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6 hours ago
Following these simple steps really helps us new editors. Like all of you - we are retired and have a full life in addition to pitching in on XUNICEF. We travel, go to the gym, hike, read, laugh and love - when you submit your input as Detlef suggested - it makes our XUNICEF volunteer job much easier and gives us more time to enjoy other aspects of life after UNICEF. Looking forward to your inputs - to make us laugh, cry, think and discuss.
6 hours ago
Ken - I will do my best to help on that end. I mean without WASH - what was UNICEF?
16 hours ago
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Umemoto. May he rest in peace.🙏🏾
Unknown commented on "Where airplanes live another day – or go to die by Joachim Theis"
17 hours ago
Detlef - I think you explaining "Delivering As One" to the UNCT was also sort of submarine like? I mean the torpedoes were flying?
Ellen M. Collins commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
17 hours ago
That was my question - Dan beat me to it. AMAZING, Detlef! - the process, impressive! Now do it all over this time with animation and narration!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😁 JUST KIDDING!
In response to a comment by Dan Seymour
Detlef Palm commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
19 hours ago
I got that stack of challenge envelopes as a gift. I will send a stack of envelopes to the first reader (who has so far not published more than one article) who manages to submit five articles.
In response to a comment by Dan Seymour
Dan Seymour commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
20 hours ago
Interesting stuff as always Detlef. But I'm fascinated by your stack of envelopes. Did someone send to you? Is each challenge meant to be enjoyable, educational, inspiring? How does it work? I think I want someone to send me a stack of challenge envelopes.
Yesterday
A Harder Look at the Record of Our Wonderful Organisation
An AI‑generated political and economic assessment of development in Africa summed up the situation as follows: “While many African countries have stagnated or even declined since independence, others have made progress. Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda have shown improvements in governance, health, and economic development. However, the continent as a whole still faces deep challenges, and the gap between African nations and the rest of the world has widened, especially when measured against GDP per capita, education, and healthcare access.”
It is a bleak summary, and the reasons behind it are undoubtedly complex. History, governance, geography, conflict, global economic structures, and domestic policy choices all play their part. Yet it remains difficult to argue that foreign aid has delivered the transformative impact its advocates once promised.
Some will respond that conditions would have been even worse without aid. Perhaps, but this is ultimately impossible to prove, and many prominent African economists and political scientists have long challenged that assumption. Their point is straightforward: after six decades and vast sums of money, the burden of proof should rest with those claiming success.
Africa has received the largest share of development assistance from the wealthy world. Over the past 60 years, this support has amounted to trillions of dollars in various forms. It is also the region where UNICEF has invested most heavily. If any part of the world were to demonstrate clearly the power of sustained development assistance, it should be Africa.
And yet the overall record remains poor.
None of this diminishes the countless individual achievements: children vaccinated, schools built, water systems installed, and humanitarian crises mitigated. These efforts saved lives and alleviated suffering, and the many dedicated professionals who carried them out deserve respect. But the uncomfortable question persists: has the collective impact matched the scale of the resources deployed?
When XUNICEF bloggers refer to “our wonderful organisation,” one has to wonder what exactly they mean. It is difficult to believe they are referring to the development outcomes described above.
More likely, they are recalling how wonderful UNICEF was to its tens of thousands of staff and their families. For many of us, working for the organisation was indeed life‑changing. It offered meaningful work, international exposure, financial security, and the privilege of engaging with global issues. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that reality.
But that was not why UNICEF was created.
The organisation was established to serve the world’s most vulnerable children. Its mandate was not to provide fulfilling international careers, however rewarding those careers may have been, but to improve the lives and prospects of those with the least power and opportunity.
Institutions benefit from honest self‑reflection. Development agencies have often been more comfortable celebrating successes than rigorously examining shortcomings. Yet without a clear‑eyed assessment of what worked, what failed, and why, genuine learning becomes impossible.
This is not an argument against aid, nor against UNICEF. It is an argument for humility.
If we truly care about the children we set out to serve, we must be willing to scrutinise our own record with the same rigour we apply to the policies of governments and partners. Sentimentality about institutions may be comforting, but it does little to improve outcomes.
Honest self‑criticism is not disloyalty. On the contrary, it may be the only way to ensure that the next sixty years produce better results than the last.
An AI‑generated political and economic assessment of development in Africa summed up the situation as follows: “While many African countries have stagnated or even declined since independence, others have made progress. Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda have shown improvements in governance, health, and economic development. However, the continent as a whole still faces deep challenges, and the gap between African nations and the rest of the world has widened, especially when measured against GDP per capita, education, and healthcare access.”
It is a bleak summary, and the reasons behind it are undoubtedly complex. History, governance, geography, conflict, global economic structures, and domestic policy choices all play their part. Yet it remains difficult to argue that foreign aid has delivered the transformative impact its advocates once promised.
Some will respond that conditions would have been even worse without aid. Perhaps, but this is ultimately impossible to prove, and many prominent African economists and political scientists have long challenged that assumption. Their point is straightforward: after six decades and vast sums of money, the burden of proof should rest with those claiming success.
Africa has received the largest share of development assistance from the wealthy world. Over the past 60 years, this support has amounted to trillions of dollars in various forms. It is also the region where UNICEF has invested most heavily. If any part of the world were to demonstrate clearly the power of sustained development assistance, it should be Africa.
And yet the overall record remains poor.
None of this diminishes the countless individual achievements: children vaccinated, schools built, water systems installed, and humanitarian crises mitigated. These efforts saved lives and alleviated suffering, and the many dedicated professionals who carried them out deserve respect. But the uncomfortable question persists: has the collective impact matched the scale of the resources deployed?
When XUNICEF bloggers refer to “our wonderful organisation,” one has to wonder what exactly they mean. It is difficult to believe they are referring to the development outcomes described above.
More likely, they are recalling how wonderful UNICEF was to its tens of thousands of staff and their families. For many of us, working for the organisation was indeed life‑changing. It offered meaningful work, international exposure, financial security, and the privilege of engaging with global issues. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that reality.
But that was not why UNICEF was created.
The organisation was established to serve the world’s most vulnerable children. Its mandate was not to provide fulfilling international careers, however rewarding those careers may have been, but to improve the lives and prospects of those with the least power and opportunity.
Institutions benefit from honest self‑reflection. Development agencies have often been more comfortable celebrating successes than rigorously examining shortcomings. Yet without a clear‑eyed assessment of what worked, what failed, and why, genuine learning becomes impossible.
