XUNICEF News and Views

Gianni and Dina met in Bologna this week to participate at a workshop with Magnum photographer Richard Kalvar, mostly known for artistic and humorous street photography. Around ten participants (half professional photographers) came from all over the world, India, Turkey, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Canada and USA, and nice friendship ties were quickly developed.  We spent the week shooting in different settings, women's protests, markets, walking through the numerous 'porticis', 'piazzas', and small alleys. 

PARIS WOULD NOT BE PARIS without its abundant and lively cafés and brasseries. Of course, the unique architecture and historic and modern gems of the city always fill you with tireless awe. However, the endless life in the cafés and brasseries goes directly to your heart. This is where Parisians (locals and visitors alike) contemplate, debate, relax, work, connect, watch, savour and enjoy (and of course eat and drink!). This is where art and culture, politics and philosophy, business and dealings, personal stories and social interactions merge in a giant rendez-vous of love and hope. Here are some photos I took during a November 2025 photography encounter.

Back from a photography visit in Havana, I am sharing some photographs of what turned to be a heartwarming encounter with the Cuban people. The photos were made in the famous Prodanza Ballet Center, in a boxing gym, at a Santeria religious ceremony, in a barber shop, and in the streets of diverse neighborhoods of the city. 

Dina Craissati with Nadine Perrault, in Haiti What was your last assignment with UNICEF? Regional Education Advisor, MENARO, Amman/Jordan. How old do you feel? I am close to 67, but feel like very early sixties (that is, still designing what to do in the next phase of my life).

Each week we present the works of one of the XUNICEF photographers or artists represented in our galleries. This week we feature the work of Dina Craissati.    Dina's photography takes us from Cairo's old historic city to a stroll in Montreal, and on to the seashores of North Quebec, where she has gone for social distancing during the pandemic. She writes to tell us, “Gaspésie is at the sea in the North of Québec. It is a worthwhile adventure, despite the Covid-19 routine in hotels, restaurants and visits. I am staying in a small village called Percé in a hotel right at the sea with a wonderful view on Le Rocher, Bonaventure Island. So no complaints, even when it rains!”. Her photography has an exquisite immediacy that brings us closer to the scenery and immerses us in the image as she saw it. At the same time, her framing of the images remains accurate and able to capture the fleeting moment. Below is a slideshow.  Click on the image to start the slideshow.  Be p...