead of donors or the aid industry, and
(iii) is more likely to be interested in real results
By moving UNICEF HQ to Africa, UNICEF would be in touch with reality and easily right-size itself.
(i) more likely to cut out self-serving bureaucracy,
(ii) is more likely to reform the programme process so it serves the host countries instead of donors or the aid industry, and
(iii) is more likely to be interested in real results
By moving UNICEF HQ to Africa, UNICEF would be in touch with reality and easily right-size itself.
Feb 17, 2025
Our paths did not cross while in UNICEF, so I did not meet Maggie in person, but through her amazing artwork … her water paintings are without doubt a feast for the eyes. We stayed in post UNICEF when she shared her creative talents for all XUNICEF readers to enjoy. Rest in Peace dear Maggie.
Ellen Tolmie commented on "Missing You - Maggie Murray-Lee, RIP - Sad News from Bernadette Suffran"
Feb 17, 2025
I cared very much for Maggie and spent many days/hours with her both in NY and Geneva. She was a pioneer staff photographer for Unicef and, in her final years in her native N Zealand, an accomplished water colourist. And always an adventurous and caring soul. Was last in touch with her in 2020, the year she turned 80!
Hope to write and share a little tribute to her soon.
Greetings and best to all of you.
Ellen
Hope to write and share a little tribute to her soon.
Greetings and best to all of you.
Ellen
Mehr Khan-Williams commented on "Missing You - Maggie Murray-Lee, RIP - Sad News from Bernadette Suffran"
Feb 17, 2025
Maggie Murray Lee was a brilliant photographer. She captured some of the best images we had and which I hope still live in UNICEF’s photo archives. But her talents went beyond her mastery of photography. She was a skilled media officer and an excellent colleague.
“Maggie had a very big heart full of compassion and empathy as was evident in her wonderful work especially from Cambodia and West Africa. And she had a distinctive laugh which was very endearing.
“After she retired she became a very good painter and thus we discovered another mutual interest: our love of painting. We went from being good colleagues to becoming good friends. I am deeply saddened to get this news. I will miss her very much.”
Thanks and warm regards
Mehr
“Maggie had a very big heart full of compassion and empathy as was evident in her wonderful work especially from Cambodia and West Africa. And she had a distinctive laugh which was very endearing.
“After she retired she became a very good painter and thus we discovered another mutual interest: our love of painting. We went from being good colleagues to becoming good friends. I am deeply saddened to get this news. I will miss her very much.”
Thanks and warm regards
Mehr
Feb 17, 2025
I finally got to read the blog and discovered the nice birthday announcement and good wishes. Thank you very very much.
I really appreciate it and the greetings I got because of that.
It sure is an amazing birthday and my children went all out to celebrate and created a “family fun cruise” with me as the captain. It’s lots of fun and I look forward to the next days. On Wednesday we celebrate our oldest son’s 61st birthday.
Again, many thanks for celebrating with us.
Kind regards,
Horst.
I really appreciate it and the greetings I got because of that.
It sure is an amazing birthday and my children went all out to celebrate and created a “family fun cruise” with me as the captain. It’s lots of fun and I look forward to the next days. On Wednesday we celebrate our oldest son’s 61st birthday.
Again, many thanks for celebrating with us.
Kind regards,
Horst.
John Skoda commented on "Blind Faith and No Objections"
Feb 17, 2025
I left UN service before the UNDAF/UNSDCF era but recall hearing about it from friends working in South Africa - they hated it.
It seemed like a certain megalomania took over in trying to make the UN think it could plan and execute far beyond its actual capacity/credibility.
UNICEF was actually launched in 1946 slightly before UNDP (end of 1965) and got off to a better start, having good will and a clear reason to exist.
Its first Director set the tone with regard to who to assist by stating that he could not ask a child what its politics where before deciding whether or not to help.
This allowed it to work on both sides in cases where civil strife/war deterred others from getting involved.
A report in 1969 by a group headed by Sir Robert Jackson, recommended that UNDP try to adopt/follow local planning priorities.
After that UNDP tried, perhaps too hard, to accommodate itself to local political priorities; and, this seems to have deprived it of a clear identity and policy.
It appears to have struggled to decide if it was: to fund technical assistance; be the anti-poverty agency; be the sustainable development agency; be the head of an orchestra, etc. Or maybe just be an alternative (or an opposition) to the World Bank.
Below is what the founders of UNICEF successfully launched:
The asset of good-will, however, would not have lasted if UNICEF had not achieved credibility through its work.
In its first eighteen years, this credibility was predominantly the handiwork of its first Executive Director, Maurice Pate.
Pate imbued the organization with three main characteristics - a spirit of self-criticism, a willingness to learn from “experience, and a deep sense of trusteeship for the funds contributed to it”.
In addition he firmly established UNICEF as a field-oriented organization, keeping the headquarters role to the minimum necessary.
It seemed like a certain megalomania took over in trying to make the UN think it could plan and execute far beyond its actual capacity/credibility.
UNICEF was actually launched in 1946 slightly before UNDP (end of 1965) and got off to a better start, having good will and a clear reason to exist.
Its first Director set the tone with regard to who to assist by stating that he could not ask a child what its politics where before deciding whether or not to help.
This allowed it to work on both sides in cases where civil strife/war deterred others from getting involved.
A report in 1969 by a group headed by Sir Robert Jackson, recommended that UNDP try to adopt/follow local planning priorities.
After that UNDP tried, perhaps too hard, to accommodate itself to local political priorities; and, this seems to have deprived it of a clear identity and policy.
It appears to have struggled to decide if it was: to fund technical assistance; be the anti-poverty agency; be the sustainable development agency; be the head of an orchestra, etc. Or maybe just be an alternative (or an opposition) to the World Bank.
Below is what the founders of UNICEF successfully launched:
The asset of good-will, however, would not have lasted if UNICEF had not achieved credibility through its work.
In its first eighteen years, this credibility was predominantly the handiwork of its first Executive Director, Maurice Pate.
Pate imbued the organization with three main characteristics - a spirit of self-criticism, a willingness to learn from “experience, and a deep sense of trusteeship for the funds contributed to it”.
In addition he firmly established UNICEF as a field-oriented organization, keeping the headquarters role to the minimum necessary.
Feb 17, 2025
Thank you for your wonderful greetings and good wishes. I am deeply touched..
Feb 17, 2025
Dear Horst... Greetings and good wishes for your year ahead of you from Germany!
Feb 17, 2025
Lovely story and beautiful photos. Happy to to know the reunion was so exciting.
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Kunio Waki, RIP - Sad news from Eimi Watanabe"
Feb 16, 2025
Very sad news. He was very kind and humble person. I knew him from 1980's. He was a great leader.
Rohini De Silva commented on "Kamal Haji Ahmed Requests Video Messages Supporting His Mother, Sandra"
Feb 16, 2025
Dear Sandra, I remember the competency framework you developed for Unicef Human Resources department which formed the backbone for recruitment. Loved your smile. May you be given strength in these difficult times.
Gulbadan Habibi commented on "Missing You - Kunio Waki, RIP - Sad news from Eimi Watanabe"
Feb 16, 2025
May he Rest in Power among the stars in our awesome galaxy! 🙏
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