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Unknown commented on "New Dream: Rob Carr"
11 hours ago
I wonder how many 10 year olds have their imagination tweaked by UNICEF these days.
Unknown commented on "‘Children Shot By Quadcopters' - James Elder : Shared by Tom McDermott"
23 hours ago
I saw a clip of James being interviewed on CNN — the banner below started like this «UNICEF ELDER … … ». He’s been such a steadfast voice of conscience, for children, for rights, for decency and reason. I could only smile at how right they got that one. Wivina BELMONTE
Thomas Ekvall commented on "New Dream: Rob Carr"
Yesterday
Let me join Detlef in wishing you a happy retirement. Enjoy it now; in 10 years, it could well be too late. Trust me, I know.
In response to a comment by Doreen Lobo
Yesterday
Those are very valid points that make my suggestion seem ignorant. However, many unemployed migrants in Europe are rather comfortable on welfare. Why would you take the trouble of learning the language properly, train as a nurse, take up a position that involves uncomfortable hours and hard work, with only marginal improvements to your standard of living?
It may also be a rather strong disincentive for well-trained Africans to take up positions in Europe, paying high taxes that go, at least partially, to look after those who do not work, particularly if they would endure racism to boot. Europe is in a pickle.
It may also be a rather strong disincentive for well-trained Africans to take up positions in Europe, paying high taxes that go, at least partially, to look after those who do not work, particularly if they would endure racism to boot. Europe is in a pickle.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "New Dream: Rob Carr"
Yesterday
Rob - if you take retirement seriously then TOR means "Therapeutic Outdoor Recreation" and KPI is "Karma, Pause, Inhale"
In response to a comment by Doreen Lobo
Unknown commented on "Japan’s Warning, Africa’s Promise: A Smarter Immigration Strategy by Thomas Ekvall"
Yesterday
This suggestion might have been reasonable 30 years ago, before the large-scale migration. The unemployment among existing migrants in Europe is high - train those instead. If there is racism in Europe, you would not want to have young Africans exposed to that?
Yesterday
The "racist sentiments" that Detelef is referring to are interesting. As I am married to a woman of a different race from my own, I have some experience with this from Sweden. When we used to go on home leave 40 years ago, my wife and our two children were treated like celebrities. They were invited to schools to talk about where they came from, how it was to live and go to school there, hardly an indication of racism. Today, our two sons, who live in Sweden, often feel antipathy from total strangers. What changed? Forty years ago, there were virtually no people in Sweden who looked like my wife and two sons. Today, they are overrepresented in prison populations and among those living on welfare - a result of open borders and mismanaged migration.
In response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Yesterday
Most countries in Africa have strong population growth, and you "juggle" this by having Europe pay for the training of whatever staff they need, not necessarily only healthcare workers. As it is unlikely that everyone trained will migrate, the ones who don't benefit the country they come from directly with their newly acquired knowledge and skills. The ones who do migrate benefit their countries of origin through remittances. It is not about stealing the best students from existing schools and universities. It is about many additional young Africans being trained in new schools, built and funded by Europe. Those who wish to migrate would be given the opportunity to do so. Surely, this must be a good idea.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "Japan’s Warning, Africa’s Promise: A Smarter Immigration Strategy by Thomas Ekvall"
2 days ago
I have a feeling that the best people in Africa are already being poached to care the elderly in Europe to the detriment of Africa - the dreaded brain drain. SO we are being asked to train more of them and then MORE of the brightest in Africa leave to look after old folks and the brain drain continues and health systems lack qualified staff and services drop. Not sure how to juggle this. For instance - a kenyan friend of mine said that as the top nursing school holds graduation ceremonies - Britains DHS has recruiters there on graduation day to poach the best nurses before they even start.
Unknown commented on "New Dream: Rob Carr"
2 days ago
Sure Doreen - by Feb 2026 I should be in a place I can help - i need a TOR and a KPI for what is the task of the editorial team.
In response to a comment by Doreen Lobo
Doreen Lobo commented on "New Dream: Rob Carr"
2 days ago
Thank you for sharing this lovely trip down memory lane. Yes, most of us had highs and lows while serving UNICEF; I’m in the fortunate group where the highs outweighed the lows! We look forward to your reflections in our XUNICEF Blog and perhaps seriously consider joining our dwindling editorial team. Doreen
2 days ago
To load the UN system with yet another mandate, dealing with migration, when it is under criticism for not managing the mandates it already has, may not be the best way to address the pressing problem. Individual countries or groups of countries, like the EU, would probably be in a better position to solve it.
