This week, Myra Rudin takes a departure from the urban visual surprises with which she so often delights us and instead shares a stunning collection of Birds and Butterflies she has encountered on her travels. Her keen eye for detail and appreciation of nature bring these winged wonders to life. We look forward to more from her ongoing exploration of "critters and creatures."
Our Columnists
In Deconstructing Democracy, Ramesh Shrestha explores democracy’s identity crisis, as inequality, corruption, and manipulated elections erode its core values. With rising authoritarian tendencies and weakened institutions, he questions whether democracy can withstand its internal threats.
In Days Gone By, Nuzhat Shahzadi reflects on her friendship with Akoia, a supportive and lively colleague in Kiribati. Despite a brief rift, they reconnected over time. After Akoia’s passing, the author fondly remembers their bond, especially when wearing a floral skirt tied to their shared memories.
This week's Articles You May Have Missed is dominated by Washington’s wild week s and the impact on global aid. Sadly, we have very few articles on the continuing humanitarian disasters in Sudan, Gaza, and West Bank, and the situation around Goma where a major disaster seems to be increasingly likely. If you spot good articles or think pieces on issues 'beyond Washington', please share them so that we can include them next week.
The 2025 Reunion
We're eagerly awaiting photos and stories from the 2025 Reunion in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Catherine Russell's video message to the Reunion thanks XUNICEF members for their lasting impact on children's well-being. She notes that as UNICEF nears its 80th anniversary, the wisdom and advocacy of UNICEF retirees remain crucial in tackling ongoing challenges and securing a better future for children.
The US delegation to the ExBoard has voted against approval of CPDs, citing language not consistent with President Trump's priorities. Fortunately, European delegations reacted and supported strongly UNICEF's work and the language of the CPDs. The US amendment was rejected, but this confrontation is a clear sign of the problems facing UNICEF in the future. This second link shows the final Board session including the statements of the delegations, the vote on the amendment and the final vote on the CPDs. Take time to watch it.
Several HQ announcements highlight UNICEF’s growing financial concerns. Addressing the Executive Board, Catherine Russell stressed the need for adaptability, collaboration, and financial preparedness amid potential funding challenges, including a possible U.S. contribution freeze.
Following a Town Hall meeting, staff and management discussed strategies to enhance program effectiveness and secure alternative funding sources. In response to these uncertainties, UNICEF is implementing contingency plans to sustain its global impact.
Meanwhile, the Staff Association expressed solidarity, urging unity and resilience among staff. Despite financial strains, UNICEF remains committed to protecting children’s rights and ensuring essential services continue worldwide.
And it's chilly beyond the U.S.—both Switzerland and Norway have signaled likely funding cuts.
The AID World Freezes Too
Several member-contributed articles this week focus on the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid, review contributions to UN agencies, and shut down USAID. Following his earlier withdrawal from WHO, Trump also announced the U.S. exit from the Human Rights Council, cut funding for UNRWA, and called for a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO, citing alleged bias.
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over global health implications as the Senate moves toward confirming Robert Kennedy Jr. as U.S. Secretary of Health, given his controversial views on vaccination and communicable diseases.
Several member-contributed articles this week focus on the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid, review contributions to UN agencies, and shut down USAID. Following his earlier withdrawal from WHO, Trump also announced the U.S. exit from the Human Rights Council, cut funding for UNRWA, and called for a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO, citing alleged bias.
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over global health implications as the Senate moves toward confirming Robert Kennedy Jr. as U.S. Secretary of Health, given his controversial views on vaccination and communicable diseases.
Staff and Non Staff
Lou Mendez in The UN's Silent Workforce has shared an interesting article about the plight of the thousands of consultants, contractors, and temporary workers who make up half of the UN workforce. Is it time to rethink the composition of the UN workforce?
Lou Mendez in The UN's Silent Workforce has shared an interesting article about the plight of the thousands of consultants, contractors, and temporary workers who make up half of the UN workforce. Is it time to rethink the composition of the UN workforce?
Lighter Stuff
How the Internet Started gives us a different take on how all those acronyms came about. In these dark times we all appreciate a laugh or two. Help us with jokes and cartoons (ones without politics please).
Tom McDermott
Editor for the Week
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