5 hours ago
Dear friends, I trust the article by Stephen Browne and Tom Weiss Passblue is well-meant.
And, it is based on expertise. Tom Weiss is an expert on the UN: together with our dear friend Richard Jolly, he directed the huge multi-volume UN intellectual history project. Many of us probably also know Stephen Brown personally from his tenure at UNDP and other UN agencies.
The article has ideas definitely worth reflecting, such as consolidating the numerous regional offices of the UN specialised agencies into one regional office or even into the respective UN regional commission (so ROSA and EAPRO would be merged into the social development division of UN ESCAP, as one example).
But the piece has (at least) 2 major flaws:
1) Human rights as a value do not appear.
The omission in Stephen and Tom's text is all the more surprising as 2 of the Intellectual History project's volumes are devoted to "ideas that changed the world" and "UN - ahead of the curve". Their point being to list all the areas where the UN has made a change.
Regardless of which part of the UN we are referring to, its CORE role is to push forward human rights - this has been so since 1945 and is more urgent today perhaps than ever before with so many autocracies among the member states. While the Passblue article does say "The true value of the UN development system resides in ideas and select operations. Ideationally, it retails information not available elsewhere. It establishes norms based on its conventions and treaties. It sets up technical standards. It advocates for justice and desirable policy changes. Operationally, its value lies in helping member states to codify and implement such norms and standards as the Sustainable Development Goals." Note: the key word human rights is missing in this passage (and no where else in the text).
But:
For example:
I have been exploring the work of Hans Singer, a development economist based in the early UN secretariat, who, from 1951 onwards, argued for integrating child rights (well, in those days they said "needs" but the intention was the same) into economic development. Remember Richard Jolly et al's Adjustment with a Human Face that laid out child rights and was able to challenge and at least softened World Bank/IMF structural adjustment austerity? Or for another example, see the wonderful statements by Human Rights High Commissioners - e.g. speeches and remarks by Volker Türk (current HC) and Mary Robinson (now with the Elders). Or see the call for a global coalition for social justice by the ILO director general.
Not referring to the fundamental concept of human rights in a Passblue article that could be read a a strong criticism of the UN as dysfunctional is very disappointing.
2) The generation of valuable data
Tom and Stephen state that the UN system generates little original data: "Apart from the original compilation of demographic data of the Population Division, the annual drugs report from the Office on Drugs and Crime and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change data, nearly all the information produced by the UN system can be found elsewhere from other, usually superior, sources." I disagree. What about the MICS of UNICEF and the Demographic and Health Surveys of the World Bank? They are fundamental, original sources of evidence of child and maternal health.
How could they not be mentioned?
I am looking for friends who could co-author a response to Passblue with me. I think we need to react, in a friendly but assertive fashion.
Gabriele
gabrielekoehler.net
And, it is based on expertise. Tom Weiss is an expert on the UN: together with our dear friend Richard Jolly, he directed the huge multi-volume UN intellectual history project. Many of us probably also know Stephen Brown personally from his tenure at UNDP and other UN agencies.
The article has ideas definitely worth reflecting, such as consolidating the numerous regional offices of the UN specialised agencies into one regional office or even into the respective UN regional commission (so ROSA and EAPRO would be merged into the social development division of UN ESCAP, as one example).
But the piece has (at least) 2 major flaws:
1) Human rights as a value do not appear.
The omission in Stephen and Tom's text is all the more surprising as 2 of the Intellectual History project's volumes are devoted to "ideas that changed the world" and "UN - ahead of the curve". Their point being to list all the areas where the UN has made a change.
Regardless of which part of the UN we are referring to, its CORE role is to push forward human rights - this has been so since 1945 and is more urgent today perhaps than ever before with so many autocracies among the member states. While the Passblue article does say "The true value of the UN development system resides in ideas and select operations. Ideationally, it retails information not available elsewhere. It establishes norms based on its conventions and treaties. It sets up technical standards. It advocates for justice and desirable policy changes. Operationally, its value lies in helping member states to codify and implement such norms and standards as the Sustainable Development Goals." Note: the key word human rights is missing in this passage (and no where else in the text).
But:
For example:
I have been exploring the work of Hans Singer, a development economist based in the early UN secretariat, who, from 1951 onwards, argued for integrating child rights (well, in those days they said "needs" but the intention was the same) into economic development. Remember Richard Jolly et al's Adjustment with a Human Face that laid out child rights and was able to challenge and at least softened World Bank/IMF structural adjustment austerity? Or for another example, see the wonderful statements by Human Rights High Commissioners - e.g. speeches and remarks by Volker Türk (current HC) and Mary Robinson (now with the Elders). Or see the call for a global coalition for social justice by the ILO director general.
Not referring to the fundamental concept of human rights in a Passblue article that could be read a a strong criticism of the UN as dysfunctional is very disappointing.
