48 mins ago
@ Thomas. Yes, it helps to read a paper before commenting on it. Now you may add your thoughts as to a new role for the UNDS, as described in our discussion paper. As you said above, a new role is needed.
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
52 mins ago
@ Richard. Agree with the humanitarian role of the UN, but our discussion paper was primarily about the UN Development System
In Response to a comment by Richard Morgan
4 hours ago
I have been reminded that this is about a New Vision for the UN Development Function, not about development in general. I stand corrected, however, surely that is not an end in itself.
Unknown commented on "Beyond Aid - a new vision for the UN Development System: shared by Detlef Palm"
4 hours ago
Can UNDS be fitted into such an agenda?
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Unknown commented on "Beyond Aid - a new vision for the UN Development System: shared by Detlef Palm"
5 hours ago
What tasks does IDOS think require a UN organisation to complete, and what is the UN’s comparative advantage?
Unknown commented on "Beyond Aid - a new vision for the UN Development System: shared by Detlef Palm"
6 hours ago
"And humility", have we found religion?
In Response to a comment by Richard Morgan
7 hours ago
IDOS has, at long last, understood that development aid did not help countries develop, and a new role for the UNDS is needed. That it took IDOS so long to arrive at that conclusion, which has been obvious to everyone in the industry for decades, puts into question their suitability to provide advice. The proposed new role is all theoretical and has no basis in the practicalities of how countries actually develop. The impact on the development by this new approach will be near impossible to measure. Also, the strong advocacy role calls for skills that UNDS staff don't have. What is proposed is an experiment for which no one can foresee the outcome. To suggest experimentation after more than 50 years of failure and hundreds of billions of dollars wasted may not be the best path forward. Clearly, something much more radical, practical, and down-to-earth that is known to work is called for.
8 hours ago
This is what AI offers, as regards what it takes to develop rapidly, free of charge, in less than three seconds:
Here’s a breakdown of the core elements required for take-off and rapid development:
🏛️ 1. Strong, capable, and reform-minded state
Competent government institutions matter far more than ideology. The state must be able to plan, execute, and enforce policies — from infrastructure to education to trade.
This usually means a bureaucracy insulated from corruption and political chaos, as seen in South Korea’s Economic Planning Board or Singapore’s civil service.
Political stability — not necessarily democracy at first — tends to be a precondition for sustained growth.
⚙️ 2. Economic freedom and private-sector dynamism
Even in the more state-led “Asian Tiger” models, market forces were allowed to operate. Entrepreneurs could invest, produce, and export profitably.
The most successful states didn’t run industries; they guided and disciplined them, rewarding efficiency and punishing failure.
Property rights, contract enforcement, and access to credit are all essential for private investment.
📚 3. Massive investment in education and skills
Virtually every “take-off” case began with near-universal basic education and a major push for literacy and technical skills.
South Korea in the 1960s and 70s invested heavily in schools and technical training — long before it was rich.
This creates the human capital needed for manufacturing and technology upgrading later on.
🚢 4. Export orientation
Rapid development almost always coincides with integration into global markets.
Countries that tried to grow by self-sufficiency (import substitution) stagnated; those that produced for export learned faster, competed globally, and earned hard currency.
Export discipline forces firms to improve productivity and quality.
🧱 5. Infrastructure and industrial policy
Roads, ports, electricity, and communications are non-negotiable.
Successful governments often use targeted industrial policies — supporting strategic sectors like steel, textiles, or electronics — but with performance-based rewards rather than blanket subsidies.
The aim is not to protect, but to help industries climb the value chain.
💰 6. High savings and investment rates
Development requires capital — both domestic and foreign.
The Asian Tigers had very high savings rates, often encouraged by fiscal prudence and trust in stable financial systems.
These savings funded infrastructure, factories, and education rather than consumption or corruption.
🌍 7. Pragmatic openness to foreign investment and technology
Successful countries learn from others, import know-how, and welcome foreign investors — but on their own terms.
Japan, South Korea, and China all extracted technology transfers from Western firms while protecting strategic autonomy.
