4 hours ago
I agree with you, Thomas, in your assessment and your recommendations for a redesign of the UN. I appreciate Stubb, although his knowledge of the Global South—as he presents it in his book—is less profound than his knowledge of Europe and the major powers.
The Global South will eventually play its cards, at the latest when the Joker (USA), the Zombie (Russia), and the Phantom of the Opera (China) have departed. The question is how we can all, in our own small ways, support this transition.
The Global South will eventually play its cards, at the latest when the Joker (USA), the Zombie (Russia), and the Phantom of the Opera (China) have departed. The question is how we can all, in our own small ways, support this transition.
In Response to a comment by Thomas Ekvall
Detlef Palm commented on "10 Questions by Ludo Welffens"
5 hours ago
If you 'Join UNICEF' (in the right margin of the blog), you will get a weekly email. If you subscribe to 'Daily updates', you get a daily email of the articles published that day.
6 hours ago
Detlef’s critique of Alexander Stubb might be slightly unfair, and dismissing him risks overlooking something important: he is one of the very few European leaders to articulate a framework for a world that is no longer anchored in the past. That alone sets him apart.
More emphasis on the Global South will absolutely be needed going forward. It constitutes the majority of the world's population. The Global South is not a “third corner”; it is self-aware, it is diverse, and an opportunistic set of actors is increasingly attempting to shape the system.
Bob's reflections on UNICEF point to institutional failure. The attempt to “diversify” leadership, to make it look more like the world, might have been overdue. But representation, on its own, does not generate insight, nor does it necessarily provide a better understanding of local realities. Instead, what seems to have emerged is a more diverse system still driven by the old frameworks and internal processes.
In other words, form without much substance. This raises a fundamental question: what, exactly, is the UN system good at?
There are areas where the system has demonstrated comparative advantage, like peacekeeping, convening power and humanitarian coordination. But there are also areas where it has persistently underperformed: ineffective development programmes, duplication across agencies, and often awkward relationships with emerging powers that neither trust nor reject the system.
Rob’s observation that the UN has been “clumsy” in engaging with actors such as India, China and the Gulf states is telling. These are not peripheral players; they are central to the emerging order. Yet the institutional reflex has been to fit them into existing frameworks rather than to rethink the frameworks themselves.
Which brings us back to Stubb.
If his notion of a world where self-interest drives behaviour is correct, and multilateralism can align that self-interest with common goals, then the implication is clear: the institutions of multilateralism must themselves be redesigned to reflect the distribution of power and influence in the world as it actually is, not as it was after WWII.
This is where real reform would begin, and it can not be modest.
A credible overhaul would require consolidation across the UN system, fewer agencies, clearer mandates, and a willingness to abandon areas where impact has been minimal. It would also require a rethinking of governance structures, such as the Security Council. A body that does not meaningfully include Africa, South America, India and Indonesia or representation from the Middle East, has little legitimacy in a multipolar world.
Such changes are politically daunting, bordering on the prohibitive. But the alternative is a slow erosion of relevance.
And here Detlef may underestimate Stubb.
Leaders like Alexander Stubb, pragmatic, internationally experienced, and intellectually engaged, may be the kind of figures capable of initiating and driving these changes. His handling of figures such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin suggests diplomatic skills and strategic clarity that are in short supply.
The real challenge is not only the complexity of the issues. The world has already moved into a new phase of distributed power, but our institutions remain in an earlier era. The Global South is not waiting to be “aligned”; it is negotiating, hedging, and setting terms. Meanwhile, the multilateral system is preoccupied with its own internal issues rather than projecting external effectiveness.
Perhaps the value of Stubb’s book is the questions it leaves insufficiently addressed. Those gaps are where the next generation of thinking and action should begin.
More emphasis on the Global South will absolutely be needed going forward. It constitutes the majority of the world's population. The Global South is not a “third corner”; it is self-aware, it is diverse, and an opportunistic set of actors is increasingly attempting to shape the system.
Bob's reflections on UNICEF point to institutional failure. The attempt to “diversify” leadership, to make it look more like the world, might have been overdue. But representation, on its own, does not generate insight, nor does it necessarily provide a better understanding of local realities. Instead, what seems to have emerged is a more diverse system still driven by the old frameworks and internal processes.