In response to a comment by Detlef Palm
2 days ago
There might be a link between racism in Europe and the failure of the open border policy for migrants. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman once said: "You can have open borders or you can have a strong welfare system, but yoy can not have both". Europe has had both, which is a more likely reason for the failure of the migration policies. The open border policy in Germany has resulted in half the prison population being foreign-born, while less than one-fifth of the overall population in Germany is. That could be due to racism, but it could also be due to open borders attracting undesirable migrants.
In response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Unknown commented on "Trump's Gaza Plan and Likely 'Deal-breakers' : Shared by Tom McDermott"
1 Oct 2025
There is no mention of payments for reparations or compensation for the billions in losses that Gaza population has lost due to the IDF destruction of infrastructure and looting of personal residences and businesses. Rebuilding Gaza does not affect individual citizens.
30 Sept 2025
You are so right. As a noted Palestinian said.”we are faced with two very bad choices, we accept, and Palestine is gone for ever; we refuse, and there won’t be any Palestinians left.”
Sree Gururaja commented on "PPP: Pirates, Penguins, Patagonia by Detlef Palm"
30 Sept 2025
Detlef, Bravo.. the pictures of the glacier and the three penguins were my favourites.. I liked the way you kind of shared your excitement and feeling of wonder in your interesting narrative! but was a tad disappointed for I was expecting to see you and Gaby doing the tango in the video.. maybe sometime soon! Thanks Sree
29 Sept 2025
Yes, it is vague, there are flaws, and the Palestinians may be at a disadvantage, but it is better than the status quo - the war comes to an end, and relief will resume. It is easy to be critical of and could easily fall apart, but everyone would be well advised to be positive and give it a chance. There is, for now, nothing better on the horizon.
29 Sept 2025
An off the cuff comment: since Oslo in the 1990’s it was always a “road map “ to Palestinian statehood, now it is reduced to a “pathway”..not encouraging. Tony Blair as the Gaza Czar reminds of Paul Bremer who led the Iraqi interim govt. after the US invasion..equally not encouraging.
Fouad commented on "US NGOs try to adapt to loss of US funds : Shared by Tom McDermott"
29 Sept 2025
A good set of examples for the UN and UNICEF to follow..emphasize the positive and live with the negative.
29 Sept 2025
I should have mentioned earlier that the reputable British newspaper The Economist had a similar article to the one above by the FT, but gloomier, in its September 20th, 2025 issue. It was titled "The UN's grim future". But on the other hand, it may not matter; there appears to be little interest among the readers of this blog.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
29 Sept 2025
Yes, judicious choice of words counts in communication!
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
29 Sept 2025
Some wish to severely prune the UN agencies, if not close them down; Trump's Republican Party is in that category. Then you have those who want gentle reforms; the Norwegian Social Democratic Party is leading that group. Norway is unlikely to prevail, particularly with Europe falling behind economically, with a war on the doorstep of the EU, draining aid resources. It does not matter how well the staff of the UN know their agencies. A Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF said recently, in relation to the budget cuts, that she had managed to save many staff positions. It might have been more appropriate to say that UNICEF had managed to ensure that there would still be money for the most vulnerable children in Africa.