This is not an argument against aid, nor against UNICEF. It is an argument for humility.
If we truly care about the children we set out to serve, we must be willing to scrutinise our own record with the same rigour we apply to the policies of governments and partners. Sentimentality about institutions may be comforting, but it does little to improve outcomes.
Honest self‑criticism is not disloyalty. On the contrary, it may be the only way to ensure that the next sixty years produce better results than the last.
Unknown commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
I don't get it, we are proud of our "schlabberlook" having, for health reasons, and with some help from Ozempic lost a bit of weight.
In response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Detlef Palm commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
Yesterday
Today I opened another envelope.
It reads: Get dressed up and go out for dinner.
So I repeat: Get out of your Schlabberlook and send me your story
It reads: Get dressed up and go out for dinner.
So I repeat: Get out of your Schlabberlook and send me your story
Horst Max Cerni commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
Beautiful sunrise. I am never up that early, and we can't see the sun for about an hour when it appears from behind the hill. Your mathematical calculations are impressive, and also the reason why you went on that trip to see the sunrise, Maybe we all need such "requests" to get things done...
2 days ago
I like the most simple summary of the busy bees and donors and children not getting much ?? All this due to some cat photos in Greece?
In response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "Where airplanes live another day – or go to die by Joachim Theis"
2 days ago
Was it the "Yellow Submarine" you used to command?
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "Our global theater: Ramesh Shrestha"
2 days ago
Thanks Thomas, Sorry, what I want to say I cannot write!
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Mary Racelis commented on "Steve Umemoto and Kul Gautam in Tibet in 2015 - a drawing by Diane Umemoto"
2 days ago
The news about Steve came as a real shock. He was in Manila a little over a year ago, arriving from Thailand at the end of our XUNICEF Reunion. We were really happy to welcome him back . Especially delighted were the local staff who had served under him as Representative years ago. He made a point of seeing them.
I first met him as the UNICEF Representative in Manila, then of course frequently at UNICEF meetings once I joined our wonderful organization. Most recently he has been an avid member of our CO-PEACE Sub-group focusing on possibilities fir serving children in war and conflict in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and South Sudan. He could be counted on to propose creative, do-able solutions.
His legacy is firmly established as a UNICEF staff member who made a difference, as well as a friend to many. We shall miss him, Diane.
Mary
I first met him as the UNICEF Representative in Manila, then of course frequently at UNICEF meetings once I joined our wonderful organization. Most recently he has been an avid member of our CO-PEACE Sub-group focusing on possibilities fir serving children in war and conflict in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and South Sudan. He could be counted on to propose creative, do-able solutions.
His legacy is firmly established as a UNICEF staff member who made a difference, as well as a friend to many. We shall miss him, Diane.
Mary
2 days ago
According to Bob McCarthy (who was in charge of aircraft handling at Lokichoggio), a rare donor mission told him that, to their amusement, I resembled a submarine commander when explaining our OLS operations. Apparently, they were more accustomed to emotional fundraising specialists. I have been in recovery ever since, given that submarine command, on the surface, seems so different from aircraft management.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Unknown commented on "How to Recover from Voluntary Separation: Cats in Albania and Greece by Rob Carr"
2 days ago
A better summary might be that the whole exercise resembles Kabuki theatre: a carefully choreographed performance where the actors appear busy and virtuous, while Western taxpayers and African children see little improvement in the final act.
12 Mar 2026
The above conversation could be summed up as follows: Donor governments face a dilemma. Direct engagement on the ground requires time, administrative effort and close oversight. It can involve difficult conversations with partner governments and exposure to operational setbacks. Channelling resources through established multilateral organisations such as UNICEF offers a comfortable alternative. The funds are entrusted to a respected institution with a strong global brand, and the political and administrative burdens of implementation are delegated. In such arrangements, donors may not insist on rigorous scrutiny of results.
The Executive Board, in principle responsible for oversight and strategic direction, has been more inclined to endorse programmes than to challenge them critically. Senior management, for its part, has often adapted to prevailing development fashions and reform agendas circulating within the broader UN system.
Recipient governments, meanwhile, tend to maintain a diplomatic posture. Openly questioning programmes financed by external partners can be uncomfortable, even when the effectiveness may be poor.
In this configuration, two groups remain largely absent: taxpayers in donor countries, who ultimately finance the system, and the intended beneficiaries in developing countries. Neither has had any voice in assessing whether resources were used effectively.
Within such an environment, institutional incentives drift. As funding expanded, a significant share of organisational growth occurred in headquarters and regional structures, where senior positions multiplied. From an internal career perspective, this was obviously rather beneficial; however, it created a situation where resources were not aligned with objectives or field-level impact.
Seen in this light, the present moment of financial pressure and institutional reassessment may not be entirely surprising. When systems evolve over long periods without sustained scrutiny of incentives and outcomes, reality eventually has a way of reasserting itself.
The Executive Board, in principle responsible for oversight and strategic direction, has been more inclined to endorse programmes than to challenge them critically. Senior management, for its part, has often adapted to prevailing development fashions and reform agendas circulating within the broader UN system.
Recipient governments, meanwhile, tend to maintain a diplomatic posture. Openly questioning programmes financed by external partners can be uncomfortable, even when the effectiveness may be poor.
In this configuration, two groups remain largely absent: taxpayers in donor countries, who ultimately finance the system, and the intended beneficiaries in developing countries. Neither has had any voice in assessing whether resources were used effectively.
Within such an environment, institutional incentives drift. As funding expanded, a significant share of organisational growth occurred in headquarters and regional structures, where senior positions multiplied. From an internal career perspective, this was obviously rather beneficial; however, it created a situation where resources were not aligned with objectives or field-level impact.
Seen in this light, the present moment of financial pressure and institutional reassessment may not be entirely surprising. When systems evolve over long periods without sustained scrutiny of incentives and outcomes, reality eventually has a way of reasserting itself.
Colin Davis commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
12 Mar 2026
There is a place near Katmandu where you can stay and get up at 5 am to see the sunrise, looking at Mount Everest too. We did that along with our special friends Birendra and Rina. Its really worth the effort and your article reminded me of that time in Nepal.
Carina Prakke commented on "Watch the Sun Rise: Detlef Palm"
12 Mar 2026
Glorious. I get my sunrises through the neighbouring trees and houses, with a cup of coffee in hand and a peaceful smile on my face (temperatures permitting).
