Richard Bridle believes that we need a break sometimes from the terrible times in which we live - wars, funding cuts and assaults on human rights. For Richard the break came in the form of "a recent trip to Morocco, a delightful country, where one can indulge a little welcome escapism." Join him in revisiting the highlights of his visit.
Our Columnists
In a "A Church on the Golf Course," Ken Gibbs tells of his visits to the seaside near St. Enodoc’s Church, uniquely situated between the 10th green and 11th tee of a golf course. Along the way he passes the tombstone of the eccentric Poet Laureate, John Betjeman. His tombstone is adorned with 11 carved invertebrates, a nod to his playful personality and love of small creatures, while stories of his unpredictable antics and wistful final remarks reflect a man both deeply human and lyrically gifted.
Photo
A deeply moving portrait of a boy who has lost both arms in the war in Gaza is the winner of this year's World Press Photo competition.
News Wrap - Catch up on relevant news stories of the week.
Articles
The first photos and details have been published of the March Israeli tank attack on the UN guest house in central Gaza. The attack killed one international staff member and seriously wounded five others.
Catherine Russell briefed the Security Council on the desperate situation in eastern DRC and issued a statement on the many children killed in attacks on the Zamzam refugee camp in north Darfur.
The CEO of UNICEF Canada tells us the history of Plumpy Nut and its importance in treating child malnutrition. She also tells us that the researcher responsible for Plumpy Nut has just won the John Dirks Global Health Award for 2025.
Cuts keep coming
The impact of the Trump Administration's foreign aid cuts continue to reverberate through the UN. Recent documents show that the Administration is preparing to make further cuts, including some 90% of its funding for international organizations, all of its development assistance, and half of its support for global health.
UNICEF foresees at least a 20% reduction in its plans for 2026. WHO has undertaken a major restructuring. IOM has revised not just its references to DEI, but apparently even its policy on working with previously untouchable partners, potentially including those with dodgy human rights records. This raises the question of just how far will agencies go to accommodate US demands, and whether doing so will in the end make any difference to the donor.
Tech - UNICEF has introduced its own internal AI chatbot, called UNIBOT, aiming at "guidance on general UNICEF knowledge", not deep research.
UNICEF foresees at least a 20% reduction in its plans for 2026. WHO has undertaken a major restructuring. IOM has revised not just its references to DEI, but apparently even its policy on working with previously untouchable partners, potentially including those with dodgy human rights records. This raises the question of just how far will agencies go to accommodate US demands, and whether doing so will in the end make any difference to the donor.
Tech - UNICEF has introduced its own internal AI chatbot, called UNIBOT, aiming at "guidance on general UNICEF knowledge", not deep research.
Mini-Reunions - Jun Kukita and Shahida Azfar met for dinner in Osaka. Fouad Kronfol and Leo Goulet met for lunch at their favorite restaurant.
Lighter stuff - Why do the logos of AI companies all look like - well, someone's backside? Lou Mendez wonders what logo UNICEF will adopt for its own new AI assistant, UNIBOT.
Lighter stuff - Why do the logos of AI companies all look like - well, someone's backside? Lou Mendez wonders what logo UNICEF will adopt for its own new AI assistant, UNIBOT.
Photo of the Week - Fouad and Nadia Kronfol wish everyone a Happy Easter.
Comments from our Readers.
For everyone celebrating Passover and Easter this week, our best wishes to you and your families.
Tom McDermott
Editor for this week
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