2004
In the first half of 2004 I was commissioned by the Cambridge University to do a detailed mapping of the faction ridden Muslim community in Sri Lanka. The objective was to see whether there was any realistic possibility of having them becomes the third part to negotiating peace in the long troubled island. This was an eye-opening assignment as it forced me to examine some stereotypes that I seemed to have formed while turning a CNN-junkie.
In the second half of 2004 I was appointed as the Senior Advisor to UNICEF’s Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Ms. Gaye Phillips. I worked on supporting the Government of Malaysia in addressing HIV AIDS, Maternal and Child Health, Harm Reduction, Avian Influenza, Road Injuries. Credit for my success in Malaysia can be wholly attributed to the strong leadership provided by Ms. Gaye Philips, Representative of UNICEF and an unwavering activist for the Rights of the Child. Every day Gaye Philips walks the talk and inspires people to rise and shine. Gaye’s species will soon be extinct, I fear. The other person who was instrumental in helping me make the impossible possible is IndraNadchatram. Indra is the most effective, efficient and affectionate ‘relations person’ that I have ever met. A leading HIV AIDS activist and champion for the voice of young people, Indra has been a source of inspiration to me.
What?
Sector
Where
When
With Whom
Sector?
Minority Issues, Inter Ethnic Relations
What?
Dialogue Management, Strategic Partnerships
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
The Ohrid Peace Agreement signed between the Republic of Macedonia and the Albanian armed groups in 2001 was meant to end the armed conflict in Macedonia. The peace negotiators felt that if the communities would not see rapid implementation of the agreement, it would have no meaning and violence would stage a comeback in the country.
When?
2004, 2005
What Exactly?
I performed the needs assessment was to examine what intervention would lead to rapid results and de-escalation of ethnic tensions.This led to the design of a dialogue project in the Republic of Macedonia that provided politically influential persons with the opportunity to work together to create more sustainable and inclusive policies. A highly committed team led by Michael Szporluk implemented the project. I supervised the implementation and ensured support from all political parties and donors.
With Whom?
ECMI
What Happened?
Policy recommendations generated by the multi-ethnic, multi party working groups were channeled to policy and decision makers. This led to emergence of new policies, which contributed to making the peace agreement work for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.
Regional Representative
European Centre for Minority Issues
Sector?
Civil Society, Peace Building, Inter Ethnic Relations
What?
Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
The armed conflict of 2001 in Macedonia left a society divided along ethnic lines. The fragile Ohrid peace agreement required quick measures for building confidence in the communities.
When?
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
What Exactly?
I travelled around the country meeting with communities, citizens and villagers to find those NGOs that were truly committed to improving inter-ethnic relations in the country. The ECMI NGO Network for Improvement of Inter-ethnic Relations in Macedonia was launched with a core group of 17 NGOs from across the country and ethnic groups. Gradually the network grew to a 70 member strong group that engaged in joint design and implementation of grassroots projects. Sunoor headed an umbrella grants program, administering and monitoring 50–70 community projects each year. The project carried a strong capacity enhancement component with emphasis on ethics for the participating NGO Managers.
This project benefitted very much from the guidance and commitment of Farimah Daftary of the ECMI. When no international expert was willing to travel to Macedonia due to the armed conflict, Farimah headed to Macedonia to meet with stakeholders and do a direct assessment of the ground realities. Her research and reporting were instrumental in the project receiving its seed grant. Dr. Eben Friedman succeeded Farimah Daftary at the ECMI as the focal point for Macedonia and maintained the high standards set by Farimah.
With Whom?
ECMI, Sida, DFID, Swiss Ministry
What Happened?
Established the first truly multi-ethnic network of NGOs in Macedonia consisting of 70 NGOs committed to improving inter-ethnic relations.
50–70 community projects generated and implemented each year jointly by NGOs members of the Network.
Network becomes reference point for good practices and NGO ethics in Macedonia.
Department of Southeast European History, University of Graz
Graz, Austria
Sector?
Child Rights, Hiv Aids
What?
Strategic Communication, Strategic Planning
Where?