Unknown commented on "PPP: Pirates, Penguins, Patagonia by Detlef Palm"
29 Sept 2025
Thankyou, Detlef, splendiferous as always. And the lessons for PPP? (Rozanne)
Shahida Azfar commented on "PPP: Pirates, Penguins, Patagonia by Detlef Palm"
28 Sept 2025
What a fabulous account Detlef. Amazing experience and narration
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
28 Sept 2025
There are entrenched structural issues within the system that has resisted change from within so far. These have to be identified and addressed for any meaningful reform to be effective. The process has started. Let me repeat, no one knows the system better than those within it.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
adhiratha keefe commented on "Launch of "Peacemaker" by Thant Myint-U : Shared by Adhiratha"
28 Sept 2025
I joined Unicef in March of 1974 and was blessed to see close up the dedicated and practical people at headquarters and those who visited from field when I was serving as a documents officer in meetings for the Ex. Board. It further restored my faith in "older" people, which I had seriously questioned around the time I was understanding more about what was going on around the world during the Vietnam situation and personal decisions .. It was people like Tony Meagher, Joan dydo , Sheila Barry Tacon, Jack Charnow examples, as well as Harry Labouisse and Dick Heyward who I appreciated for their commitment and encouragement of others that inspired me. In part because of them I eventually finished the 3 courses I needed for my University degree..During the process I did study and think deeply about the UN values and Oneness vision and included many Quotes from Dag Hammarskjold, UThant and Sri Chinmoy. The effort and learned experiences that produced the Charter of the United Nations and Universal Declaration of Human Rights as guiding lights has helped sustain my hope, prayer and meditation that that these sometimes difficult times will alow some further learning and inner direction. Based on troubling as well as good examples and preserved evidence, I look to intuitive and skillful individuals, both activists and archivists to share possible illumination for the paths ahead.. The "Peacemaker" book is helpful..
s.
s.
adhiratha keefe commented on "Launch of "Peacemaker" by Thant Myint-U : Shared by Adhiratha"
28 Sept 2025
Thank you Horst, I only saw U Thant once at an outdoor play about the Buddha's life, Spring of 1973. I had only recently returned to NY after seven years mostly in Ohio at university and working some as a merchant seaman in 1967 on American President lines ship that went around the world.including Asia. In Sep of 73 I was hired to mostly work in the second basement of the UN secretariat documents section where I discovered U Thants final message to staff which included the importance he gave to spiritual values after he was questioned about how he maintained his poise.
28 Sept 2025
Gautam, you say it is not true that the UN staff would not find work if they leave the UN. As proof of that, you use the sample of one. By the way, I said most would not find work with equal pay, that is different, and it is true.
You also say most of the criticism comes from within the UN. If that is so, change would have already happened. Yes, probably most UN staff would like to see change as long as it did not affect them in any negative way. As you know, in a team, it is always the others who do not pull their weight.
You also say most of the criticism comes from within the UN. If that is so, change would have already happened. Yes, probably most UN staff would like to see change as long as it did not affect them in any negative way. As you know, in a team, it is always the others who do not pull their weight.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
28 Sept 2025
I am not sure if I agree completely with you. The strongest critiques about the system came from within. And that’s healthy. That’s the way to go about reforms. And it’s not true that most will not find jobs outside the system if they left. I left UNICEF at the age of 46 out of a conscious choice after two bereavements in close succession in my family while I was serving in Baghdad under a complex emergency away from my home. I took a year’s sabbatical without pay but never returned. I started my legal practice in the UK followed by two successive consultancies first under a task order of the US State Department and the second USAID, in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively. My full retirement now in Armenia couldn’t be happier. I have found my mini United Nations here at the United World College with students from over ninety countries. My twelve years with UNICEF helped to apply my skills I had acquired and in turn I added much more to it. My legal career, although a struggle to begin with, in turn helped me in consultancies with the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recalling Dave Haxton again, he used to caution us that UNICEF was not a job for life. Staff should have the capacity to move out and apply the skills they acquire. Those who can’t, do not deserve to continue. Sorry Thomas for this long response. In brief, the reforms will come from within. There’s no other way of going about it.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
28 Sept 2025
The UN can't be reformed from within. It has too many staff who could not earn the equivalent if they were made to leave the organisation. They will resist any change. Reform can only be enforced from outside and probably only by the US. The EU, while contributing more than the US, is most likely too fragmented to take its place. China, another power player, is unlikely to object to changes to the various UN agencies, which they were never allowed to play a role in, despite their proven record of knowing how to develop fast. That leaves the organisation’s fate largely in the hands of Trump’s Republican Party, which will be in power for at least another three years. The staff of the various agencies may want to fasten their seat belts; it could be a rough ride.