⚖️ 8. Social cohesion and national purpose
A shared sense of national ambition — often born from crisis or external threat — can unite elites and citizens around the goal of “catching up.”
South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore all combined discipline, hard work, and a strong work ethic with relatively equitable growth that kept social tensions low.
High inequality and ethnic or tribal divisions tend to derail take-off efforts.
🚫 9. Avoiding the common traps
Many countries fail because of:
Corruption and patronage politics draining public resources.
Overreliance on natural resources (“resource curse”) rather than productivity.
External debt dependency and inflation.
Populism that undermines long-term policy consistency.
🧩 In short:
Rapid development = capable state + open economy + education + exports + investment + discipline.
The precise mix varies, but the story is similar: when governments create stability, reward hard work and productivity, and connect their economies to global markets, growth follows.
Here’s a breakdown of the core elements required for take-off and rapid development:
🏛️ 1. Strong, capable, and reform-minded state
Competent government institutions matter far more than ideology. The state must be able to plan, execute, and enforce policies — from infrastructure to education to trade.
This usually means a bureaucracy insulated from corruption and political chaos, as seen in South Korea’s Economic Planning Board or Singapore’s civil service.
Political stability — not necessarily democracy at first — tends to be a precondition for sustained growth.
⚙️ 2. Economic freedom and private-sector dynamism
Even in the more state-led “Asian Tiger” models, market forces were allowed to operate. Entrepreneurs could invest, produce, and export profitably.
The most successful states didn’t run industries; they guided and disciplined them, rewarding efficiency and punishing failure.
Property rights, contract enforcement, and access to credit are all essential for private investment.
📚 3. Massive investment in education and skills
Virtually every “take-off” case began with near-universal basic education and a major push for literacy and technical skills.
South Korea in the 1960s and 70s invested heavily in schools and technical training — long before it was rich.
This creates the human capital needed for manufacturing and technology upgrading later on.
🚢 4. Export orientation
Rapid development almost always coincides with integration into global markets.
Countries that tried to grow by self-sufficiency (import substitution) stagnated; those that produced for export learned faster, competed globally, and earned hard currency.
Export discipline forces firms to improve productivity and quality.
🧱 5. Infrastructure and industrial policy
Roads, ports, electricity, and communications are non-negotiable.
Successful governments often use targeted industrial policies — supporting strategic sectors like steel, textiles, or electronics — but with performance-based rewards rather than blanket subsidies.
The aim is not to protect, but to help industries climb the value chain.
💰 6. High savings and investment rates
Development requires capital — both domestic and foreign.
The Asian Tigers had very high savings rates, often encouraged by fiscal prudence and trust in stable financial systems.
These savings funded infrastructure, factories, and education rather than consumption or corruption.
🌍 7. Pragmatic openness to foreign investment and technology
Successful countries learn from others, import know-how, and welcome foreign investors — but on their own terms.
Japan, South Korea, and China all extracted technology transfers from Western firms while protecting strategic autonomy.
⚖️ 8. Social cohesion and national purpose
A shared sense of national ambition — often born from crisis or external threat — can unite elites and citizens around the goal of “catching up.”
South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore all combined discipline, hard work, and a strong work ethic with relatively equitable growth that kept social tensions low.
High inequality and ethnic or tribal divisions tend to derail take-off efforts.
🚫 9. Avoiding the common traps
Many countries fail because of:
Corruption and patronage politics draining public resources.
Overreliance on natural resources (“resource curse”) rather than productivity.
External debt dependency and inflation.
Populism that undermines long-term policy consistency.
🧩 In short:
Rapid development = capable state + open economy + education + exports + investment + discipline.
The precise mix varies, but the story is similar: when governments create stability, reward hard work and productivity, and connect their economies to global markets, growth follows.
9 hours ago
The terrible emergency in Sudan caused by the civil war has been interfered in by states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and many more. Do they have a role in addressing the consequences? Or is that what organisations such as WFP and UNICEF, financed by the West, are there for? Perhaps that could be an issue for IDOS to look into.