Malaysia
Why?
For many years UNICEF had partnered with the Government of Malaysia to deliver numerous and effective grassroots initiatives. With the rapid strides Malaysia made in development and achieved a middle-income country status, it was felt that UNICEF could advance the well being of children in Malaysia more effectively by becoming an upstream partner of the government. UNICEF’s then executive director Carol Bellamy had hand picked the dynamic CEO of UNICEF Australia Gaye Phillips to set in a Malaysia a model of engagement with middle-income countries.
When?
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
What Exactly?
In 2005, UNICEF’s Representative appointed me to link the organization’s HIV AIDS programs to a meaningful communication strategy.
In addition to developing a comprehensive strategy on up-streaming UNICEF’s HIV AIDS program in Malaysia, key Strategic Communication products were developed:
Video documentary- “Women in AIDS”: Conceptualized this video documentary to celebrate and document the contribution of women from various walks of life in the fight against HIV AIDS in Malaysia. This video galvanized support from the Govt. of Malaysia and the donor community for UNICEF’s HIV AIDS program.
Video documentaries- Conceptualized video documentaries on joint projects of UNICEF & Ministry of Health that reflect the impact of good partnerships. These included the video capsules on ProStar Youth Initiative (Peer counseling), Village Health Promoters and Youth & Drugs. Youth volunteers for UNICEF in Malaysia filmed the films.
With Whom?
UNICEF, Institute Of Health Management, Ministry Of Women
What Happened?
UNICEF became the partner of choice of the Malaysian government on HIV AIDS
Expert, Civil Society Development
Mercy Corps
Sector?
Minority Issues
What?
Project Development, Capacity Development, Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
Until the launch of this initiative most initiatives aimed at the Romani population of Macedonia were being implemented by non-Roms. This often led to poor participation of the Roms and virtually no transfer of skills or know-how. Through my work with Roms in Macedonia and many Roma NGOs I could see that there is availability of talent and experience in the Roma community. The lack of formal education was a barrier to the advancement of these potential experts. The Romani experts project was launched to prepare a pool of Roma experts who have the skills, knowledge and commitment to work on Roma issues.
When?
2003, 2004
What Exactly?
I think I played a key role in conceptualizing this initiative, developing the project proposal and getting donors on board. Dr. Eben Friedman, a leading authority on Roma issues, led this project. I was also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project and fundraising.
With Whom?
ECMI, Sida
What Happened?
Four Expert Group organized around the core areas of education, health, civil rights, and employment were established.
The Expert Groups generated and compiled usable reports with the data necessary to provide a basis for the design of policy not only for Roms, but also by Roms.
Understanding through extensive fieldwork: for projects aimed at the Roma community to succeed, they need to be implemented by people who are part of the Roma community.
Senior Adviser (Judicial Reform)
DANIDA, Bangladesh
Sector?
Minority Issues
What?
Project Development, Capacity Development, Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
Until the launch of this initiative most initiatives aimed at the Romani population of Macedonia were being implemented by non-Roms. This often led to poor participation of the Roms and virtually no transfer of skills or know-how. Through my work with Roms in Macedonia and many Roma NGOs I could see that there is availability of talent and experience in the Roma community. The lack of formal education was a barrier to the advancement of these potential experts. The Romani experts project was launched to prepare a pool of Roma experts who have the skills, knowledge and commitment to work on Roma issues.
When?
2003, 2004
What Exactly?
I think I played a key role in conceptualizing this initiative, developing the project proposal and getting donors on board. Dr. Eben Friedman, a leading authority on Roma issues, led this project. I was also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project and fundraising.
With Whom?
ECMI, Sida
What Happened?
Four Expert Group organized around the core areas of education, health, civil rights, and employment were established.
The Expert Groups generated and compiled usable reports with the data necessary to provide a basis for the design of policy not only for Roms, but also by Roms.
Understanding through extensive fieldwork: for projects aimed at the Roma community to succeed, they need to be implemented by people who are part of the Roma community.
Senior Adviser (Judicial Reform)
DANIDA, Bangladesh