Articles contributed by Ute Deseniss-Gros

Articles by Ute Deseniss-Gros (Chronological Order)

• UNICEF Working Group on Volunteering
  Date: October 2019
  In this piece, Ute Deseniss-Gros explains the structure and purpose of the UNICEF volunteer network in Germany. She recounts initiatives to build a more cohesive and effective system for volunteer participation. The group plays a central role in community outreach and youth engagement.
  Multimedia: No video or song.
• Weil – Germany’s First Child Friendly City
  Date: October 2019
  The article celebrates the certification of Weil am Rhein as Germany’s first “Child Friendly City.” Deseniss-Gros describes the local initiatives that led to the recognition, including strong civic engagement, youth participation, and partnerships with UNICEF. The piece underscores how local governance can put children at the center of decision-making.
  Multimedia: Includes event photos.
• Memoir of Dr. Mikayel Alexanyan and UNICEF’s Early Days in Armenia
  Date: November 2019
  Deseniss-Gros recalls her 1994 visit to Armenia to lead a training program for government communicators. She pays tribute to Dr. Mikayel Alexanyan, a committed UNICEF officer who also personally cared for a gravely ill Regional Director. The story offers an intimate look at the difficult early years of UNICEF's work in post-Soviet Armenia.
  Multimedia: No video or song.
• My Annual Choir Concert
  Date: February 2020
  Deseniss-Gros shares a personal reflection on participating in her local choir's annual concert, which raises funds for UNICEF. She emphasizes how music can foster community spirit and social responsibility. The event doubles as a celebration of song and solidarity.
  Multimedia: May include audio or video (not explicitly stated).
• UNICEF Deutschland Working Group
  Date: April 2020
  This article describes the formation and goals of the UNICEF Germany Working Group. It explains how the group organizes activities to support children’s rights campaigns and fosters volunteer collaboration. The emphasis is on strategic planning and grassroots mobilization.
  Multimedia: No video or song.
• Fundraising for UNICEF at Concert for Europe on 1 May
  Date: May 2020
  This article describes how the Berlin Philharmonic adapted its annual Europe Concert on May 1, 2020, to pandemic conditions by holding the event without an audience. The performance, conducted by Kirill Petrenko and introduced by President Steinmeier, was broadcast in 80 countries. Viewers were invited to donate to UNICEF, raising €200,000 for its global work.
  Multimedia: Includes musical performances.
• Pictures Say It All
  Date: July 2020
  This post is a visual essay using photos from various UNICEF-related events to reflect the agency's mission and values. The images speak to the emotional and social dimensions of UNICEF’s work, including moments of joy, hardship, and solidarity. Deseniss-Gros lets the images tell their own story.
  Multimedia: Includes a photo gallery.
• Our Youngest Committee – The Lörrach Kinderclub for UNICEF
  Date: December 2020
  Ute Deseniss-Gros highlights a children’s club in Lörrach, Germany, where young members actively support UNICEF’s work. The article celebrates the club’s creativity and sense of responsibility in promoting child rights. The initiative demonstrates how children can contribute meaningfully to global issues.
  Multimedia: Includes a video showing children in action.
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
  Date: March 2021
  Marking the international day, Deseniss-Gros reflects on the ongoing struggle against racism and inequality. She draws connections between UNICEF’s mandate and global anti-racism efforts. The piece underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in humanitarian and development work.
  Multimedia: No video or song.
• A Wake-Up Call in Croatia
  Date: June 2021
  This personal narrative covers Ute Deseniss-Gros's arrival in Zagreb in 1994 during the Croatian War of Independence. She describes the severe logistical and political challenges UNICEF faced while delivering humanitarian aid. Her account offers a behind-the-scenes view of emergency response and diplomacy in a conflict zone.
  Multimedia: No video or song.
• The Child Rights Song by Lörrach UNICEF Children's Club
  Date: November 2023
  Children from the Lörrach UNICEF Club created and performed a song to raise awareness of children’s rights. The project, guided by adult volunteers, combined music and activism in an engaging way. The video of the performance serves as a powerful educational tool.
  Multimedia: Includes a video of the performance.
• News from UNICEF Voluntary Working Group
  Date: November 2024
  This update outlines recent activities of the Voluntary Working Group within UNICEF Germany. The group is focusing on outreach, education, and promoting the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Deseniss-Gros highlights local events and volunteer energy as key to the group’s momentum.
  Multimedia: No video or song.

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