Final Thoughts

We do hope you enjoyed this second edition in our 2021 series celebrating UNICEF's 75th anniversary as much as we did while putting it together.

In our first 25 years (1946 to 1971) we began as a small fledgling organization. In this second period (1971 to 1996) UNICEF became a major force in global thinking and politics by influencing world leaders to place children on their agenda. Many of us were privileged to serve the organization under visionary leadership during this unique period. Innovation, passion, energy and drive permeated UNICEF from the top, down to the junior most staff members - all champions for the cause of children.

Our March Quarterly was in large measure a retelling of history before many of us joined UNICEF. By contrast, in this edition, our contributors recounted their personal stories of the events they witnessed and the work they themselves did. The stories are rich in experiences and emotions. As one of our authors wrote, “We did what needed to be done”. In many cases, the work they have done was at great risk to their personal safety. Our XUNICEF community salutes your achievements to improve and save the lives of children worldwide.

We at XUNICEF News & Views plan to continue the celebration of UNICEF @75. Our next Quarterly will cover UNICEF from 1997 to the present time. We again count on your contributions for September of stories of your life with UNICEF, including photos, memories both serious and funny. Keep telling us about the people who made UNICEF special for you.

Let us close by once more remembering those who went before us, and who have left us a legacy which we must keep alive, as well as those who have come and will continue to come after us. The world’s children still need us.

REMEMBER THIS PICTURE?


Padmini, our former Representative in Ethiopia, shares the story of this little girl Selamawit who many in UNICEF will recognise as the face of the famine in Ethiopia. Many photographers and Goodwill Ambassadors were sent to Ethiopia to raise the profile of the famine among well wishers and donors as well as to garner funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Some extraordinary images were captured by the visiting notable photographers. One such, Louise Gubb, who took this picture of Selamawit asked her what she would like to be when she grew up, she answered with one simple word, ”ALIVE” !

With that captivating byline, it is no wonder that Selamawit’s charming picture was widely used in UNICEF's appeals and splashed extensively in the media.


Happy Reading - Stay safe, healthy and happy.

Your Volunteer Editors at XUNICEF News & Views

Sree Gururaja
Fouad Kronfol
Doreen Lobo
Gianni Murzi
Tom McDermott
Detlef Palm

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