2) The generation of valuable data
Tom and Stephen state that the UN system generates little original data: "Apart from the original compilation of demographic data of the Population Division, the annual drugs report from the Office on Drugs and Crime and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change data, nearly all the information produced by the UN system can be found elsewhere from other, usually superior, sources." I disagree. What about the MICS of UNICEF and the Demographic and Health Surveys of the World Bank? They are fundamental, original sources of evidence of child and maternal health.
How could they not be mentioned?
I am looking for friends who could co-author a response to Passblue with me. I think we need to react, in a friendly but assertive fashion.
Gabriele
gabrielekoehler.net
Unknown commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
13 hours ago
So interestingly portrayed,!
2 days ago
Assume you mean the Trump budget?
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Sad news about Richard Reid, RIP : Bilge Bassani"
2 days ago
Deeply Saddened to learn about the passing away of Richard Reid. He was a great Unicef leader and devoted to the cause of children . Many fond memories of our work together in Mena and East European Regions.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Shamsul
May he rest in eternal peace.
Shamsul
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Sad news about Richard Reid, RIP : Bilge Bassani"
2 days ago
So sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. He was a worthy colleague and collaborator in many instances when we worked together. A devoted humanitarian and active supporter of UNICEF and its mission. May he rest in Peace. Fouad
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Sad news about Richard Reid, RIP : Bilge Bassani"
Jun 5, 2025
So sorry to hear this Richard was a fantastic collegue, and he did so much for the children of the world my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends
Jun 5, 2025
May he rest in peace. I fondly remember working with him, his sharp intellect and all
Nancy Osborne commented on "UNICEF Canada NatCom AGM : Niloufar Pourzand"
Jun 4, 2025
Thanks for the update Niloufar!
Jun 4, 2025
Paul, you have too many questions. I suggest that all posts with post numbers ending with 1 and 6 be abolished and the incumbent terminated. In the unlikely event that the thus cancelled post is absolutely necessary, the next in line shall be promoted to this post, and his/her post be abolished. This method will result in a 20 per cent reduction of staff, without any bias, in line with the expected reduction of funding,
Also, Figure 7 omits that staff are not only outposted to Istanbul and Budapest, but also to Valencia, Barcelona, Brussels, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tokyo, Seoul, Berlin, Rome, Washington, and possibly a few more that I can’t remember.
Also, Figure 7 omits that staff are not only outposted to Istanbul and Budapest, but also to Valencia, Barcelona, Brussels, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tokyo, Seoul, Berlin, Rome, Washington, and possibly a few more that I can’t remember.
In Response to a comment by Paul Edwards
Indra Lal Singh commented on "Mini-Reunion in Kathmandu : Bijaya Rajbhandari"
Jun 3, 2025
Thank you
Unknown commented on "Mini-Reunion in Kathmandu : Bijaya Rajbhandari"
Jun 3, 2025
Most welcome
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Jun 3, 2025
All looking so great
Habib commented on "Mini-Reunion in Kathmandu : Bijaya Rajbhandari"
Jun 3, 2025
Great to see you guys. Great to see Indra Lal doing new projects. Regards to all. hhammam@hotmail.com
Jun 3, 2025
I join Kul in thanking ED Russell for this statement. From all the many that were made in the past months this is by f@r the most direct, the most blunt and in -your face admonition about the catastrophe in Gaza/Palestine. Political correctness has given way to professionalism and humanitarianism….Bravo !
Jun 3, 2025
I join Kul in thanking ED Russell for this statement. From all the many that were made in the past months this is by f@r the most direct, the most blunt and in -your face admonition about the catastrophe in Gaza/Palestine. Political correctness has given way to professionalism and humanitarianism….Bravo !
Carina Prakke commented on "Mini-Reunion in Arles : Fouad and Nadia Kronfol meet Saad and Hoda Houry"
Jun 3, 2025
Fabulous to see you together again.
Paul Edwards commented on "Future Focus Initiative - Summary of Change Proposals"
Jun 3, 2025
I understand the document is a summary and we don't have the details of the analysis that has gone into it. However I can't help thinking that this is tinkering rather than a radical shake-up, and I fear that tinkering is not going to be enough. I am also concerned that this financial/operational document is not clearly linked to an adequate statement of strategic direction. I have my concerns about the draft Strategic Plan in any case, but don't see adequate linkage between the two documents.
For example, there is no discussion on priorities for funding and what is the absolute minimum to be delivered with core (IB/RR) resources. Should IB be cut or should it be defended as the minimum functioning of a UNICEF office when no other funding exists. If so, what are the agreed core functions of such an office?
