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Football against hunger comes to a stadium near you
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012Bill Shankly, the late great Liverpool manager, once said: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that”.
Even the great Shankly himself couldn’t have known how true his famous phrase would turn out to be: during this weekend of Matches Against Hunger (Click here for the list of matches) the beautiful game can make the difference between life and death for millions of people. Read the full entry
Number of views: 3261
ECHO@20 – celebrating two decades of service to humanity
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
Dear friends,
Today, as we launch ECHO’s 20th anniversary celebrations, we recognise the service to humanity we in the European Commission deliver on behalf of the European citizens.
Our gratitude goes to you, the ordinary men and women, whose generosity funds our work. Even in times of hardship at home you support us in helping people in their most dire moments of need around the world – and this support has gone up over the last years. Read the full entry
Number of views: 3360
Smiling faces, suffering people
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
I have just visited an extraordinary market on a muddy hillside in South Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Thousands of men and women queued to buy everything from transistor radios to corrugated sheet roofing. The atmosphere was festive – I even danced! – and warm-hearted.
It was all the more remarkable to see smiling animated faces among people who have suffered so much. Read the full entry
Number of views: 3476
A lesson of our world’s fragility – my impressions from Brazzaville
Monday, March 5th, 2012
I am just back from Brazzaville, where I walked through the ruins of Mpila. This was the densely populated neighbourhood which took the brunt of the massive explosions which rocked the Congolese Republic’s capital on Sunday.
The scenes of devastation were dramatic. Houses had collapsed like decks of cards, destroying everything and everybody within. People were gathering up what personal belongings they could salvage. Read the full entry
Number of views: 3314
Somalia and Syria, optimism and worry
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
photo source: UK Foreign Office
It was great to have so many high-level figures – from the region and from the UN, from old and new donors – gathered around the same table and agreeing on the way forward for Somalia, a country which has been wrecked for decades by conflict. For good reason it has been described today by British officials as the classic failed state.
I am optimistic that the corner has finally been turned. Read the full entry
Number of views: 2739
The European Parliament as the voice of the citizens – my experience from last week
Sunday, February 5th, 2012
EP Audiovisual Service
I have been at the Plenary of the European Parliament a number of times, always a learning experience. Last week was no exception. And it is worth telling my readers about it, since the Parliament discussed a report of direct relevance for my work – a review of humanitarian funds management drafted by MEP Martin Ehrenhauser.
I drew three important conclusions from the report and the discussions in the plenary. First, it is remarkable that Europe remains so committed to being a force for good around the world, despite the crisis at home. It is time of austerity, and yet, the European citizens care about those in most dire need. Second, they expect from those of us in charge of delivering help around the world to do it in the most efficient and effective manner. It was clear that, as representatives of the European citizens, MEPs want to make sure our citizens’ money is well spent. Third, the conclusion of the report is that ECHO, the humanitarian service of the European Commission, is doing a good job.
This is a welcome recognition for our experts in Brussels and on the ground, in the 40+ conflict and disaster-stricken countries where we bring relief in often dangerous and difficult conditions. And a great way to start this year – in 2012 ECHO will mark it’s 20th anniversary.
Number of views: 1690
Chad’s silent children – the sad face of malnutrition
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
In the city of Mao in Kanem province in Chad, there is a hospital we fund where the sound of silence on the children’s ward is chilling.
It’s strange to be with children who are so quiet. In the intensive care ward where they are treating babies for severe acute malnutrition there are fifteen mothers with their young children. In a few months time this number will soar but I am certain that the oppressive silence will remain the same. Read the full entry
Number of views: 1795
I met Rahi Harouna when she was making an important life decision – and getting moral support from what many may regard as a surprising source.
Rahi, a 38-year-old mother of five children, was at a health centre run by the aid agency Concern and funded by the European Commission in the village of Bambey, Niger. Read the full entry
Number of views: 1677
Conference on Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection in Rome
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
My meeting today with Gianni Letta (pictured above), Under Secretary of State to the presidency of the Council of Ministers and right-hand man of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, took place amid the high drama of a political era drawing to a close in Italy. Read the full entry
Number of views: 1505
Welcome to a world of seven billion people
Sunday, October 30th, 2011
A newborn baby’s first cry has just marked a world record – the seven billionth person living on our planet was born.
Each new life is a new hope. And yet, all too many hopes get crushed by poverty and conflicts. Read the full entry
Number of views: 2527
