XUNICEF News and Views

With the UNGA high-level week about to kick off, and in the spirit of the International Day of Peace, 21 September,

With the UN General Assembly starting this week here is an analysis of how the UN is being dismembered and its organs diminished by the very members which started it.

The search for the dead and missing continues, with the army taking a very active and effective lead-role.

A few months ago Nadia and I had dinner at the Cafe de Paris in Geneva. This venerable establishment has been in operation from the 1930's

Dear Fouad & colleagues, The apocalyptic deluge in Nepal has many of us stunned, dazed and incredibly dismayed.

Some useful information related to our diets. And my Ditty to go with…. Is it lettuce or lentil ? And don’t forget the dill,

Remember when we were working how important was the two day weekend when we could unwind from the rigors of our responsibilities and enjoy down time with family and friends?

I just discovered that a new cruise ship for the rivers in Europe will be launched in 2027.

Title: The Future of Work in 9 Charts Author: Diana Elliott Publication: Population Reference Bureau (PRB) Date: July 20, 2026

  With reference to Myra’s article here is an unusual tree from the estate of Stonehaven Manor in Ste Adele Quebec.

Illustration by Michael Parkin Title: Four types of thinker have been identified. Which one are you? Author: Ian Sample Publication: The Guardian Date: 25 July 2026

Photos from Stonehaven Manor (Pavilion at StoneHaven Le Manoir, Quebec) Fouad Kronfol

I am not a football aficionado, but like most young boys in the MidEast I played football as my first sport but graduated to other athletic events as I grew up, culminating in tennis in my retirement years.

At the Stonehaven manor we usually sat on this bench on a small balcony overlooking the lac du Sable in Ste. Agathe des Monts on one side and a lovely garden on the other. We were drawn to it because of its original shape and it could easily take both of us. 

 The pool , jacuzzi and spa.  We spent a few days relaxing at the Stonehaven Manor in the village of Ste. Agathe des Monts in thé Laurentian mountains.

Doesnt this resonate with the exchanges on our XUNICEF Blog regarding leadership and various other concerns  that were expressed in the different comments about UNICEF and other UN development agencies ?

Some useful information for retiring UNICEF staff. Wonder if Personnel, or DHR or DPC, convey something like that in their separation letters?

To Bidet, or Not to Bidet? That is the Question!

I received this from a lifelong friend and university cohort. As I am also nearing my 90s I find that much of what he feels and expresses mirrors my own thoughts. The only difference between us is that I have not found solace in talking to a machine but rather to continuing to be interested and involved with numerous activities,including sports. In fact, I have argued with him this point as I have no intention to let a machine or virtual entity to dominate my persona. I am perfectly content to simply use my laptop and iPad to communiate with all my contacts, without belonging to any social media. I use both machines for some info searches, the latest news or sports results, and general exchanges with contacts on mutually interesting subjects.

Title: Migration: a reality, not an emergency Author: The Lancet Migration European Regional Hub Publication: The Lancet Date: 19 June 2026