XUNICEF News and Views

Editor's Note:   This article is the fourth in our series 'At Our Age' which focuses on issues relevant to the age profile of many XUNICEF members. ...... Many of us know friends or relatives living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), often with debilitating shaking of hands and limbs. Symptoms usually appear after age 60.   While the exact cause is not known; PD likely results from a mix of environmental exposures and genetics. What’s clear is that certain pesticides and herbicides (herbicides are one type of pesticide) and industrial solvents have been repeatedly linked to higher PD risk. A recent column by Nicholas Kristof notes that Parkinson's (PD) is the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder with some 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the US alone. Kristof points to the risks of one major culprit - the common herbicide paraquat, often marketed under the name Gramoxone (see below for other brand names). Kristof says the risks have been known at l...

UNICEF Gaza post by Tess Ingram on Instagram View this post on Instagram A post shared by UNICEF (@unicef)

Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Below is a summary of 21 points. 

Adapting to lost U.S. contributions Devex Click here for the article Summary The Trump administration’s liquidation of U.S. foreign aid has forced NGOs to rethink survival strategies.

The PPP, previously known as the UNICEF manual for Programme Policy and Procedure, has got its latest update: Pirates, Penguins, Patagonia. Dream destination As a child, I read about pirates and explorers circumnavigating the world. As a climber and outdoor enthusiast, I dreamed about Patagonia. With age, I wanted to photograph Penguins. So we bought a telephoto lens and booked a cruise.

   

 

Revealed: US 21-point plan for ending Gaza war, creating pathway to Palestinian state Jacob Magid Times of Israel Click here for the article Summary A leaked U.S. proposal lays out a 21-point framework to end the Gaza war, secure hostage releases, oversee reconstruction, and set a path toward Palestinian statehood.

 

Trump’s “America First” global health plan sidelines NGOs — even blocking the Global Health Council Helen Murphy, Devex Trump’s team bars health NGO from UNGA side event Summary A newly revealed U.S. global health strategy devalues NGOs by favoring bilateral agreements and private sector partnerships.

So far we have not yet seen the actual text of this 21 point plan.  As soon as it becomes available, we will post it. Tom  Is Trump’s new Palestine plan a breakthrough or diplomatic mirage? Patrick Wintour The Guardian Click here for the article Summary Patrick Wintour examines Donald Trump’s new 21-point plan for Palestine, announced through U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and its apparent convergence with the UN-backed New York declaration.

 UN at 80: Strain, Fragmentation, and the Push for Reform Financial Times Click here for the article Summary As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, the institution faces deep questions about its relevance and survival. The article argues that without sweeping reforms, the UN risks sliding into irrelevance, with its founding ideals undermined by great power rivalry, financial stress, and bureaucratic inefficiency.

NPR / Goats & Soda, September 26, 2025 Click here for the article See also " Kennedy says US reject s..." shared by Kul Gautam Click here for the 'zero draft' of the resolution  dated 13 May 2025 Summary The article reports that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the United States will reject a new U.N. political declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. He objected to what he called “destructive gender ideology” embedded in the language, and claims the declaration goes beyond the U.N.’s proper mandate.  Despite U.S. dissent, the declaration has strong global support. Because of the U.S. objection, the measure will not be adopted by consensus but will instead go to a vote in the General Assembly in October 2025. Quotes “We cannot accept language that pushes destructive gender ideology … [or] claims of a constitutional or international right to abortion.” ( The Guardian ) “The unity we saw today proves that most...

The West is running out of workers. Ageing populations and low birth rates mean that without immigration, our economies will shrink. Japan offers a sobering warning: it resisted large-scale immigration, and now its population is in free fall while its GDP is shrinking.

  Displacement, Democracy and Development: An Alternative Approach to the Rohingya Refugee Situation United Against Inhumanity (UAI) and United Nations Association–UK (UNA-UK) Published September 2025 Click here for the article Summary This report, prepared by UAI and UNA-UK, presents the findings of a multi-stakeholder workshop held in September 2025 and submitted to the UN high-level conference on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.

  RFK isolates the US completely from the global consensus reached by the world's top health experts. Once a leader in global health, the US under DJT and RFK has now become a pariah.  How sad! Kul Kennedy Says U.S. Rejects Global Health Goals Andrew Jacobs The New York Times Published Sept. 25, 2025; Updated Sept. 26, 2025 Click here for the article Summary U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States will reject a U.N. declaration on chronic diseases, arguing it overlooks key issues and aligns with policies that he claims promote abortion and “radical gender ideology.”

Our former ED, Henrietta Fore, is back in the news, reflecting on the period in which she was managing both the US State Department's Foreign Assistance Bureau and USAID.  Although she laments the loss of so many experienced staff at USAID, she remains a supporter of the consolidation. Fore is now the CEO of Holsman International, which is an investment, advisory and management services company.   Tom   Henrietta Fore reflects on USAID–State merger debate By Devex staff; Oral History Interview by Alex Shakow Devex / Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training Click here for the article: Devex Click here for the article: ADST Oral History PDF Summary Henrietta Fore, former USAID Administrator and now CEO of Holsman International, has spoken openly about her experience managing both USAID and the State Department’s Foreign Assistance Bureau during the George W. Bush administration. At the time, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pursued a merger concept that...