In other words, form without much substance. This raises a fundamental question: what, exactly, is the UN system good at?
There are areas where the system has demonstrated comparative advantage, like peacekeeping, convening power and humanitarian coordination. But there are also areas where it has persistently underperformed: ineffective development programmes, duplication across agencies, and often awkward relationships with emerging powers that neither trust nor reject the system.
Rob’s observation that the UN has been “clumsy” in engaging with actors such as India, China and the Gulf states is telling. These are not peripheral players; they are central to the emerging order. Yet the institutional reflex has been to fit them into existing frameworks rather than to rethink the frameworks themselves.
Which brings us back to Stubb.
If his notion of a world where self-interest drives behaviour is correct, and multilateralism can align that self-interest with common goals, then the implication is clear: the institutions of multilateralism must themselves be redesigned to reflect the distribution of power and influence in the world as it actually is, not as it was after WWII.
This is where real reform would begin, and it can not be modest.
A credible overhaul would require consolidation across the UN system, fewer agencies, clearer mandates, and a willingness to abandon areas where impact has been minimal. It would also require a rethinking of governance structures, such as the Security Council. A body that does not meaningfully include Africa, South America, India and Indonesia or representation from the Middle East, has little legitimacy in a multipolar world.
Such changes are politically daunting, bordering on the prohibitive. But the alternative is a slow erosion of relevance.
And here Detlef may underestimate Stubb.
Leaders like Alexander Stubb, pragmatic, internationally experienced, and intellectually engaged, may be the kind of figures capable of initiating and driving these changes. His handling of figures such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin suggests diplomatic skills and strategic clarity that are in short supply.
The real challenge is not only the complexity of the issues. The world has already moved into a new phase of distributed power, but our institutions remain in an earlier era. The Global South is not waiting to be “aligned”; it is negotiating, hedging, and setting terms. Meanwhile, the multilateral system is preoccupied with its own internal issues rather than projecting external effectiveness.
Perhaps the value of Stubb’s book is the questions it leaves insufficiently addressed. Those gaps are where the next generation of thinking and action should begin.
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Reem Najjar - by Mary Sidawi"
8 hours ago
It is with deep sadness I learned of the passing of Reem Najjar who I got to know when I was RD in UNICEF MENA and she was head of the Staff Association.
Reem was a force of nature - passionate, selfless and always determined to set things straight for the good of UNICEF and staff.
I also admired her soft and generous side. At the end of the most determined discussion on staff issues she invariably concluded with sweets from her bag, with laughter and a hug. Always a good hearted colleague she will be sorely missed.
Maria Calivis
Reem was a force of nature - passionate, selfless and always determined to set things straight for the good of UNICEF and staff.
I also admired her soft and generous side. At the end of the most determined discussion on staff issues she invariably concluded with sweets from her bag, with laughter and a hug. Always a good hearted colleague she will be sorely missed.
Maria Calivis
Hiba Frankoul commented on "Missing You - Reem Najjar - by Mary Sidawi"
8 hours ago
I met Reem in 1990 when she was a member of the MENARO operations team and I was a newly recruited operations young staff member in the tiny UNICEF Baghdad Office. With Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 and the closing of the airspace, Jordan became the only point of access to the outside world for Iraq and for us at UNICEF Iraq. What followed were sanctions, war, evacuation of international staff to Amman, multiple high level assessment missions and then a full full-fledged humanitarian operation with numerous suboffices and hundreds of staff.
The operations requirements were complex and immense, travel, transport, fuel, satellite communications, cross border logistics, an endless list. We relied fully on the support of MENARO. They were our lifeline.
Reem was our operations focal point, a voice of calm in the chaos, getting things done with immense efficiency, available at all times of day and night to connect, coordinate and trouble shoot always with a smile and lighthearted spirit. Nothing was difficult or impossible. The stories are many, but the main hero of this story is Reem, a true dedicated professional that went above and beyond to help us in UNICEF Iraq deliver for children. What I witnessed was a highly respected colleague with a huge heart that motivated every team member, vendor, contractor to get things done.
