Remembering Ute : The Editors

Like her many friends and colleagues, we at News & Views remember Ute fondly and will miss her greatly.

Ute retired in 2002 after serving in Mauritania and Croatia as Representative, and earlier duty stations in Abidjan and New York.  Many of us will remember Ute fondly from countries and field trips where we worked with her, from XUNICEF reunions, and from the many articles and comments she contributed to News & Views.  

Ute may have retired from UNICEF, but she never stopped working for children and for child rights in Germany and elsewhere. She had a particularly close relationship with Christine Langen who heads the UNICEF volunteer Group in Lörrach in southwestern Germany.  The Lörrach group has been one of UNICEF"s most innovative teams for awareness-raising and fundraising anywhere.

 In two of our favorite articles posted by Ute, Lörrach's 'kids gruppe sang these two lovely songs promoting the rights of children everywhere.  Don't miss watching them.  

In two of our favorite articles posted by Ute, Lörrach's 'kids gruppe sang these two lovely songs promoting the rights of children everywhere. Don't miss watching them below.

Here is a slideshow including a few of the many photos of Ute in our archives.

 Over the 7 year history of News & Views, Ute was one of our most dedicated contributors - 14 articles in all.  Below are links to 5 of our favorites.

Articles by Ute Deseniss-Gros

• A Wake-Up Call in Croatia
  Date: June 2021
  This personal narrative covers Ute Deseniss-Gros's arrival in Zagreb in 1994 during the Croatian War of Independence. She describes the severe logistical and political challenges UNICEF faced while delivering humanitarian aid. Her account offers a behind-the-scenes view of emergency response and diplomacy in a conflict zone.
  Multimedia: No video or song.
• UNICEF Working Group on Volunteering
  Date: October 2019
  In this piece, Ute Deseniss-Gros explains the structure and purpose of the UNICEF volunteer network in Germany. She recounts initiatives to build a more cohesive and effective system for volunteer participation. The group plays a central role in community outreach and youth engagement.
  
• Memoir of Dr. Mikayel Alexanyan and UNICEF’s Early Days in Armenia
  Date: November 2019
  Deseniss-Gros recalls her 1994 visit to Armenia to lead a training program for government communicators. She pays tribute to Dr. Mikayel Alexanyan, a committed UNICEF officer who also personally cared for a gravely ill Regional Director. The story offers an intimate look at the difficult early years of UNICEF's work in post-Soviet Armenia.
  
• My Annual Choir Concert
  Date: February 2020
  Deseniss-Gros shares a personal reflection on participating in her local choir's annual concert, which raises funds for UNICEF. She emphasizes how music can foster community spirit and social responsibility. The event doubles as a celebration of song and solidarity.
  
• Our Youngest Committee – The Lörrach Kinderclub for UNICEF
  Date: December 2020
  Ute Deseniss-Gros highlights a children’s club in Lörrach, Germany, where young members actively support UNICEF’s work. The article celebrates the club’s creativity and sense of responsibility in promoting child rights. The initiative demonstrates how children can contribute meaningfully to global issues.