12 Mar 2026
Yes, Detlef, you did a better job of managing A/Cs in OLS than we did in Khartoum. Therefore, we outsourced it to WFP. It worked well, but it included getting along, mutual respect and not calling them truck drivers.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
11 Mar 2026
Thomas, perhaps you want to compare it with the management of aircraft in OLS (southern Sector), between your stints in Khartoum. As I dimly remember, by the time I left we had managed up to 18 aircraft (see here.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Thomas Ekvall commented on "Our global theater: Ramesh Shrestha"
11 Mar 2026
Ramesh, I am not sure whether we are supposed to live in a village, perform in a theatre, join an actors’ union, or appear in a long-running cartoon series. The metaphors seem to multiply faster than the argument.
The idea that the “script” of the international system was written decades ago by a few self-appointed directors is an appealing image, but it rather ignores the inconvenient fact that most of the world’s states willingly signed up to that script. They negotiated it, amended it, ignored parts of it when convenient, and occasionally rewrote whole chapters. That is less a theatre with omnipotent directors and more a somewhat chaotic committee meeting.
Also, in a real theatre, the actors normally read the script before performing. In international affairs, many actors improvise freely, forget their lines, or simply walk off stage when the plot becomes inconvenient. That may explain the sense of chaos.
If reform is the objective, it might help to be a bit clearer about which theatre we are talking about, who exactly the directors are, and what the new script would contain. Otherwise, we risk staging a very energetic critique of a play that nobody quite recognises.
The idea that the “script” of the international system was written decades ago by a few self-appointed directors is an appealing image, but it rather ignores the inconvenient fact that most of the world’s states willingly signed up to that script. They negotiated it, amended it, ignored parts of it when convenient, and occasionally rewrote whole chapters. That is less a theatre with omnipotent directors and more a somewhat chaotic committee meeting.
Also, in a real theatre, the actors normally read the script before performing. In international affairs, many actors improvise freely, forget their lines, or simply walk off stage when the plot becomes inconvenient. That may explain the sense of chaos.
If reform is the objective, it might help to be a bit clearer about which theatre we are talking about, who exactly the directors are, and what the new script would contain. Otherwise, we risk staging a very energetic critique of a play that nobody quite recognises.
Detlef Palm commented on "Our global theater: Ramesh Shrestha"
11 Mar 2026
So what script do you follow in your theater? Can you send me a copy?
11 Mar 2026
Just in case anyone would be interested, I could write a piece about the management of the UNICEF Twin Otter in Khartoum. As some of you may know, I had two stints in Khartoum and was involved with the running of that A/C twice. While it would be an interesting story about UNICEF's managerial competence, it might be slightly embarrassing. Let me know what you think, and I will weigh the pros and cons.
In response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
11 Mar 2026
I sold the Khartoum Twin Otter after having analysed who actually flew on it, more than half of all pasangers had noting, whatsoever, to do with UNICEF or the programmes it supported
11 Mar 2026
Your remark is a little puzzling, which is unusual coming from you. The difficulty with declaring where the political centre lies is that it can be moved easily. If I simply place the centre far enough to the right, even you would suddenly find yourself standing to the right of it. I suspect that may not be the destination you intended.
For that reason, it might be wiser not to move the centre around too much. The old advice attributed to Gautama, "Buddha's middle road", was probably designed precisely to avoid confusing the political geography.
For that reason, it might be wiser not to move the centre around too much. The old advice attributed to Gautama, "Buddha's middle road", was probably designed precisely to avoid confusing the political geography.
In response to a comment by Unknown
11 Mar 2026
So glad Tom that you shared this deeply disturbing news which most of the media are completely missing. In the developed countries it seems the price of "gas at the pump" is more important than the nutritional well being of millions if not billions, of people around the world. Why do we not hear more about this from the UN, FAO, WFP, IFAD and other INGO's?
11 Mar 2026
Thank you Sree for this very interesting article. Truly astounding is the task that these small creatures are able to accomplish. The adage says, "Birds of the feather......."! While humans do build huge structures where many live together they have differences that they expose which destroy the harmony.
11 Mar 2026
I am so pleased that we published your "Reflections" Jim as the many comments to it show. They are quintessentially "You" as many of us who worked with you well know and it is appropriate that others among the XUNICEF network share them. Please continue to send such materials to the Blog.
En passant, I was very happy to read comments from Beth Preble and to learn of her whereabouts. We worked together in NYHQ many years ago and I remember her as a young and promising programme person. Am also sorry to learn of Steve Joseph's passing as he was an integral part of the group around Jim Grant who developed and supported the GOBI/CSDR /UCI programmes.
En passant, I was very happy to read comments from Beth Preble and to learn of her whereabouts. We worked together in NYHQ many years ago and I remember her as a young and promising programme person. Am also sorry to learn of Steve Joseph's passing as he was an integral part of the group around Jim Grant who developed and supported the GOBI/CSDR /UCI programmes.
11 Mar 2026
To access Fouad’s stamp series and his more than 100 soliloquies, either type (observe capitalization) Label:Stamps into the blog search field.
Or simply click here
Or simply click here
In response to a comment by Fouad Kronfol
11 Mar 2026
What is also missing is the Dutch-made "Friendship Fokkers" that were the mainstay of the Sudan Airways fleet. I flew them to almost all the provinces of the country in the 1970's. Their name notwithstanding, they were very convenient and dependable, especially when they were properly serviced and maintained ! Yes, the TwinOtters were also special as both UNDP and UNICEF had them. In fact if I am not mistaken, the Khartoum Twin Otter that Uffe Konig acquired after my departure was the first aircraft that any UNICEF office had owned or rented. I remember the extensive discussions at HQ when the plane was being considered with Dick Heyward finally agreeing to it.
11 Mar 2026
It is with much sadness that I also mourn the passing of our dear colleague Steve. Although I pre-dated him by a few years I always considered him as being of my cohort in UNICEF annals as we both started our careers at an early age. As it happened and despite our respective long tenures we never served in the same place at the same time. Our closest collaboration came about in the early 1980's when he was Regional Planning Officer in EAPRO and I as Rep in Hanoi. I can but echo the sentiments of all other colleagues about his professional qualities and support and personal friendship during that period and which continued in our retirement. But now I want to write about another aspect of Steve's persona which most do not know about. Steve was an avid stamp collector / philatelist. Our collaboration in this domain started when UNICEF Staff News published an article about my exhibit of UNICEF stamps on the occasion of UNICEF@60. Steve wrote to me to say that he too was collecting postage stamps on UNICEF. This led to considerable exchanges and I still have the very exhaustive list that he produced and shared with me about all stamps issued around the world on UNICEF. When later Nadia and I visited London the Umemoto's kindly hosted us for dinner and while the ladies chatted Steve and were exchanging duplicate stamps with each other thus augmenting both our collections. We also spent a lovely afternoon in a park not far from their apartment which they frequented regularly. Eventually Steve informed me he was no longer collecting UNICEF related stamps but was concentrating on stamps representing localities and monuments that they had visited. Meanwhile I continued with my own UNICEF related stamp and envelop collection some of which have figured in the XUNICEF Blog under the "Soliloquy of a Postage Stamp" series. Nadia and I want to express to Diane and family our sincerest condolences. May God Bless his Soul and May He Rest in Eternal Peace.