Another suitable issue for IDOS attention may be whether an organisation such as the Sudanese Emergency Response Room is better positioned to deal with the fallout from the civil war than the UN agencies.
Another suitable issue for IDOS attention may be whether an organisation such as the Sudanese Emergency Response Room is better positioned to deal with the fallout from the civil war than the UN agencies.
In Response to a comment by Richard Morgan
12 hours ago
Agree with the central thesis (which is familiar from the 1990s and continues to be valid). With the caveat that the humanitarian role of the UN - for all its inefficiencies - is still incredibly important. See Gaza. See failed state and other no-state situations. The UN should help save lives (and, by the way, immunization + ORS + VitaminA = humanitarian) and do more and better to facilitate effective NGOs and civil society, where present, to do the same. For the rest, yes, advocacy, norms, knowledge and universal principles. And humility.
17 hours ago
correction: the ED statement was made on X and remains there - for all the world to view the shame. https://x.com/unicefchief/status/1975313928759787549
17 hours ago
the ED statement has been scrubbed from all UNICEF press releases and internal channels - but there has been backlash to it and here is proof: https://ardd-jo.org/news/when-neutrality-feels-uneven-on-unicefs-statement-marking-two-years-since-the-october-7-events/
17 hours ago
UNICEF ED actually issued a statement this past 7 october lamenting the death of Israeli kids without ONE WORD about the 20,000 ++ Palestinian kids were killed since then. UNICEF has lost its soul. Here is the statement: “It’s been two years since the horrific attacks on children and communities in Israel by Hamas and other armed groups.
The pain of 7 October endures, for the families of children who lost their lives, children torn from their families, and those living with the trauma of their experience.
Killing, maiming and abducting children are unconscionable acts and grave violations of their rights.
Every child, everywhere, has the right to safety, care and protection.”**
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director
Not a word about the 20,000 + Palestinian kids killed. WOW. Have we lost our soul and our compass?
The pain of 7 October endures, for the families of children who lost their lives, children torn from their families, and those living with the trauma of their experience.
Killing, maiming and abducting children are unconscionable acts and grave violations of their rights.
Every child, everywhere, has the right to safety, care and protection.”**
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director
Not a word about the 20,000 + Palestinian kids killed. WOW. Have we lost our soul and our compass?
Unknown commented on "What Happened in Gaza Might Be Even Worse Than We Think : Shared by Tom McDermott"
20 hours ago
How many of those reported killed were Hamas fighters? Experts say at least one third. The remaining civilian casualties could have been dramatically reduced had Hamas returned the hostages and laid down their weapons. Instead, Hamas used Palestinian civilians as human shields. Blame shouldn’t only go one way.
20 hours ago
One cannot help but get the impression that the work of IDOS is yet another attempt to rearrange the deckchairs on the massive ship, the UNDS is.
Think tanks are a bit like consulting companies; they must be a bit critical to retain credibility, but not so critical that they jeopardise future funding or contracts.
What is needed for a country to develop is no rocket science, and quite frankly, to the best of my knowledge, no country has ever developed with the help of UNDS or aid, for that matter.
For those who need to have it spelt out, just task a master's student in development economics to analyse which countries have developed fast over the past hundred years and which countries fell behind. What did it take to develop? What caused countries to fall behind?
They are simple questions that are quite easy to answer. Those that developed fast all had elements of good, competent and caring governance that had corruption under control and got along with most of the rest of the world. Those who fell behind lacked one, two or more of these.
There is a horde of perhaps 600,000 aid workers around the world who will denounce what I have said as simplistic and outright dangerous. Development is a complex issue that calls for their expertise. That Sub-Saharan Africa is relatively poorer today than it was 50 years ago, having been the beneficiary of this expertise, is just an inconvenient fact.
Think tanks are a bit like consulting companies; they must be a bit critical to retain credibility, but not so critical that they jeopardise future funding or contracts.
What is needed for a country to develop is no rocket science, and quite frankly, to the best of my knowledge, no country has ever developed with the help of UNDS or aid, for that matter.