Dear Anant, Your remarks pierced deeply into my heart. Articulated with such heartfelt eloquence, your words and sentiments made me weep. I so wish these words were broadcast at the UN General Assembly in front of the world's most powerful leaders who have the power to do something but not the conscience or the will to do so. Bless you for putting into words what so many of us feel deeply. Kul Gautam In this moving address titled "From heart to heart – the moving words of Prof. Anantanand Rambacham about children in war," Prof. Rambacham delivers a powerful "lament" and "cry" for what humanity has become, stating that transformation begins with sorrow Video Details: Channel: Arigatou International Published: 2025-09-25 URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyVAsxqOnzo

Major dictionary updates in 2025 have added thousands of new words—ranging from online slang and social-media trends to evolving terms in food, culture, and technology. Below are a few highlights, along with a sampling of Caribbean expressions newly recognized this year. And no doubt, if the editors turned their sights on the United Nations, they’d find plenty of ‘gobbledygook’ worth adding too. Tom     New Dictionary Additions (Cambridge & Merriam-Webster) Word Dictionary Meaning Broligarchy Cambridge Blend of “bro” and “oligarchy”; a powerful, influential group of men, especially in tech. Cancel culture Merriam-Webster Public shaming and boycotting of individuals or organizations for perceived offensive actions. Cold brew Merriam-Webster Coffee brewed with cold water. Dad bod Merriam-Webster A somewhat out-of...

Prof. Cox Richardson summarizes yesterday's speech well. The comment she received from a reporter present relates how a senior diplomat sums up the event the observers heard.

Important Update about Your ASHI Contributions Dear ASHI participant, This notice is to inform you of important additional updates regarding your ASHI contributions.

Republicans Melt Down Over Escalator Incident Ron Filipkowski Meidas+ Sep 24, 2025 Click here for the article: Republicans Melt Down Over Escalator Incident . ( MeidasPlus ) For the official UN Statement click here For the full video and main points of Trump's speech click here Summary After Trump and Melania experienced a stalled escalator and a malfunctioning teleprompter at the UN, right-wing media and MAGA figures erupted with accusations of sabotage.

The below poem is one making the rounds on social media. It resonated with me and I thought I'd share this soul searching reflection on how we generally live our lives, but in later years discover that a life well lived is one filled with love and non-materialistic values. 

On the last loop of my walk, I entered the CVS drug store. CVS is about point 8 miles from our home. I picked my vitamins and then started walking around the isles . . . wasn't looking for anything in particular––just browsing. Even after the Covid era recovery (sort of), often shelves are empty due to lack of stock––supply chain issues or Trump-tariff.

Time to wake up People have the basic instinct of helping the poor and destitute, especially in times of need; by extension the idea of overseas development assistance (ODA) is perhaps the same ideology at the international level. The recent decisions by several industrialised countries to reduce ODA indicate a decline in the idea of assisting the needy while the support for wars and conflicts are on the increase while upholding peace, justice, freedom and democracy. Is this a contradiction or hypocrisy, perhaps both?

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS ON ESCALATORS In answers to the many questions received about the escalator incident this morning involving the President of the United States and the First Lady, I have the following information to share:

  Why I’m Still Optimistic About Global Health Bill Gates TIME / LinkedIn, September 23, 2025 Click here for the article Summary Bill Gates argues that despite shrinking budgets for global health, the world has achieved remarkable progress: child mortality has been halved since 2000, and with continued investment and innovation, deaths could be halved again over the next 20 years. Advances in malaria prevention, maternal vaccines, and long-acting HIV treatments show that eradication of major diseases is within reach. Gates stresses that donor countries must sustain or increase funding, while low-income nations need debt relief and stronger domestic prioritization of health. He highlights the Global Fund’s lifesaving impact and pledges $912 million from the Gates Foundation over the next three years. For Gates, the paradox of the moment is clear: funding is shrinking while science is accelerating—but with leadership and commitment, the world can ensure every child grows up heal...

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  UN at 80: a Mixed Legacy of Highs and Lows By Thalif Deen IPS News Click here for the article Summary As the UN commemorates its 80th anniversary with a high-level meeting of 138 world leaders, critics and supporters reflect on its mixed record. The UN has often failed in its primary mission of maintaining peace and security—highlighted by wars in Iraq and Ukraine, U.S. vetoes of Gaza ceasefire resolutions, and the unresolved status of Western Sahara. Yet, it has excelled as a global relief organization, leading humanitarian aid through agencies like WFP, WHO, UNICEF, and UNHCR. Experts warn of declining effectiveness, internal divisions, and increasing attacks from powerful member states, even as others stress the UN’s indispensability in peacebuilding, poverty reduction, climate action, and digital governance. Calls for urgent reform dominate the anniversary, with leaders urged to revive multilateralism in an era of multiple global crises. Quotes Ukrainian President Vo...