11 Mar 2026
Thomas, I don't know where you place the political center, but I will gladly stay a bit to the left of it.
In response to a comment by Unknown
11 Mar 2026
Detlef, intellectual migration toward the political centre seems to be a reliable occupational hazard of prolonged exposure to development economics, national budgets, and encounters with reality. Some of us began our professional journeys with an elegant belief that redistribution could solve most problems. After a few decades of observing how economies actually grow, how governments actually spend, and how incentives actually work, many gradually developed a certain sympathy for the old-fashioned idea that wealth must first be created before it can be redistributed.
The process is rarely dramatic. It tends to occur slowly, almost imperceptibly, somewhere between the third national development strategy that nobody funds and the fifth donor coordination meeting that produces another beautifully worded framework that no one follows. At some point, one begins to suspect that economic growth might deserve a slightly more prominent role in the story.
With a little more empirical observation and perhaps a few additional case studies from East Asia, we may yet see you complete your journey toward the political centre. In development circles, this might qualify as a successful example of gradual and sustainable reform.
The process is rarely dramatic. It tends to occur slowly, almost imperceptibly, somewhere between the third national development strategy that nobody funds and the fifth donor coordination meeting that produces another beautifully worded framework that no one follows. At some point, one begins to suspect that economic growth might deserve a slightly more prominent role in the story.
With a little more empirical observation and perhaps a few additional case studies from East Asia, we may yet see you complete your journey toward the political centre. In development circles, this might qualify as a successful example of gradual and sustainable reform.
In response to a comment by Unknown
11 Mar 2026
We all remember the countless national strategies and national action plans that were drafted with UNICEF help – but never funded by the national budget, because the governments and parliaments did not find the money.
In response to a comment by Unknown
11 Mar 2026
@ Thomas: on governance. I have not seen that executive leadership in UNICEF has significantly shaped the direction of UNICEF; it rather went with the flow drifting along with the waves of misguided UN reform. The Executive Board had long given up providing meaningful oversight or strategic guidance. The board and major donors to UNICEF were not interested in the effect of development expenditure. If a board member and donor country approves a few hundred million Dollars of expenditure for five years for certain countries, shouldn’t one expect a report of how the money was spend and what came out of it? For the big donors, it was easier to send their money to a UN organization that seemingly was beyond scrutiny, than to send it to some government or local initiative with all its associated headaches.
11 Mar 2026
Controversial, but interesting points. One might also reflect on whether staff drawn predominantly from North America and Northern Europe are the most natural “development experts.” They have grown up in societies where prosperity, institutions and welfare systems were already firmly established. As a result, their professional experience often begins with managing distribution rather than understanding the far more difficult process by which wealth, productive capacity and functioning markets are first created.
There is also a sociological dimension. Those from these regions who gravitate toward multilateral organisations tend to come from the political left of their own societies. This naturally inclines them toward policies that prioritise redistribution. Yet history suggests that development does not begin there. In most countries that successfully reduced poverty, sustained economic growth came first; social protection systems followed later, once there was something meaningful to redistribute.
None of this argues against social services or equity; both are vital. But redistribution in the absence of growth is a limited instrument. If the economic pie remains small, dividing it more carefully and equally will achieve little. Development, as history repeatedly shows, depends first on expanding that pie.
There is also a sociological dimension. Those from these regions who gravitate toward multilateral organisations tend to come from the political left of their own societies. This naturally inclines them toward policies that prioritise redistribution. Yet history suggests that development does not begin there. In most countries that successfully reduced poverty, sustained economic growth came first; social protection systems followed later, once there was something meaningful to redistribute.
None of this argues against social services or equity; both are vital. But redistribution in the absence of growth is a limited instrument. If the economic pie remains small, dividing it more carefully and equally will achieve little. Development, as history repeatedly shows, depends first on expanding that pie.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "How to Recover from Voluntary Separation: Cats in Albania and Greece by Rob Carr"
11 Mar 2026
Many senior positions in UNICEF are currently held by nationals of countries that continue to face profound governance and development challenges. Diversity, equity and inclusion in staffing are, quite rightly, core principles of any United Nations organisation. Representation matters, and the system should reflect the diversity of the world it serves.
At the same time, diversity should not become an objective in itself. The overriding consideration must always remain competence, managerial capacity, and the ability to deliver on UNICEF’s mandate in the service of children. At times, one cannot entirely dismiss the impression that the balance between these considerations may occasionally have been inverted.
A simple thought experiment may be useful. If an impoverished African country were suddenly to find itself blessed with both capable leadership and significant new resources, it seems unlikely that its first instinct would be to seek policy advice primarily from neighbouring states facing similar governance and development difficulties. More plausibly, it might look to countries that have, within recent decades, demonstrated a strong record of rapid and effective development.
Examples may include Singapore, South Korea, China, and Taiwan, societies that have transformed themselves within a short historical period. Albania, judging from what has been mentioned above, might also qualify as a good source of advisers. UNICEF never had many staff from these countries.
Perhaps this is a reflection worth keeping in mind when thinking about how international institutions assemble the expertise needed to deliver on their mission.
At the same time, diversity should not become an objective in itself. The overriding consideration must always remain competence, managerial capacity, and the ability to deliver on UNICEF’s mandate in the service of children. At times, one cannot entirely dismiss the impression that the balance between these considerations may occasionally have been inverted.
A simple thought experiment may be useful. If an impoverished African country were suddenly to find itself blessed with both capable leadership and significant new resources, it seems unlikely that its first instinct would be to seek policy advice primarily from neighbouring states facing similar governance and development difficulties. More plausibly, it might look to countries that have, within recent decades, demonstrated a strong record of rapid and effective development.
Examples may include Singapore, South Korea, China, and Taiwan, societies that have transformed themselves within a short historical period. Albania, judging from what has been mentioned above, might also qualify as a good source of advisers. UNICEF never had many staff from these countries.