There is no discussion about RR and how to balance using RR to cover salaries and office costs not covered by IB versus programming needs. There is no discussion on the nature of OR and how its increasing inflexibility and short-term nature impacts on the financial planning and ability to meet cross-cutting costs. There is no discussion on the nature of the humanitarian/development funding divide and how this impacts UNICEF's ability to deliver the different types of programming. There is no discussion about how much of the funding is passed on to implementing partners, both government and NGO, and whether this approach enhances or diminishes UNICEF's ability to delivery on its mandate.
The paper assumes a 20% cut in overall funding. This should be broken down but also there should be some scenarios. What is the overall cut is greater than 20%, or if there is a greater cut in RR with a smaller cut in OR?
In short, I feel that there is a missed opportunity here, to reposition UNICEF both financially and programmatically. Without such a clear statement that shows we have clarity on what we should do and how we will fund it, I fear that the remaining donors will look elsewhere.
For example, there is no discussion on priorities for funding and what is the absolute minimum to be delivered with core (IB/RR) resources. Should IB be cut or should it be defended as the minimum functioning of a UNICEF office when no other funding exists. If so, what are the agreed core functions of such an office?
There is no discussion about RR and how to balance using RR to cover salaries and office costs not covered by IB versus programming needs. There is no discussion on the nature of OR and how its increasing inflexibility and short-term nature impacts on the financial planning and ability to meet cross-cutting costs. There is no discussion on the nature of the humanitarian/development funding divide and how this impacts UNICEF's ability to deliver the different types of programming. There is no discussion about how much of the funding is passed on to implementing partners, both government and NGO, and whether this approach enhances or diminishes UNICEF's ability to delivery on its mandate.
The paper assumes a 20% cut in overall funding. This should be broken down but also there should be some scenarios. What is the overall cut is greater than 20%, or if there is a greater cut in RR with a smaller cut in OR?
In short, I feel that there is a missed opportunity here, to reposition UNICEF both financially and programmatically. Without such a clear statement that shows we have clarity on what we should do and how we will fund it, I fear that the remaining donors will look elsewhere.
Unknown commented on "Mini-Reunion in Kathmandu : Bijaya Rajbhandari"
Jun 3, 2025
Excellent, congratulations n best wishes. When in Kathmandu will definitely visit.
Masood from Bangldesh.
Masood from Bangldesh.
Unknown commented on "Mini-Reunion in Arles : Fouad and Nadia Kronfol meet Saad and Hoda Houry"
Jun 2, 2025
The selfie was taken near the town hall square with an Egyptian obelisk in the middle. It was lovely to spend two days together with the Hourys visiting an interesting historical town in the French midi.
Unknown commented on "Mini-Reunion in Arles : Fouad and Nadia Kronfol meet Saad and Hoda Houry"
Jun 2, 2025
The selfie was taken near the town hall square with an Egyptian obelisk in the middle. It was lovely to spend two days together with the Hourys visiting an interesting historical town in the French midi.
Bill Hetzer commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
Jun 2, 2025
Amazing George, I always thought of you as the most creative person working at UNICEF during my era. I’m glad to see that you continue working with your amazing talents. .
George McBean commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
Jun 2, 2025
Thanks to those who posted the lovely comments above. If anyone is interested in seeing more of my current work they can find me on Instagram if they type #george.mcbean
Jun 2, 2025
Whatever we call it is useful , but more than that whatever we do about it is even more important. We are still not seeing countries sanctioning the perpetrators in any meaningful way. How many more children will be killed, maimed or starved before that happens? Fouad
Unknown commented on "A Seismic Shift in UNICEF : Lou Mendez"
Jun 2, 2025
It is an axiom of management…the more staff you have, the more layers are needed and the more red tape becomes necessary , hence more bureaucracy. This has been going on for years in UNICEF so we should not be surprised at the present state of affairs. Thank you Lou for keeping us retirees informed of happenings. Fouad
Unknown commented on "Thanks and Congratulations for "The Day Love Stopped a War" : Kul Gautam"
Jun 2, 2025
So nice to read about my good friend , an AUBite, a UNICEF colleague and life-long advocate of children as avenues of peace Agop and to learn that his verve and dynamism in this issue have continued unabated. Bravo ! Y la Lucia continua!
With warm regards, Fouad
With warm regards, Fouad
Fouad Kronfol commented on "What changed the views of my father, Stephen Lewis : Avi Lewis"
Jun 2, 2025
As Director of Personnel, I was pleased to sign Your first contract with unicef when Grant brought you on board to join our efforts at placing children high up on the political agenda of countries. You were a forceful and articulate spokesperson, a trait that has been your trademark all through your incredible career. Since then I have become a proud Canadian and join others in saluting your stance on controversial issues, none as important or as dramatic as the dire situation of Palestinian children. Your voice in their support warrants our appreciation and respect. Wish you continued strength and good health.