  'The Grapevine' is a zone where we place the anonymous and random murmurs we hear from inside the UNICEF bubble.  Keep in mind that what we hear is gossip, and is not verified.  If you are hearing more about what is going on inside the bubble, please share.  What you share will remain anonymous. More UNICEF chatter  1. Staff very frustrated and complained that DPC’s (ex-DHR) handling of all the staff and post change feels like being in a game of musical chairs. No one knows if he/she will have a chair or be left sitting on the floor.  2. There is a simmering feud between MENARO and ECRO on an acceptable structure for merging. There is serious in-fighting between two ASGs and 3 D2s (names not given) over how to structure the merger to form the CoE (Centre of Excellence) and how to deal with Gulf Area Office. They need a conflict mediator more than a post structure expert.

 Eli Stokols, Politico Click here for the article: Politico Summary President Donald Trump used his UN General Assembly address to denounce the UN as outdated and ineffective while boasting of U.S. strength under his leadership.

  Safeguarding and PSEA in UNICEF: Baseline Assessment and 2025 Update UNICEF Evaluation Office & Executive Board Report E/ICEF/2025/16 Click here for the baseline assessment | Click here for the PSEA update Note that the final report is not yet available online.

  With Millions of Children’s Lives on the Line, Bill Gates Says Humanity Is at a Crossroads Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Click here for the article Summary At the 2025 Goalkeepers event in New York, Bill Gates urged global leaders to reverse steep health aid cuts and commit to saving millions of children’s lives by 2045.

  A Trump-shaped wrecking ball swings toward a faltering United Nations Ishaan Tharoor with Benjamin Soloway The Washington Post Click here for the article Summary As the UN marks its 80th year, the institution faces a deep crisis of legitimacy and survival. The U.S., its largest funder, is cutting contributions under President Trump, gutting USAID, withdrawing from key UN agencies, and undermining multilateral agreements like the Paris climate accords. 

I was able to attend the presentation at Unicef house (some details and links below) about U Thant time which was excellent. As is the book about former SG U Thant. with great references and source material. Examples and approach could be relevant for current situations.

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This article is the third on our recent series on concerns relevant to the XUNICEF age profile. This one is the JAMA article on which the NYTimes based its article, " Why are more older people dying from falls ?" which we posted two weeks ago.  Again, it makes the argument that many of the falls are caused by excessive and sloppy prescribing of drugs by physicians.   Last week we posted, " Lessons from the super-agers ," an overview of research on factors that keep those over age 80 going strong.  If you have articles on elder health that you think would be of interest to the XUNICEF community, please share.  And let us know if you find this series of articles on good living in elder years useful. Tom  Risky Prescribing and the Epidemic of Deaths From Falls Thomas A. Farley, MD, MPH JAMA Health Forum Click here for the article Summary More than 41,000 adults over age 65 died from falls in 2023, a toll surpassing deaths from breast or prostate cancer, c...

Click here for the full text "Impartiality does not – and must not – mean neutrality," Kofi Annan Summary A week of major developments has underscored the UN’s internal and external struggles over Gaza. UN staff circulated an open letter to the new Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, while the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry formally concluded that Israel is committing genocide.

US to Guterres: “UN is systematically anti-Israel and because of that, anti-semitic” Ian Richards on Linkedin https://lnkd.in/p/gssuDvD3   This was the reaction after UN staff held two events this week. One, a vigil in Geneva for 370 colleagues killed in Gaza. (Management blocked a similar one in New York.) The other an internal union meeting on how to apply the new due diligence procurement policy in light of a report by Francesca Albanese accusing many companies the UN works with of profiting from genocide. The event also discussed acceptable speech for UN staff. More in the union reply: https://lnkd.in/dKycVzCy Reuters covered the issue. Extracts below. Full article: https://lnkd.in/djxYsGRC . The United States and Israel have sent complaint letters to top United Nations officials contesting their staff's impartiality over the Gaza war, documents showed, as hundreds of them protested outside the global organization's European headquarters on Thursday. "Today, the ...

Given the high level segment of UNGA starts on Tuesday I thought this article might be appropriate to share with the network. Alan The UN’s grim future -  Going rogue, decay or Trumpification The Economist Click here for the article:  Summary As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, it faces what many diplomats describe as its most severe crisis yet, fueled by Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency. The United States has stopped paying dues, slashed funding for UN agencies by about a third, and withdrawn from bodies such as the WHO, UNESCO, and the Human Rights Council.  The erosion of U.S. support risks opening space for China, Russia, and middle powers to shape the global order. Upcoming leadership changes, including the 2027 secretary-general succession, will determine whether the UN adapts or collapses into irrelevance. Three scenarios loom: Going rogue: The UN turns adversarial toward America if U.S. arrears and hostility deepen, with Palestine as a pote...