Perhaps this is a reflection worth keeping in mind when thinking about how international institutions assemble the expertise needed to deliver on their mission.
11 Mar 2026
Rob, thank you for such a candid reflection. That level of honesty is refreshing, and in truth, the system would have benefited from hearing more of it much earlier. Voices raised concerns over the years, but in hindsight, they were far too few to influence the institutional trajectory in any meaningful way.
Large organisations inevitably encounter difficult issues, like corruption, fraud, and even cases of sexual abuse. No institution or company is immune. The real test of governance is not whether such problems occur, but how they are addressed. When dealt with decisively, transparently, and with appropriate consequences, they can be contained and credibility maintained. When handled without transparency or resolved quietly through internal arrangements, they tend to accumulate and erode confidence.
Governance also matters. Executive leadership naturally shapes the direction of any organisation, but boards exist precisely to provide oversight, strategic guidance and, when necessary, restraint. At times, the balance between these roles may not have worked as well as it should have.
Donors, too, were of course very much part of the broader ecosystem. Many of the underlying issues were rather visible, and continued financial support inevitably reflected a certain level of acceptance of how the system was functioning.
None of this diminishes the commitment and hard work of the many colleagues who genuinely tried to make a difference. But institutions benefit from moments of honest reflection about what might have been done differently. If the present upheaval leads to a better understanding of past poor choices, something constructive might emerge.
Large organisations inevitably encounter difficult issues, like corruption, fraud, and even cases of sexual abuse. No institution or company is immune. The real test of governance is not whether such problems occur, but how they are addressed. When dealt with decisively, transparently, and with appropriate consequences, they can be contained and credibility maintained. When handled without transparency or resolved quietly through internal arrangements, they tend to accumulate and erode confidence.
Governance also matters. Executive leadership naturally shapes the direction of any organisation, but boards exist precisely to provide oversight, strategic guidance and, when necessary, restraint. At times, the balance between these roles may not have worked as well as it should have.
Donors, too, were of course very much part of the broader ecosystem. Many of the underlying issues were rather visible, and continued financial support inevitably reflected a certain level of acceptance of how the system was functioning.
None of this diminishes the commitment and hard work of the many colleagues who genuinely tried to make a difference. But institutions benefit from moments of honest reflection about what might have been done differently. If the present upheaval leads to a better understanding of past poor choices, something constructive might emerge.
10 Mar 2026
Thomas - there were voices in UNICEF (mine included) years ago questioning why we had record income yet our growth was concentrated in upper level posts in HQ and the regional office--it was an absolutely insane growth trajectory or posts and levels in those 2 locations - at its peak half of the international staff in the world were based in HQ or Regional office locations - HALF. Those of us who questioned it were publicly rebuked and may have had our careers plateaued. UNICEF could have, alternatively, invested more at country level and moved towards a model that would engage more with governments on economic growth fueling services for children. Instead of that we mired ourselves in pet projects, UN frameworks and flying in Natcoms, celebrities and donors. We missed a grand opportunity to engage differently for children. What we are doing now - in the ashes of the cuts - is something totally different. I cannot honestly comprehend wby most governments pay attention to us - other than out of some nostalgic sense of brand recognition and the UNICEF funds sweeten the pockets of a few. I agree with Detlef - living right now in Albania as a retiree - Albania has moved forward tremendously since I left in 2011 - and in no part was that due to UNICEF or UN .
10 Mar 2026
It might be worth pausing for a modest moment of reflection and self-criticism. Institutions rarely find themselves under such scrutiny as the UN development system by pure accident. For many decades, it has enjoyed considerable support from taxpayers in wealthy countries. That support rested on the assumption that the system was making a meaningful contribution to development and poverty reduction. When that confidence begins to erode, it is too simplistic to attribute it solely to shifting political winds.
How did the system arrive at its present position? Donors do not normally reduce budgets or quietly contemplate closing institutions if they are firmly convinced that those institutions are delivering strong results and driving real progress.
Institutions, like individuals, occasionally benefit from a degree of self-criticism. Honest reflection about why things did not work out as planned might be more useful than assuming that the problem lies elsewhere.
After all, development success has, looking back at history, been driven by national leadership and economic change, as Detlef suggests in the case of Albania. The obvious question becomes: how could we have done better?
How did the system arrive at its present position? Donors do not normally reduce budgets or quietly contemplate closing institutions if they are firmly convinced that those institutions are delivering strong results and driving real progress.
Institutions, like individuals, occasionally benefit from a degree of self-criticism. Honest reflection about why things did not work out as planned might be more useful than assuming that the problem lies elsewhere.
After all, development success has, looking back at history, been driven by national leadership and economic change, as Detlef suggests in the case of Albania. The obvious question becomes: how could we have done better?
10 Mar 2026
A brutal regime comes under pressure from abroad. Its record is well known: dissidents imprisoned, opponents beaten into submission, torture and killings employed as instruments of control. None of this is seriously disputed; the evidence is abundant and well documented. Yet the moment such a regime becomes the object of sustained external pressure, a curious shift often occurs within parts of the political left. Attention moves away from the people who live under the regime and toward a reflexive sympathy for the regime itself. The suffering of its citizens—previously acknowledged without hesitation—recedes into the background, overshadowed by a broader geopolitical narrative in which the regime is recast primarily as a victim of external power.
In response to a comment by Kul Gautam
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "Remembering Steve Umemoto - A Mentor, Colleague, and Champion for Children: by Kul Gautam"
9 Mar 2026
Dear Kul, Baquer and Tom,
Indeed, very sad news. I first met Steve when he was Representative in Pakistan, and I was with UNICEF Afghanistan, and we were wall to wall neighbours in Islamabad. He was a champion of gender equality and championed in particular our work on ending “killing in the name of honour” which was really important and brave at that time - as it is today. He and Diane were very kind to me and my family and once invited us all over to their place next door for a lovely dinner - my daughters, mother and I.
It was great to meet them both again in more recent years at the Reunions. He will indeed by greatly missed. I wish Diane and his family strength and support in these times.
The war on our motherland, Iran, is unimaginably terrible and painful for us, as is the collusion of unfortunately many Iranians, through this “mass manufacturing of consent” which is the result of decades and billions of dollars of “propaganda” and more - including even amongst many young students here at the University I am now seated as I write this. Iranians are tragically stuck between our own dictatorial regime and this right-wing and Israeli-US/allies agenda.
