Missing You - Robert J. Ledogar, RIP - A Tribute by Kul Gautam and an announcement of the memorial service on Sunday August 3 at 1 PM EDT

 

Photo courtesy of Robert Cohen

Tribute to Robert Ledogar

I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Robert J. Ledogar. Regrettably, I am unable to attend his memorial service on August 3, 2025. But I would like to share this brief tribute to him.

Bob and I worked very closely at UNICEF's Planning and Coordination Office in New York in 1988-92. I was the Director and Bob was my very capable Deputy and Senior Planning Officer. We collaborated closely in the substantive preparation of the historic World Summit for Children.

While I was leading the drafting and negotiation of the Declaration and Plan of Action of the Summit for Children, Bob played a key role in doing research, preparing briefing notes, and writing background documents. A soft-spoken, gentle, and humble personality, Bob was the epitome of quiet professionalism. His analysis was always solid, and his writing very lucid. 

UNICEF Executive Director Jim Grant, Deputy Executive Director Richard Joly, and I relied heavily on Bob’s excellent research and writing in support of our high-level advocacy with UN member states, UN agencies, and NGO partners.

I could not have done my job well without Bob’s superb help and guidance. Bob shares a huge amount of credit for the success of the World Summit for Children, and especially with its early follow-up, and the great results achieved through it all in protecting the rights and promoting the well-being of children around the world.

May Bob Ledogar’s noble soul rest in eternal peace.

With heartfelt gratitude and respect –
Kul C Gautam
(Former Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF)

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