For those who need to have it spelt out, just task a master's student in development economics to analyse which countries have developed fast over the past hundred years and which countries fell behind. What did it take to develop? What caused countries to fall behind?
They are simple questions that are quite easy to answer. Those that developed fast all had elements of good, competent and caring governance that had corruption under control and got along with most of the rest of the world. Those who fell behind lacked one, two or more of these.
There is a horde of perhaps 600,000 aid workers around the world who will denounce what I have said as simplistic and outright dangerous. Development is a complex issue that calls for their expertise. That Sub-Saharan Africa is relatively poorer today than it was 50 years ago, having been the beneficiary of this expertise, is just an inconvenient fact.
Jim Mohan commented on "My AI friend sent me the song below by Baquer Namazi and a Response by Karin Sham Poo"
21 hours ago
Karin,
MAGNIFICENT! Thanks for sharing. Jim
MAGNIFICENT! Thanks for sharing. Jim
Fouad Kronfol commented on "My AI friend sent me the song below by Baquer Namazi and a Response by Karin Sham Poo"
21 hours ago
Fouad Kronfol
09:32 (2 hours ago)
to Baquer, Mary, Rima, David, Karthika, Mahendra, Niloufar, me, Dr, Kul, Janet, Stephen, Andre, David, James, Robert, Saad, Steve, Richard, Philip, Agop, Karin, Mary, Nils, Anis, Munir, George, Rolf
Good one..we should ask our XUNICEF colleagues if others can or will produce similar verses on Children. It may be Fun.
09:32 (2 hours ago)
to Baquer, Mary, Rima, David, Karthika, Mahendra, Niloufar, me, Dr, Kul, Janet, Stephen, Andre, David, James, Robert, Saad, Steve, Richard, Philip, Agop, Karin, Mary, Nils, Anis, Munir, George, Rolf
Good one..we should ask our XUNICEF colleagues if others can or will produce similar verses on Children. It may be Fun.
Unknown commented on "Beyond Aid - a new vision for the UN Development System: shared by Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
Excellent piece of work - thanks to you and the others. Three observations. First, I hope you will publish your very pertinent summary on LinkedIn where it will both be more widely seen and help the reports messages reach a wider audience (we can repost it). Second, I am not sure it's accurate to describe the recommendations as new per se. To me they look more like a modern reworking of the original principles and intent of the Charter. Those of us who agree with this argument should be presenting the period from about 1985 to 2015 as the anomaly and the "smaller, smarter" UN you and your co-authors advocate for as more faithful to the Charter than the character of the organisation today. Third, this argument is somewhat taboo in senior leadership spaces even if there are those at ASG and USG level who think similarly but keep quiet. They understandably don't want to deal with the consequences, not least with their own staff, of advocating for it. Good then to marry this argument with an honest reflection of how incredibly hard it would be for the UN itself to reform in this direction and how it could only happen with Member State leadership. But chapeau - great piece of work.
2 days ago
I couldn't agree more - just weeks from retirement - I attended a UNCT retreat last week - the last one I attended was 3 duty stations ago some 12 years ago. I felt like I was in a time machine that was broken. We talked about the "empowered UNRC" (as we sat in a room that was half UN agency Reps and half UNRC staff - i kid you not HALF of them were UNRC staff of all shapes and sizes - drawing on the 1 % coordination levy now imposed on each UN agency grant that is not a joint programme - the UNRC is now exploding with some cash - so they hire more staff to work on more things for UN agencies to do: more matrixes, more platforms, more frameworks, more plans, more theme groups, more you name it) and we talked about the government offer for a UN House - and how we could fit a few more people in and divided up the running cost. We talked about common services like banking and travel - so we can avoid getting soaked for huge inflated cost that UN enjoys. We talked about every EXCEPT how we need to more more efficient, cut down overlap, focus, and be more relevent for government. We did not even reflect on the disasterous retreat we had last year - at an equally exotic location well beyond the UN DSA rate - where we had a complete mutiny over the arduous and non effective coordination structure that took up all our time and did not resolved any of our issues. So much room to improve. Will it happen in the last 8 weeks of my 30 year career - who knows. Meanwhile UNHCR cuts 5000 posts, UNICEF cuts 3000 - similar for WHO and UNFPA - but not a peep about UNDP cuts? Hmmm Maybe all people losing their jobs at UN agencies can join on of the newly empowered and fast growing UNRC offices worldwide???