Thank you for sharing, Niloufar
Indeed, very sad news. I first met Steve when he was Representative in Pakistan, and I was with UNICEF Afghanistan, and we were wall to wall neighbours in Islamabad. He was a champion of gender equality and championed in particular our work on ending “killing in the name of honour” which was really important and brave at that time - as it is today. He and Diane were very kind to me and my family and once invited us all over to their place next door for a lovely dinner - my daughters, mother and I.
It was great to meet them both again in more recent years at the Reunions. He will indeed by greatly missed. I wish Diane and his family strength and support in these times.
The war on our motherland, Iran, is unimaginably terrible and painful for us, as is the collusion of unfortunately many Iranians, through this “mass manufacturing of consent” which is the result of decades and billions of dollars of “propaganda” and more - including even amongst many young students here at the University I am now seated as I write this. Iranians are tragically stuck between our own dictatorial regime and this right-wing and Israeli-US/allies agenda.
Thank you for sharing, Niloufar
Kul Gautam commented on "Remembering Steve Umemoto - A Mentor, Colleague, and Champion for Children: by Kul Gautam"
9 Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind words, dear Baquer.
Indeed, like you, Steve Umemoto was a great champion for children and a man of dignity and decency. I recall how active he was in our collective campaign to liberate you from Evin prison in Iran, and later to allow you to leave the country for medical treatment.
Speaking of Iran — my heart aches watching the horrific bombardment, killing and destruction going on — and as always innocent civilians - women & children and civic infrastructure - being decimated. Ditto in Lebanon.
One feels so helpless and impotent to counter this barbaric rule of the jungle.
As they say, two wrongs don't make a right - the Mullahs' deplorable repression doesn't justify the Israeli-American Armageddon.
I can only imagine the unbearable pain and agony you and other fellow Iranians must be going through.
Praying for the early end of this carngage...
Indeed, like you, Steve Umemoto was a great champion for children and a man of dignity and decency. I recall how active he was in our collective campaign to liberate you from Evin prison in Iran, and later to allow you to leave the country for medical treatment.
Speaking of Iran — my heart aches watching the horrific bombardment, killing and destruction going on — and as always innocent civilians - women & children and civic infrastructure - being decimated. Ditto in Lebanon.
One feels so helpless and impotent to counter this barbaric rule of the jungle.
As they say, two wrongs don't make a right - the Mullahs' deplorable repression doesn't justify the Israeli-American Armageddon.
I can only imagine the unbearable pain and agony you and other fellow Iranians must be going through.
Praying for the early end of this carngage...
Baquer Namazi commented on "Remembering Steve Umemoto - A Mentor, Colleague, and Champion for Children: by Kul Gautam"
9 Mar 2026
Dear Kul
We have all lost a great friend and a champion of child rights the world over. Just to inform you of the special high regard and esteem he had for yourself. He told me you were his candidate to be UNICEF EXD. Diana his wife is so brave. I join you and other friends to pray the Amighty to give them the strength to bear this great loss. Best. Baquer
We have all lost a great friend and a champion of child rights the world over. Just to inform you of the special high regard and esteem he had for yourself. He told me you were his candidate to be UNICEF EXD. Diana his wife is so brave. I join you and other friends to pray the Amighty to give them the strength to bear this great loss. Best. Baquer
Beth Preble commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
9 Mar 2026
I was also touched by your essay, Jim, and I agree with Tom McDermott - your piece says much about your character and integrity when I knew you in UNICEF.
I especially share your horror of the impact Trump is having on the world and I am profoundly embarrassed to carry a U.S.passport. I despair at Trump's actions in areas close to the heart of those of us who spent much of our career in UNICEF. These include (but aren't limited to) Trump’s dismantling of USAID, withdrawing from WHO and his total lack of respect or compassion for women and children. He shares none of UNICEF’s core values.
For my part, I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico half of the year and in a small village in France the other half. Both bring me great joy.
Finally, as some of you know, my husband, Steve Joseph (also former UNICEF HQ staff) passed away in November, 2003.
All the best to you, Jim, and all my former UNICEF colleagues
I especially share your horror of the impact Trump is having on the world and I am profoundly embarrassed to carry a U.S.passport. I despair at Trump's actions in areas close to the heart of those of us who spent much of our career in UNICEF. These include (but aren't limited to) Trump’s dismantling of USAID, withdrawing from WHO and his total lack of respect or compassion for women and children. He shares none of UNICEF’s core values.
For my part, I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico half of the year and in a small village in France the other half. Both bring me great joy.
Finally, as some of you know, my husband, Steve Joseph (also former UNICEF HQ staff) passed away in November, 2003.
All the best to you, Jim, and all my former UNICEF colleagues
Unknown commented on "How to Recover from Voluntary Separation: Cats in Albania and Greece by Rob Carr"
9 Mar 2026
Are there many examples where the UN drove change and development?
In response to a comment by Detlef Palm
9 Mar 2026
I have been thoroughly impressed with progress made in Albania - especially under the government in power since 2013. This progress had nothing to do with the work of the United Nations (I was UNICEF Rep in Tirana from 2009 to 2014). The UN was marginal. Many government officials and staff were switched on, smart and determined. They were driving change, not the UN.
9 Mar 2026
My favorite remains the Twinotter. UNICEF had one in Khartoum in the late 80, and another Twinotter was our most reliable aircraft in the early days of OLS (Southern Sector).
9 Mar 2026
I first met Steve at a planning meeting, and we crossed paths over the years at other gatherings and visits. But I only truly came to know Steve in the early days of the XUNICEF campaign for Baquer Namazi's freedom. Steve was on the phone with me nearly every day—suggesting which buttons we might push, whom we ought to contact, what letters to send to Congress and news editors. Without Steve's relentless energy and strategic mind, XUNICEF might never have mounted that campaign.
Steve will live on in my memory as a friend and as someone deeply committed to children, to UNICEF, and to a better world for all. God bless you, Steve. May you remain the humanitarian activist always, even in the next life. Tom
Steve will live on in my memory as a friend and as someone deeply committed to children, to UNICEF, and to a better world for all. God bless you, Steve. May you remain the humanitarian activist always, even in the next life. Tom
9 Mar 2026
Those reflections say so much about who you have been, who you are and who you always be - a treasure for all those you touch. The truck driver who stops for you clearly sees the same as we do and feels gratitude to God for these few moments he can spend with you. So must all those who stop to chat with you in the park each day.
