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Comments from our Readers: 12 - 17 July 2025

John, your last para on Jim Grant's philosophy and purpose should be a must-read for all UNICEF staff. The importance of pointing at and insisting on the accountability of host governments to their own citizens is absolutely paramount. It is unfortunate that this principle has been overturned for the last 20 years by UNICEF and other UN agencies, especially after the onset of the UN reform - by agency practice and rhetoric insisting that it is them who save lifes and 'deliver development'.
Beautifully written, Horst! From the heart...
What an amazing picture which brings back many happy memories! Next time I’m in Amman, let’s get together!! I miss you all!
In Response to a comment by Habib
Here is news that will stun.
Instead of a vaccine in their bun,
Little kids are having fun,
Playing military games like the Hun.
You dont have to be a nun
Or enjoy words from a pun,
Even move around and run,
There is no reason under the sun
In a civil country this is not to be done.
That a child should die from a GUN!


Thank you Horst for this timely homage to Dorothy on her recent birthday. Yes, indeed, the annual reunions of UNICEF retirees would not have been possible without her hard work and dedication to bringing together former colleagues and friends. What started as a "let's have a few beers together" has now become the most prominent activity of the thousands of former UNICEF staff all around the world. Dorothy was the driving force behind almost all the earlier WAWIG meetings, mostly in the US, until 2008 when we decided to "go international" and changed our brand name to XUNICEF. At the 2008 Reunion held in Montreal we paid a special tribute to her as being the earliest UNICEF staffer around then. Other than her major contribution to keeping the reunions going, Dorothy was a delightful personage whose joie de vivre was contagious. In addition to her love of cruising (which Nadia and I share!), Dottie....as she was lovingly called by her friends....was an excellent dancer. Many of us who were in these reunions can attest to her prowess on the dance floor. We wish her continued good health and happiness and look forward to celebrating her centennial.
Excellent interview. largely because Albanese is so knowledgable, clear and incisive -- highly recommended.
Thanks for sharing infos on the conference and the news of Dr Cornea' passing I did not know. I was sad to hear that news and I am very surprised not to hear stronger support from UNICEF for the intellectual contribution Andrea gaves in the 80s to our organization in the concept of the adjustment with an human face. I heard that concept at that time when I was student in Economics and met Andrea much later around 2010 in a training on social economics policy in Bangkok organized by UNICEF. We should really express our recognition to him for what appeared to me as a golden age for UNICEF in its global political influence. Other colleagues should tell us more and better about that. Best to all of XUNICEF ! Georges
Heartfelt thanks to the Editor of XUNICEF for kindly sharing these valuable books. They hold great potential to serve as helpful resources for INGOs and NGOs across the globe. We hope many will find inspiration and practical guidance within their pages.
I am really disappointed in WHO. It seems the agency was trying to please Wazed’s PM mother- didn’t do proper vetting. UN is losing credibility… last-recent big scandal was the UN Women’s Ravi Karkara . And there were others that I have missed for sure…
Beautiful story and incredible paintings. As I read, I walked through your simple, beautiful snippets of lives that you shared. Many thanks!
Good Sunday to you.
Just touching upon your satirical article which many took too seriously 🤣.
In relation, today had a short chat with a CO that is under one of our global centers of excellence and this statement shared hit a cord:
- "yes I need technical support for topic x in sector y but the regional advisor is not an expert in x. So is it not best to me the money used to hire the regional advisor and I can hire a consultant with those technical attributes that I need?”
Seems its the same cards, different game but same results …
Ciao
Lou
WHY ENGAGE UNOPS AT ALL ? WHY NOT SIMPLY ASK AI AND DOGE TO RUN THINGS?
Jul 13, 2025
Many thanks for reading, Horst. I will take your advice and try to write more about my island experiences.
I love reading your articles. The 4 th of july piece was great.
Stay well!

Jul 13, 2025
On the Zimbabwe XUNICEF reunion 2026, let us know if the dates posted (March 6-14) might be changed, as suggested by some. My grand-daughter's wedding in New York March 7 will make my much anticipated trip to Zimbabwe impossible. Nonetheless wishes for a successful gathering whenever it happens!
Dear Stella, Wow! beautiful paintings. I find them like natural but with some deep nuance to say it in my totally underdeveloped artistic sense. I like the flowers best. They bring a sense of beauty and happiness. Best wishes Soma
Awesome! Loved them!
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Thank you for your enjoyable text and illustrations of your artistic work and arrangements around it, for many to enjoy👍🥰
Dear Momtazul. Yes adjustment of dates was considered, however March is the start of the Victoria Falls peak season and it was difficult to secure accommodation for large groups beyond mid-March. Best regards - Susan
In Response to a comment by Momtazul Karim
Thanks Nuzhat. I love stories about islands. Please write more. It's a shame that alcoholism is a way of life for the young people of Kiribati, lacking a playground and space to bpay football.
Lovely story, Stella, and beautiful paintings. Frosty Winter and Autumn are my favorites, and I would love to see Lake Constance also in bright sunlight. . Flower Power is perfect for July.
There are many efforts at nominating her for the Nobel Peace Prize (as well as doctors in Gaza). She certainly is most deserving and I encourage all our readers to support her. From all the top UN principals she has been the most constantly vocal critic of the genocide in Gaza perpetrated by th3 occupying entity. A true professional and a humane approach has been her hallmark which is most commendable .
Thank you Mary. Great to see this lovely gathering. I was programme officer serving Jordan 1969-1975 from the Beirut Area Office back then and have a very soft spot for Amman. Many fond memories. Habib
What a lovely gathering of fair ladies from the Xunicef clan. It would be nice if you could identify them by their names, for those of us who don’t personally know them. Thank you for sharing.
 

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