Gautam Banerji commented on "From the Editors - 22 to 28 September 2025"
28 Sept 2025
We’re looking for volunteers to join the editorial team. I can assure you it will be a rewarding experience. And do please write for the Blog. It’s your forum and do please free to treat it as such.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
28 Sept 2025
Yes streamlining costs is essential. Much of the fringe benefits should be trimmed down to enhance efficiency and save the organisation from collapse. We should accept it gracefully. There is no doubt that we were well looked after and there’s much for reflection. Thank you Thomas for being the voice of conscience.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Unknown commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
28 Sept 2025
Reflecting on this is sad. A respected and competent UN could have played the role suggested. Had that been so, many sub-Saharan countries might have been in the middle-income bracket today.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
28 Sept 2025
Gautam, the cost of a UN aid worker was more than the money you had paid into your bank account every month on your international assignment. There were so-called staff assessments, pension contributions, health insurance fees, and, don’t forget, the cost of educating our pampered kids, often in fancy private schools, and probably a few more costs that I have forgotten. Yes, the cost was $300,000, and it must be more today.
Unknown commented on "Who Am I? Author Unknown Shared by Doreen Lobo"
28 Sept 2025
Excellent, Doreen.
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
27 Sept 2025
I have never brushed aside Trump or the role he is playing in the big Game Plan that is unfolding, even though he does provide good entertainment from time to time with his histrionics. Trump is not the little boy in the game. He is bulky and huge enough as POTUS to make a dent where he wills. Yes his will is unpredictable. There's much for reflection when he yells out that the emperor is naked. As for Thomas' rejoinder I will leave it to others to comment since the figures he has quoted as earnings do not match the pay packet I received even on my international assignment. Perhaps I am the "little boy" you mention.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "From the Editors - 22 to 28 September 2025"
27 Sept 2025
Enlighting summary of this week'contributions, that seems very interesting !
Unknown commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
27 Sept 2025
Is there an equivalence between the Danish author H. C. Andersen’s fairy tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes and the UN’s quandary? Is Trump the little boy who cries out that the emperor is naked?
Agatha Pratt commented on "Celebrations by Fouad Kronfol - A Ditty for an Anniversary and a Birthday"
27 Sept 2025
Happy Anniversary and Birthday to you lovely couple. Continue to enjoy every second, hour and years!
27 Sept 2025
You seem to make a case for the futility of aid. Let me give you a hand. We were costing as aid workers for the UN $300,000 a year. I'm sure that no one on this blog could claim that he or she contributed anywhere close to that wherever they worked. The money we were paid was intended for the country where we worked; in other words, we took out more money from those countries than we put in. It is a most basic business accounting practice that if someone is hired for $300,000, he or she must produce at least 25 to 30 per cent more than that to be worth hiring. We never did. Honestly, I do not think anyone produced for even half that. But then of course, we thought we could not go bankrupt, until now that is.
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
27 Sept 2025
To add to my rejoinder, I recall David Haxton at my induction in UNICEF India, where I was recruited, telling us in his inimitable American style: "We have hired you for your brains. And we give you a pocket-full of dollars to spend. Go out and make use of both to make a difference where it counts." The words still resonate. That's the US I was introduced to. There are millions more like Dave Haxton still in the US who share his thoughts. What we see in the world today is a passing phase. Uncle Sam will resurrect itself to lead. The Republicans today do not strike a note of alarm to me. I remain hopeful of a new world unfolding in the horizon. Look to the East. You will see its hues.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
27 Sept 2025
Thank you Thomas for this rejoinder. I am fully with you in your second response. It is however enigmatic that despite the obvious advantages of inter-agency coordination on the ground for program implementation, there is a lot of resistance to it from the individual organizations themselves. UN agencies at the field level regrettably tend to function as stand-alone silos, despite a designated coordinating role assigned. It has much more to do than individual egocentricity within the organizations. It has more to do with who funds the organization in question and who holds the purse strings to call the tune. That's where politics of development aid comes into play. The only time I have witnessed inter-agency coordination work to perfection is under complex post-conflict peace-building initiatives and humanitarian assistance. As for sub-Saharan Africa, it remains a riddle as to why much of the region has suffered through poor leadership in the post-colonial era despite the rich potential it holds to make it well in the world. It's an amazing region. My six years there, coast to coast, from Uganda to Gabon, was an enchanting experience, which I will cherish for life. As for the US and the Republican antipathy towards the UN, I may be wrong but it emanates from the fear of losing control. It is wrong to see the UN as an extension of US hegemony. Under a reformed system, much of it should be remedied, beginning with a restructured Security Council. Realities have changed from what they were 80 years ago. Before I end, I must confess that I remain humbled by the kind words you have spoken about my contribution to the debate. We do hope to have your sustained inputs to the Blog from now on.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
27 Sept 2025
What could convince the Republican politicians would be if the UN could state that all its agencies worked in a coordinated fashion in country X in sub-Saharan Africa, and managed through good and transparent leadership, to get the vast majority of all NGOs and other aid organisations in the country to work for a common agenda supporting the government to achieve its development goals. The work started with the independence of country X in 1960; at that time, the U5 mortality was above 100, the percentage of children finishing primary school was well below 50, less than a quarter of the population had access to primary health care, and the GDP per capita was only 50 per cent of the global average. Today, 65 years after this work started, country X can proudly announce that it has, with the help of international assistance, led and coordinated by the UN, managed to become a middle-income country that provides healthcare and education to all its population.