On a personal level, we became friends and in typical Reem fashion, she and her wonderful parents adopted me and my whole family, making sure that family members abroad knew that we were alive during the war when Iraq’s communication systems were bombed, she helped me plan my wedding in Amman and hosted me to get ready at her family home on my wedding day, an incredible gesture of love and hospitality. What ensued was a lifelong friendship of 36 years across oceans with many great memories that I will hold dearly to heart.
Reem called me last Friday, two days before her sudden passing. She wanted me to know that a mutual Iraqi colleague and friend Hatem George had passed away and asked me to share the news with those who knew him. Until the end she was thinking of others and trying to help others. The world will miss you my dear friend but your impact on the lives of children and the lives of your friends will live with us forever.
The operations requirements were complex and immense, travel, transport, fuel, satellite communications, cross border logistics, an endless list. We relied fully on the support of MENARO. They were our lifeline.
Reem was our operations focal point, a voice of calm in the chaos, getting things done with immense efficiency, available at all times of day and night to connect, coordinate and trouble shoot always with a smile and lighthearted spirit. Nothing was difficult or impossible. The stories are many, but the main hero of this story is Reem, a true dedicated professional that went above and beyond to help us in UNICEF Iraq deliver for children. What I witnessed was a highly respected colleague with a huge heart that motivated every team member, vendor, contractor to get things done.
On a personal level, we became friends and in typical Reem fashion, she and her wonderful parents adopted me and my whole family, making sure that family members abroad knew that we were alive during the war when Iraq’s communication systems were bombed, she helped me plan my wedding in Amman and hosted me to get ready at her family home on my wedding day, an incredible gesture of love and hospitality. What ensued was a lifelong friendship of 36 years across oceans with many great memories that I will hold dearly to heart.
Reem called me last Friday, two days before her sudden passing. She wanted me to know that a mutual Iraqi colleague and friend Hatem George had passed away and asked me to share the news with those who knew him. Until the end she was thinking of others and trying to help others. The world will miss you my dear friend but your impact on the lives of children and the lives of your friends will live with us forever.
10 hours ago
Thanks for this - as far as UNICEF goes - we had a transition (much needed) to diversify our management to look more like the world and less like the G7. Until retired end of 2025 I had not detected that this resulted in us being more “South informed “ or thinking - we largely relied on cookie cutter CPDs steered by a global set of strategies - having more diverse managers and huge regional offices did not make us a better partner to government in most cases. we got the model wrong as to how we engage at country level / and got tangled up in dashboards, gadgets and UN reform . In the new world order we were rather clumsy in engaging with new leaders - China, Gulf countries etc. makes me wonder what the new model will look like and if UNICEF will be bold enough to raise our gaze beyond our navel and work differently? Likewise for the UN as a whole?
16 hours ago
Thanks for sharing this lovely story! Such incidents made our careers exciting- I am reminded of a few which I will jot down for the blog!
Nuzhat Shahzadi commented on "Escape from the advancing Red Amy - by Horst Cerni"
22 hours ago
Dear Horst,
What a tale! It’s so vivid. many thanks for sharing. While reading your story I went back to my own childhood and remembered how we fled from Dhaka in 1971 in a small boat while bombs were falling. My dad wasn’t with us- he was a POW in Pakistan. During those harrowing days we didn’t know whether we would be alive the next day. Pakistani soldiers were slaughtering, raping… those months of liberation war of Bangladesh will always stay in my memory though I want to forget the trauma we went through. we lived in constant fear.
What a tale! It’s so vivid. many thanks for sharing. While reading your story I went back to my own childhood and remembered how we fled from Dhaka in 1971 in a small boat while bombs were falling. My dad wasn’t with us- he was a POW in Pakistan. During those harrowing days we didn’t know whether we would be alive the next day. Pakistani soldiers were slaughtering, raping… those months of liberation war of Bangladesh will always stay in my memory though I want to forget the trauma we went through. we lived in constant fear.
Horst Max Cerni commented on "Our new Normal"
23 hours ago
Great article, Ramesh. Everything is done for peace ( and a 'piece' of this and of that). Too much greed and sadly little concern for human life and dignity.