As you say, these are challenging times for all of us. These are times when we need that faith and hope for a better future, one that starts with each of us. Thank you for taking the time to share these very meaningful reflections. May God bless you always. Tom & Viviane
9 Mar 2026
Rob, you make good points. History suggests that improvements in social welfare have followed, rather than preceded, periods of economic growth. When societies begin to produce more wealth, people eat better, live longer, invest in their children’s education, and gradually build the institutions that support public health and social protection.
By contrast, development strategies that attempt to reverse this sequence, constructing social service systems in the absence of a growing economic base, have struggled to deliver results. In many cases, the aid community has searched for “magic bullets”: interventions that promise to leapfrog structural constraints, only to discover later that they fade away once external funding declines, or produce consequences that were not anticipated.
None of this is to dismiss the importance of social services; they are indispensable. But historically, they have tended to flourish when supported by an expanding economy. It is time, as you suggest, to restore a more balanced perspective, ensuring that we once again place the horse of economic development firmly before the cart of social provision.
By contrast, development strategies that attempt to reverse this sequence, constructing social service systems in the absence of a growing economic base, have struggled to deliver results. In many cases, the aid community has searched for “magic bullets”: interventions that promise to leapfrog structural constraints, only to discover later that they fade away once external funding declines, or produce consequences that were not anticipated.
None of this is to dismiss the importance of social services; they are indispensable. But historically, they have tended to flourish when supported by an expanding economy. It is time, as you suggest, to restore a more balanced perspective, ensuring that we once again place the horse of economic development firmly before the cart of social provision.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Robert Cohen commented on "Remembering Steve Umemoto - A Mentor, Colleague, and Champion for Children: by Kul Gautam"
9 Mar 2026
Thank you, dear Kul. This is a lovely and thoughtful tribute to Steve, whose loss we are all mourning.
My deepest condolences to Steve’s wife and family.
Robert
My deepest condolences to Steve’s wife and family.
Robert
Myra commented on "Apologies to Myra Rudin: Ken Gibbs"
9 Mar 2026
Ken, no apologies necessary! Cylamens are wonderful too! And look at the ditties you inspired! Thanks, Myra
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Steve Umemoto, RIP : Sad news shared by Kul Gautam"
9 Mar 2026
Steve was a very dear friend as well as being my supervisor in multiple duty stations. He advised and guided me through many challenges at work and in life. He will always be in my heart and memories. May his Soul Rest In Peace.
Thomas Ekvall commented on "Apologies to Myra Rudin: Ken Gibbs"
9 Mar 2026
The cyclamen bloomed and the rhymes took their turn,
From budgets to field trips and memos we spurn.
We sparred with good humour, each stanza galore—
But Federico steered us back to the core:
A mother, a child, a smile worth the chore.
The prize is yours, Federico—no need to rhyme more
From budgets to field trips and memos we spurn.
We sparred with good humour, each stanza galore—
But Federico steered us back to the core:
A mother, a child, a smile worth the chore.
The prize is yours, Federico—no need to rhyme more
8 Mar 2026
Hey Luis, long time no see. have followed some of the photos you and Rashid have taken. The thing to avoid in Greece and the Balkans is to plan to avoid the summer months - (June to August) and aim for like March to May or Sept/Oct - as the summer season is too hot and too crowded. For me spring is perfect time.
In response to a comment by Luis Oliveros
8 Mar 2026
To be honest - there are many UNICEF duty stations that are tourist destinations: Vietnam, Kenya, Tanzania, Thailand, South Africa, Mexico, South Pacific, Sri Lanka, the list goes on and on and includes the Balkans - imagine if there was a tourism tax in all these countries to finance these countries' services for children? The entire UN family could go home in those locations and childrens' lives may progress on a better trajectory than using DCT and HACT?
In response to a comment by Unknown
Joachim Theis commented on ""GRAFFITI ...OR ART?" (by Myra Rudin)"
8 Mar 2026
Beautiful photos!
Federico Garofalo commented on "Apologies to Myra Rudin: Ken Gibbs"
8 Mar 2026
Aha! So DC comes again to the fore,
Maintaining this thread a bit more.
Now for some Jim Grant lore;
In discussing MDG and more
And CSDR and UCI with our score,
Dave Haxton asked a question I adore,
“If we meet all our goals, what will we do as encore.?”
This brought out a laugh and a roar.
We’ve worked all over from ship to shore,
We became child-friendly to the core,
Child mortality we simply abhor,
In civil strife we witnessed the gore,
Field trips in 4 wheelers until our backside was sore,
But that is what we were toiling for,
A mother with a healthy toddler that she bore,
Inside a rural clinic without a door
Her grateful smile simply tore
My heart strings…what about your?
Maintaining this thread a bit more.
Now for some Jim Grant lore;
In discussing MDG and more
And CSDR and UCI with our score,
Dave Haxton asked a question I adore,
“If we meet all our goals, what will we do as encore.?”
This brought out a laugh and a roar.
We’ve worked all over from ship to shore,
We became child-friendly to the core,
Child mortality we simply abhor,
In civil strife we witnessed the gore,
Field trips in 4 wheelers until our backside was sore,
But that is what we were toiling for,
A mother with a healthy toddler that she bore,
Inside a rural clinic without a door
Her grateful smile simply tore
My heart strings…what about your?
Thomas Ekvall commented on "Watch your language : Ken Gibbs"
8 Mar 2026
Perfect command of even one language is very rare; mastery of two is a myth. A thought worth keeping in mind, especially for the resolutely monolingual.
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Steve Umemoto, RIP : Sad news shared by Kul Gautam"
8 Mar 2026
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Without his strong support for me to try a two-year contract with UNICEF in Indonesia I would have missed the wonderful years in that organization. Still grateful for Steve’s invitation!
8 Mar 2026
Thank you, Jim, for sharing your reflections and for staying in touch with former colleagues. It means a lot to most of us and I was very moved when I received your call to my birthday. It has been a long time since we worked together in Chile (about 50 years?), and since we saw each other,- but you remember and this friendship means a lot to me.
I am sorry to hear that you had knee problems and have to use a walker now. Hopefully you are on the way to full recovery. Like you, we all need a favorite spot, a bench or comfortable chair to sit and reflect a little, and think about past experiences. And sometimes I even dare to plan for some work to be done. I spend each late afternoon after doing some exercises in just relaxing and dreaming, Best wishes, Jim, and enjoy meeting new friends at the Square.