Regrettable, there is no such country in sub-Saharan Africa
Regrettable, there is no such country in sub-Saharan Africa
27 Sept 2025
The survival of the UN hinges, to a large extent, on convincing the US government that the organisation is worth keeping and that there is measurable progress in delivering peace, development, and emergency relief.
Gautam’s beautifully written, balanced and nuanced defence of the UN will make the eyes of the Republican politicians, who hold the fate of the UN in their hands, go blank. They will not be impressed by: “reaching out to the unreached”, “much has been achieved through persistent advocacy”, or “judging success through soft skills”. It just won't cut it.
Many US politicians see the above quotations as a reason to cut back funding. They would argue that nothing tangible is being achieved.
Gautam’s beautifully written, balanced and nuanced defence of the UN will make the eyes of the Republican politicians, who hold the fate of the UN in their hands, go blank. They will not be impressed by: “reaching out to the unreached”, “much has been achieved through persistent advocacy”, or “judging success through soft skills”. It just won't cut it.
Many US politicians see the above quotations as a reason to cut back funding. They would argue that nothing tangible is being achieved.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Gautam Banerji commented on "Can the UN save itself from Irrelevance : Shared by Thomas Ekvall"
27 Sept 2025
I would be inclined to argue if the UN is to be judged for its failings, it has only in a limited way been able to fulfill its primary function of restoring peace and stability in a world torn asunder by war and conflict. If it has to be judged by its success, I would place it in its development efforts, reaching out to the unreached in some of the most challenging environments where few dare to tread.
Much has been achieved through persistent advocacy with recalcitrant regimes, reluctant to be moved where it comes to shift of power to those they govern. It is easy to walk away, and blame it on corruption, as Thomas seems to suggest. It is a harder task to persist where one must and that counts.
UNICEF is unique in its capacity to wear the boots on the ground while at the same time walk the corridors of power to talk the walk with policy framers in state capitals. This is a role worthy of emulation across all developmental initiatives across the UN system. I would judge success through these softer skills in diplomacy and advocacy efforts.
I am not a neorealist sold to the idea of a world in anarchy where jealously guarding state sovereignty is considered to be of paramount importance for political leadership. I believe in interdependency in a multipolar world, where global institutions set the rules for good governance through consensus. I believe in the rule of law. I do not believe that the world should be allowed to plunge into anarchy. And that is the challenge before the UN today.
Much has been achieved through persistent advocacy with recalcitrant regimes, reluctant to be moved where it comes to shift of power to those they govern. It is easy to walk away, and blame it on corruption, as Thomas seems to suggest. It is a harder task to persist where one must and that counts.
UNICEF is unique in its capacity to wear the boots on the ground while at the same time walk the corridors of power to talk the walk with policy framers in state capitals. This is a role worthy of emulation across all developmental initiatives across the UN system. I would judge success through these softer skills in diplomacy and advocacy efforts.
I am not a neorealist sold to the idea of a world in anarchy where jealously guarding state sovereignty is considered to be of paramount importance for political leadership. I believe in interdependency in a multipolar world, where global institutions set the rules for good governance through consensus. I believe in the rule of law. I do not believe that the world should be allowed to plunge into anarchy. And that is the challenge before the UN today.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Unknown commented on "Japan’s Warning, Africa’s Promise: A Smarter Immigration Strategy by Thomas Ekvall"
27 Sept 2025
If the world has to wait for the UN to solve the migration problems, it will be long waiting.
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