Our Feature - We have broadened the scope of our banner article with the hope that it will continue to generate sufficient interest and debate as witnessed recently. Our special feature for the week is Marta Santos Pais' article on The 36th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This lead article aligns with the celebration of World Children's Day as well as the release of the State of the World's Children Report 2025. Child Rights, as Marta Santos argues, is both an ethical and legal imperative, especially in a world that faces constant pushbacks. We hope to see a lively debate around this issue, and more.
The Contest UpdateYou will find a repost here with an update on Richard Bridle's call for 'Contest' titled What is the World's Coolest UNICEF Office? which we published in the last issue. In response to Richard's call we have received contributions from Fouad Kronfol's historical memories of Hanoi and Mark Henderson's collection on Haiti. We expect more to come in.
Our Columnists
Ramesh Shrestha, in his Hammer, Sickle and Nail, exposes "illusions of democratic free world" threatening the rule of law through "democratic dictatorships" inculcating in turn "fear and manipulation". Hammers are used as tools today to pin down nails on the political system, he argues. It ends on a softer note with solutions.
Ken Gibbs in his WatSan pre-training Part 3 and in his inimitable style, punctuated with family episodes, explores the skills needed as a WatSan professional, adding an ethical dimension to the delivery. He also emphasis "continuing learning" as an essential requisite. His conclusion, poignant but significant, says much. Read on to know why.
World Children's Day
There's a lot on World Children's Day to set the thoughts for the week. Secretary General's Message comes with a note of caution with the need to affirm a simple truth: "When we protect the youngest member of the family, we build a better world." State of the World's Children 2025 report delivers a yet another stark warning, calling this moment a "critical juncture" with conflict, climate shocks, and collapsing international aid driving millions of families backwards.
Niloufar Pourzand has sent us her Reflections on World Children's Day with an appeal for activism titled Let's Agitate for Children. It adds to our thoughts for the week. Results Canada and Results UK Regret Reductions in The Global Fund, (also shared by Niloufar) and reinforces the note of despair.
The Move
It seems the exodus has begun as UN Staffers Depart Manhattan's Urban Canyons for Kenya's Leafy Capital. Read this full Devex article especially in the context of ED Russell's statement: "We are taking bold and necessary steps to become leaner, more agile, and closer to the children we serve."
Climate Change
Natural disasters come at a heavy cost today and with a devastating blow. It's as if nuclear bomb went off while Jamaican communities fight to recover from Melissa. Read on to be aware of the magnitude of the calamity which can no longer be attributed solely to natural disaster. We owe a collective responsibility here.
News Links - Our daily news links continue for readers who check in each day, but please also see our Week in Review which looks at the major news stories and trends of the week.
Reunion: Sam and Myung Koo meet up with Gianni Murzi at a Mini Reunion in Rome. It's always a pleasure to read of these small get-togethers besides the big Reunions.
Photo for the week :Myra Rudin has sent us a delightful photo Autumn Arrives in Paris . There's a beauty in the mellow hues and shades associated with the season. We would love to have more from others.
Missing You: Simone Malak - RIP To quote our former DOP Director, Fouad Kronfol "Just learned from a friend of the passing of our colleague Simone Malak with whom we maintained a close friendship when she worked with me in DOP. Simone took care of all GS staff issues and was one of the most effective members of the Division".
Thanksgiving in the USA
We are not far from Thanksgiving, which will be celebrated in the US on 28 November this year. Wishing you the best of everything this Thanksgiving—food, friends, feast, and good tidings.
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