FEATURE
Dina's black and white collection Paris Would Not Be Paris captures vibrant cafés and brasseries reflecting the city’s charm where locals and visitors alike gather to eat, drink, and engage in life’s myriad experiences.
COLUMNISTS
Ken Gibbs with his inimitable wit, entertains us with the last in his series on WATSAN. He concludes by challenging other XUNICEF colleagues to tell their UNICEF stories that tested both wallet and patience!
Silencing the mind: Ramesh Shrestha reflects on the extraordinary feats of humans through the ages. He believes that the imminent challenge is to strike a balance between technology, social media and the like to prevent social, emotional and cognitive harm to future generations. Do read Smart phones and children's mental health just shared by Ramesh.
Thomas Ekvall : How Wokeism Drove Europe to the Brink. Do you agree/disagree with Thomas Ekvall’s piece on wokeism and Western guilt? We look forward to a lively debate.
UNICEF’s Anniversary Celebrations:
Vietnam: UNICEF was the first UN agency to open an office in Hanoi after the war. What started as emergency relief soon evolved into one of UNICEF’s strongest and most enduring partnerships anywhere in the world. UNICEF Vietnam celebrates 50 years!
Oman is preparing to celebrate 55 years of cooperation with UNICEF and Representative Sumaira A. Chowdhury is appealing for contributions – memories, experiences, video clips etc. from those who served there.
Amanda Gorman appointed Ambassador to UNICEF. Hear her describe what this means to her. Amanda recites her new poem "With This Bright Voice" at UNICEF USA Gala.
New names and new acronyms for divisions and offices: The alphabet soup evolves.
Your boss comments on your booty - The article, shared by Lou Mendez examines the UN Dispute Tribunal’s decision in Novo v. Secretary-General (UNDT/2025/098), rescinded the termination of a UNICEF supervisor accused of multiple acts of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct toward three female staff members.
OTHER NEWS/ISSUES
Tom McDermott draws attention to a major year-long investigation by The Guardian which reports that the Free Birth Society - created by former doula Emilee Saldaya — has been connected to baby deaths and serious injuries around the world. According to its findings, FBS influences mothers to give birth without medical professionals.
John Gilmartin shares ISW special report on Russia's use of captured Ukrainian children as pawns.
Ellen Tolmie highlights how aid cuts affect kids. Caregivers in crisis-affected communities across four countries ranked education as their top priority for children’s wellbeing, ahead of food, health, and protection. Despite this, education remains chronically underfunded in humanitarian responses, revealing a gap between donor priorities and what communities say children need most.
Kul Gautam shares a thought-provoking piece by Finland's President Alexander Stubb Value based realism as the basis for a new world order". Stubb calls for “values-based realism”, urges reforms to international organizations and envisions the Global South as the decisive force in shaping the new world order. Do share your opinion in our comments section.
Kul Gautam shares one of the most powerful and moving lectures, delivered with Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s trademark eloquence, honoring Desmond Tutu's legacy of justice, compassion, and ubuntu.
Stephen Lewis speaks on the threats from cuts in funding of HIV projects, shared by Niloufar Pourzand
Attention UN/UNICEF Retirees in the UK in need of financial assistance - British Association of Former UN Civil Servants Benevolent Fund - Shared by Maie Ayoub
We salute Robert Cohen and Paul Hoeffel on their tireless contributions for almost two decades to global development through Rain Barrel Communications. We wish them well as they embark on new adventures.
MISSING YOU
Niloufar Pourzand shared news of the passing of Dr. David Malone on 24 November 24, 2025 in Victoria Canada at age 71. He was the sixth Rector of the United Nations University. Rest In Peace.
NEWS LINKS – Tom McDermott offers a both a daily news round-up and a weekly overview.
TRIVIA OR NOT?
Six books you didn't know were propaganda : Shared by Fouad Kronfol. The article delves into six significant literary works that served as propaganda, even though their authors were noteworthy writers. Reflecting on some/all of the listed books do you think it is propaganda? Or re-read them, and see if your opinion has changed!
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