Yesterday
May you rest in peace dear Reem. You made the world a better place,
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Reem Najjar - by Mary Sidawi"
Yesterday
So sad to hear about the passing of Reem. I used to know her from my days in the Gulf. She was very helpful during my visits to Regional Office in Amman.
May God rest her soul in eternal peace.
May God rest her soul in eternal peace.
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Reem Najjar - by Mary Sidawi"
Yesterday
So sad to hear about the passing of Reem. I used to know her from my days in the Gulf. She was very helpful during my visits to Regional Office in Amman.
May God rest her soul in eternal peace.
May God rest her soul in eternal peace.
Mary Sidawi commented on "Missing You - Reem Najjar - by Mary Sidawi"
2 days ago
Remembering Reem Najjar: Her Warmth Will Never Be Forgotten
Yesterday, May 5th, we found ourselves bidding farewell to a colleague and dear friend, Reem Najjar, who sadly passed away on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026. The news came as a deeply unwelcome shock to me and my family, as it did to many of our UNICEF colleagues—both former and current.
Reem was a vibrant and warm presence. She brought people together—whether through Ramadan and Christmas gatherings or farewell events for colleagues starting new chapters—always ensuring that everyone felt included and truly enjoyed the moment. She also stood firmly for staff rights, serving as Chairperson of the Staff Association and being a strong, trusted voice for others.
Her personal life reflected the same generosity and commitment. As former President of the Young Women's Christian Association in Jordan, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work and volunteerism, advocating for women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Her efforts reached places like Baqa’a Camp and supported families facing domestic violence.
Reem was known for her leadership, kindness, and deep belief that women’s empowerment is a daily practice. She initiated impactful programs, supported communities locally and internationally, and represented her country with dignity in global forums.
She leaves behind a lasting legacy—one of humanity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to others.
I will miss her daily morning greetings and our phone calls. May you rest in eternal peace, my friend.
Mary Sidawi
Your colleague and friend
Yesterday, May 5th, we found ourselves bidding farewell to a colleague and dear friend, Reem Najjar, who sadly passed away on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026. The news came as a deeply unwelcome shock to me and my family, as it did to many of our UNICEF colleagues—both former and current.
Reem was a vibrant and warm presence. She brought people together—whether through Ramadan and Christmas gatherings or farewell events for colleagues starting new chapters—always ensuring that everyone felt included and truly enjoyed the moment. She also stood firmly for staff rights, serving as Chairperson of the Staff Association and being a strong, trusted voice for others.
Her personal life reflected the same generosity and commitment. As former President of the Young Women's Christian Association in Jordan, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work and volunteerism, advocating for women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Her efforts reached places like Baqa’a Camp and supported families facing domestic violence.
Reem was known for her leadership, kindness, and deep belief that women’s empowerment is a daily practice. She initiated impactful programs, supported communities locally and internationally, and represented her country with dignity in global forums.
She leaves behind a lasting legacy—one of humanity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to others.
I will miss her daily morning greetings and our phone calls. May you rest in eternal peace, my friend.
Mary Sidawi
Your colleague and friend
Sree commented on "If You Love Your Next of Kin, Don’t Die in Spain: Thomas Ekvall"
2 days ago
When my granddaughter told me she chose Legal Spanish as a course at Yale , I was puzzled. After reading this article , I understand its relevance.
Unknown commented on "The House That Cannot Unionize by Edgard M. Seikaly"
May 6, 2026
Good thoughts! Flipping the point, those in service do not know what issues retirees have to deal with, after retirement. The only link to the organization is usually through self created blog where memories and past productive lives are shared and presented to each other. Retiree associations are as toothless as the staff associations. Why not start with building a credible retiree association/ union! An opportunity to unionize this constituency…….
May 5, 2026
My kids have lived and worked in 3 countries in Europe as American adults - only in Spain was it soo complex and bureaucratic that we needed a lawyer to figure out how to apply for temporary residency- anything list of papers and stamps needed for each step.