I am sorry to hear that you had knee problems and have to use a walker now. Hopefully you are on the way to full recovery. Like you, we all need a favorite spot, a bench or comfortable chair to sit and reflect a little, and think about past experiences. And sometimes I even dare to plan for some work to be done. I spend each late afternoon after doing some exercises in just relaxing and dreaming, Best wishes, Jim, and enjoy meeting new friends at the Square.
Unknown commented on "How to Recover from Voluntary Separation: Cats in Albania and Greece by Rob Carr"
8 Mar 2026
Albania sounds more like an ideal holiday/retirement location than a UNICEF duty station.
Luis Oliveros commented on "How to Recover from Voluntary Separation: Cats in Albania and Greece by Rob Carr"
8 Mar 2026
Very nice!! I don't know Albania. Greece, Corfu or Albania, I hope to be able to travel again - once I find a new apartment, Will contact you for advice.
Peter Delahaye commented on "Missing You - Steve Umemoto, RIP : Sad news shared by Kul Gautam"
8 Mar 2026
Such sad news.
Horst Max Cerni commented on ""GRAFFITI ...OR ART?" (by Myra Rudin)"
8 Mar 2026
It's definitely art and the artists are amazing. Even POTUS recognized it at a recent fundraising event (- I think it was for his ball room) where a street artist made a painting during the event which afterwards was auctioned and brought in more than a million dollars (- half to be donated to St.Jude's Hospital). Hopefully more street artists recognize the important role their art can play and deditcate more to messages for children's rights and world peace. There should be more images of the horrors of war - or the benefit of love and harmony..
Habib commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
8 Mar 2026
Thank you Jim. Your reflections reflect contentment and confidence as our generation navigates the trials of getting older and still finding meaning and pleasure in getting on with life. Three cheers. Habib hhammam@hotmail.com
8 Mar 2026
What brought Jim’s uncle to France was fascism in its most literal and brutal form. It was a system that abolished democratic institutions, suppressed dissent, mobilised society for war, and relied on violence and terror to sustain itself. Remembering that history is important, not least out of respect for those who fought, died and suffered under it.
Many people today feel alarmed or distressed by political developments they oppose, including President Trump's actions and rhetoric. Yet describing every form of right-wing politics as “fascism” blurs an important historical distinction. When the term is applied too casually, it diminishes the very real horrors associated with the regimes that originally defined it.
Fascism was not simply harsh language, controversial policies, or polarising leadership. It was the systematic dismantling of democratic life. Preserving clarity about that difference helps maintain the seriousness of the historical experience that people like Jim’s uncle confronted in Europe during the Second World War.
Political disagreements are inevitable in democratic societies, and they should be debated vigorously. But using historically imprecise language, especially when referring to something as grave as fascism, weakens that debate.
Many people today feel alarmed or distressed by political developments they oppose, including President Trump's actions and rhetoric. Yet describing every form of right-wing politics as “fascism” blurs an important historical distinction. When the term is applied too casually, it diminishes the very real horrors associated with the regimes that originally defined it.
Fascism was not simply harsh language, controversial policies, or polarising leadership. It was the systematic dismantling of democratic life. Preserving clarity about that difference helps maintain the seriousness of the historical experience that people like Jim’s uncle confronted in Europe during the Second World War.
Political disagreements are inevitable in democratic societies, and they should be debated vigorously. But using historically imprecise language, especially when referring to something as grave as fascism, weakens that debate.
Unknown commented on ""GRAFFITI ...OR ART?" (by Myra Rudin)"
8 Mar 2026
Thanks for sharing. Beautiful. I’ve seen Banksy graphics in London which are mind boggling
Unknown commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
8 Mar 2026
That was from me, Robert Cohen. Not sure why it posted as anonymous.
In response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
8 Mar 2026
Gratitude and respect, dear brother! I love these reflections and quotes: tools for our antifascist survival kit! Warmest abrazos.
Morten Giersing commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
8 Mar 2026
Thanks, we need reflections like yours in times like this, stay well, Morten
Unknown commented on "The brutality of war measured in children’s lives as hostilities escalate in Iran"
8 Mar 2026
Every few years, the same ritual repeats itself. A brutal regime is subjected to outside pressure. The regime has a long history of imprisoning dissidents, beating political opponents into submission, torturing and killing. None of this is controversial. The evidence is abundant. And yet, the moment the regime becomes a target for external powers, something strange happens on the political left. Sympathy begins to shift from the people living under the regime to the regime itself.
Myra commented on ""GRAFFITI ...OR ART?" (by Myra Rudin)"
7 Mar 2026
Hi Maie - thanks for your nice words. Re your question, might you be thinking of SECRET WALLS..... established some time ago in London? and now turned global where artists compete for space..... You can probably find much info on it through Google or the sort.
Alejandro González Richmond commented on "Let me guess where you work? : Shared by Anis Salem"
7 Mar 2026
Our daily bread…
7 Mar 2026
That being said, I read/or saw somewhere (sadly cannot remember where) a short account of the modus operandi of those mural artists. There appears to be a global community, virtually connected and competing to get to places first, including air travel etc... It was all too fast and I failed to save the reference. Should any one reading my note know more., pls share.. I would love to know more.
7 Mar 2026
This is beautiful. Your spirit and wisdom come through in every line — and the story about your uncle and George McGovern's crew stopped me in my tracks. Thank you for sharing it.
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
7 Mar 2026
Thanks for sharing!
7 Mar 2026
100% Art! The murals of course, as well as the quality of the photos documenting them, e.g. Myra's photos. Wonderful dear Myra. Your photos are always 100% delightful. Thank you
for generously sharing your collection.
for generously sharing your collection.
Unknown commented on "My Reflections - a personal essay by Jim Mohan"
7 Mar 2026
Good to hear from you. We missed your enthusiasm at the exUNICEFers reunion in Manila last year. We are happy to read you are doing well and enjoying every minute of your life.
Thomas Ekvall commented on ""GRAFFITI ...OR ART?" (by Myra Rudin)"
7 Mar 2026
Many renowned painters today were never recognised while alive, such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, and El Greco. The same may indeed happen to these street artists.
Detlef Palm commented on ""GRAFFITI ...OR ART?" (by Myra Rudin)"
7 Mar 2026
Scholars may one day debate the graffiti’s deeper meaning. Some will detect bold statements about society, identity, or the human condition. Others will see a chair positioned just slightly wrong. Both interpretations will be considered valid, provided they are delivered confidently by a UN official, while slightly tilting her or his head and holding a small glass of sparkling water at a gallery opening. Viewers are encouraged to react with a mixture of curiosity, confusion, and cautious admiration. This is art.
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