2 days ago
Many thanks Capt Sanjay for your kind words and generous appreciation. This is what keeps me motivating. 🙏
In Response to a comment by Capt Sanjay
Oct 19, 2025
Why is it that every time we have managerial difficulties UNICEF changes the name and/or the functions of its departments? Someone once famously said,
"A Rose is a Rose by whatever name it Goes", or something to that effect.
"A Rose is a Rose by whatever name it Goes", or something to that effect.
Fouad Kronfol commented on "Quo Vadis UN @80? by Kul Gautam"
Oct 19, 2025
Excellent commentary Kul on what needs to be done to save the UN, and some of its agencies. I share your concerns on most of them. Todate we have seen much more emphasis on budget reductions than on real actions related to functions, policies and implementation. Like you we are all hoping that better strategy and management will arise from the current crises and which will not end in the demise of the UN.
Oct 19, 2025
Thank you Paula for sharing your thoughts and anxieties about the growing shortage of trust and truth in our world today. I am sure many of your XUNICEF colleagues will have similar trepidations but not the openness to express them as you did. In fact we are witnessing a "pandemic" of disinformation and misinformation all around us which is making so many of us uncomfortable. Yes, while we can still believe in individuals, it is the very institutions that you mention that have become less believable which is very sad. Have you tried the Boy & Girl Scouts ?
Oct 19, 2025
FORZA FRANCESCA, FORTZA !
Oct 19, 2025
When I joined UNICEF global life expectancy was in the low 50's and the world population was some 2 billion ! We've come a long way Baby! Falling birth rates in the developed countries means that most of the growth over the next half century will be in Africa and some of the countries in the Global South with consequent realities for development aid.
Oct 19, 2025
Thank you Viviane for this heart-breaking article. Even more serious than the deaths and injuries, the willful destruction of a peoples' culture, history and child literacy will have more negative effects in the future for the Palestinian nation.
Oct 19, 2025
Two of my mother's sisters and my elder cousin were married to Azeris, so growing up during family meals there was a lot of Azeri-related talk, especially about Baku. I must have many distant cousins there that I dont know . My only visit in 2002 during my UNICEF mission to CEE/CIS countries was notable for the fact that it was the only place from which I have no photos. Hence I enjoyed so much Detlef's article and the incredible images he shared with us. Like Thomas, I came from Tbilisi, Georgia by overnight train accompanied by Boris Tolstopiatov, the UNICEF Area Rep. The few days we spent were in Baku in all kinds of meetings with little time for tourism. The highlight of my short trip was going to the market and buying one kilo of caviar for $100 ! The trip out was by UNICEF car driving toward Georgia, where we went off the normal roads for a "shortcut" into Armenia, and a southbound drive to Yerevan. I remember that most of the trip was through rather desert like territory with occasional houses and of abandoned oil derricks.
Horst Max Cerni commented on "Too many brothers: Ken Gibbs"
Oct 19, 2025
Thanks, Ken, for telling us about your amazing brother. He surely is a great example that no-one is in-valid.
Unknown commented on "Mud Volcanoes and Candy Cane Mountains: Detlef Palm"
Oct 19, 2025
Very beautiful landscape and story and thank you Detlef for giving us this touristic tour on Azerbajan. Though it is sad as UNICEF is leaving the place while I still think that many children like those from Xinaliq have several unmet needs. Thank you.
Capt Sanjay commented on "Podcast - Inspiring Young Minds : Mohindra Kumar"
Oct 19, 2025
Great podcast. Your vast experience in the humanitarian service was evident from your exciting stories. Please keep motivating the young minds
Unknown commented on "Mud Volcanoes and Candy Cane Mountains: Detlef Palm"
Oct 19, 2025
Thanks for sharing Detlef. Just had two weeks there this month and it is as wonderful and fascinating as you describe
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