May 5, 2026
I agree Rob, I ran for chair in 2020 on the "UNIONIZE" platform. The shit I got for speaking up so loudly about it made the decision to also "retire" early not much of a choice. That's why I wrote about the need for it now more than ever, and a retiree that doesnt answer to anyone running it. I know it's a dream, but like Michael Scott so wisely said, "you may think I'm a dreamer, but I'm not" :-)
May 5, 2026
This comment has been removed by the author.
May 5, 2026
We did a phenomenal 10 week trip around the national parks starting in Badlands last year, Bryce was unreal, we did the helicopter tour before we went inside, and seeing it from above did not even come close to getting into its belly. A true natural wonder.
May 5, 2026
Thanks for this. Having been on staff associations at country level for 7 or 8 years and having been a staffmember in 2025 when over 3000 people were terminated - I can say the need for UNION is LOUD. We have no rights. If you could have seen how poorly the cuts were made and the role of staff and how bad the communication was - you would know. It was insane. I was extremely lucky to be close to retirement and could take a package and leave - thousands of others were not so lucky. When asked why so many D1s did not get terminated (ie post abolished) - the DED said we should feel SORRY for the poor D1s as they are hard to place - and other staff can be placed easier? REALLY? Tone death.
Unknown commented on "If You Love Your Next of Kin, Don’t Die in Spain: Thomas Ekvall"
May 5, 2026
Spain has one lawyer per 300 people, and Sweden has 1,500 people per lawyer.
Unknown commented on "10 Questions by Elizabeth (Beth) Preble"
May 5, 2026
Good to read your post. Reminded me of our work in Bangladesh in the day. Be well.
Unknown commented on "Xunicef Get Together in Geneva by Fouad Kronfol"
May 5, 2026
Looks like you enjoyed yourselves.
May 4, 2026
A nice "report" about a good retirement assignment. A good way to connect to your children and friends.
May 4, 2026
Beautiful photos of an amazing park, I wished I had seen your photos when we toured the area, but didn't have enough time to explore.
Saman commented on "Missing You - Hatim George by Mary Sidawi"
May 4, 2026
Sad news, he was such a kind and intellectual person. RIP Hatim…
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Hatim George by Mary Sidawi"
May 4, 2026
May his soul rest in peace. I met him only a couple of times, but his modesty, kindness and professionalism overflowed. He will remain in our hearts. Adele Khodr
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Hatim George by Mary Sidawi"
May 2, 2026
Very sad news. Hatim embodied grace, integrity, and intellectual honesty. A wonderful colleague and a truly kind soul. May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in this profound loss. He will always remain in our hearts. Sikander Khan
Rohini de silva commented on "A (slow) Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park (by Myra Rudin)"
May 2, 2026
Beautiful. Courageous tracker
Unknown commented on "Mutiny on the Bounty : Ken Gibbs"
May 2, 2026
Above info Elaine Furniss
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "Mutiny on the Bounty : Ken Gibbs"
May 2, 2026
There’s an extensive report of Bligh on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Bligh
Festo Kavishe commented on "A (slow) Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park (by Myra Rudin)"
May 2, 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience and the amazing photos! On the advice of Detlef Palm I will also share soon my experience and photos of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s roof, reaching Stella Point at an altitude of 5,756 meters above sea level!
May 2, 2026
Very sad news. Hatem was vey kind, humble, caring and friendly person. I knew since 1997 from Iraq. My heartfelt condolences
Unknown commented on "Missing You - Hatim George by Mary Sidawi"
May 2, 2026
sad news, i know Hatem since 1997 from Iraq, he was very humble and friendly person, very professional. heartfelt condolences.
Rob Carr commented on "What to do la #2 - Uber driver? by Tim Sutton"
May 2, 2026
Great story - inspired me too. Drivers changed our lives - more than just arriving safely.
Rob Carr commented on "Missing You - Hatim George by Mary Sidawi"
May 2, 2026
Rest in peace Abu George. I have great respect for those national officers who are handed the keys and are dubbed OIC as Internationals are whisked away to safety. We have seen it happen too many times to count I have seen it - it is one of
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Labels
Comments
Labels:
Comments
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment
Please ensure you leave your name, bei either selecting your google account (if you have one), or selecting 'name' from the drop down menu. Enter your name there. If confused, leave your name in the text of your comment.
You can also copy and paste: 👍