Jun 2, 2025
Sending love through the ether to Dear Stephen. Your journey regarding Zionism and the State of Israel has surely been been a long and painful one. Mine, as a British Jew, has been just the same in all essential details. Let us continue to show and demonstrate for the rights of Palestinian people, for as long as we have strength in our bodies and love for Justice in our hearts.
Jun 2, 2025
What wonderful portraits ! And to think that the Water and Sanitation staff in Nairobi had you a couple of doors down from them, and they didn’t think to use your talents until I was quite blunt to the Representative about it. It seems she agreed, wholeheartedly.
I am sharing this piece with two of my grandchildren, both of whom are seriously talented artists, and one of whom is already studying ‘Digital Art’ at university. Your generosity in sharing ideas will make it an interesting experience for them both. Thank you – and please keep sharing your skills with us.
I am sharing this piece with two of my grandchildren, both of whom are seriously talented artists, and one of whom is already studying ‘Digital Art’ at university. Your generosity in sharing ideas will make it an interesting experience for them both. Thank you – and please keep sharing your skills with us.
Unknown commented on "From the Editors - Week of 25 May to 1 June 2025"
Jun 1, 2025
I cannot find the word “outrage” in the Mena Rd statement. But he did call it a war against children. Take that Israel
Paula Claycomb commented on "What changed the views of my father, Stephen Lewis : Avi Lewis"
Jun 1, 2025
Thank you, Avi, for sharing this story and article. Despite the grim subject matter, and as the proud but fearful aunt of a couple nieces who are active on this issue, I also felt a small thrill of hope. Seeing your father and his friends, and many of my local neighbors and friends in Taos, still shining the light for just causes, even in their 80s and 90s, makes me feel the effort is worth it.
Peter Delahaye commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
Jun 1, 2025
Superb creativity. I’ve just seen Hockney’s retrospective at FLV Paris and he too has mastered digital portraits.
Elaine Furniss commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
Jun 1, 2025
Wonderful work!
Gautam Banerji commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
Jun 1, 2025
Awesome!
Unknown commented on "Comments by our Readers - 24 -31 May 2025"
Jun 1, 2025
Starving and Bombing Children is a Genocide and a Crime against Humanity….
Sree Gururaja commented on "Turning a Face ......into a Portrait : George McBean"
Jun 1, 2025
George, brilliant! You are a master artist who is generous to share - the video is so motivating to the reluctant types to make an attempt. The paintings are lovely and thanks for adding cheer to our day. Sree
mccmoberly@gmail.com commented on "What changed the views of my father, Stephen Lewis : Avi Lewis"
Jun 1, 2025
I add my thanks, to Stephen, to Avi – and to Kul.
This situation is intolerable, every day closer to the intolerability of 80 years ago. MC
This situation is intolerable, every day closer to the intolerability of 80 years ago. MC
Unknown commented on "Information literacy: Ramesh Shrestha"
Jun 1, 2025
Ramesh, I wish to add that my role model representative from good old time in Yemen has shone light on true meaning of information literacy. Raising awareness on an issue is one thing, doing something to redress it in practice is another. It’s remarkable that UNICEF has always taken its work in information, communication and advocacy seriously to bring home the message that connecting those who are in need with those who can and wish to help is the need of our times. And information literacy taken in letter and spirit should be all about it.
Kul Gautam commented on "What changed the views of my father, Stephen Lewis : Avi Lewis"
May 31, 2025
Bravo, dear Stephen - so good to see your picture in protest and your principled stance on what is considered a "sensitive" issue.
I recall with great admiration your courageous and principled stance on many important but controversial issues, including when you served as Canadian Ambassador to the UN, when we worked together at UNICEF, and when you served as UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS, and led the Rwanda genocide panel. Never afraid to tell the inconvenient truths.
Thank you. Thank Avi.
And wish you the best possible health in these trying times.
I recall with great admiration your courageous and principled stance on many important but controversial issues, including when you served as Canadian Ambassador to the UN, when we worked together at UNICEF, and when you served as UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS, and led the Rwanda genocide panel. Never afraid to tell the inconvenient truths.
Thank you. Thank Avi.
And wish you the best possible health in these trying times.
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I hope Stephen Lewis reads News and Views to learn how much his UNICEF time was appreciated by those of us who worked with him -- like me. Even more exciting is his continuing to speak truth to power and doing so with those of us who know that street demonstrations count! Among my treasured recollections of Stephen at UNICEF is the time he was going to Chile as part of a UNICEF delegation with Jim Grant. He told Jim there was no way he, Stephen, would shake the hand of Dictator-President Pinochet. Jim, always a leader who would assess trade-offs between government commitments to immunization and moral principles in development found a way UNICEF would retain its dipomatic credibiity without Stephen having to shake Pinochet's hand. I don't remember what the outcome was. Maybe if Stephen reads this he can give us more details. Hello Stephen! I never did get to join your New York seder, but valued the invitation. Come and visit me in Manila! Mary Racelis
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