I cannot believe that this wonderful man has left us. I have always considered myself very lucky to have worked under him at UNDP. He would regularly stay in touch after we stopped working together and always thinking ahead and optimistic about the future. He was not only an outstanding director and academic but more importantly a wonderful man. My sincere condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.
October 8, 2024, NYC: Did not realize that would be our farewell conversation over a meal. Rest in peace and strength Shabbir Cheema. You would be fondly missed.
Dear Rob, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Shabbir. He stood tall in the field of decentralized governance and thought the world of your partnership! May we continue to carry this flame forward. Blessings to his family and colleagues. Jan
Saddened to hear of Shabbir’s passing away. I always admired his intellectual curiosity and his principled approach. A wonderful colleague. My sincere condolences to his family.
This is a profoundly sad moment for me that such an icon of the UNDP spirit is no longer present in the endless struggle for a better world.. in my experience of him when doing work for him with others like Prartiba and Rob, there was always this sense of deep support and encouragement to do that work well, for the sake of civilization. His legacy is in those he mentored and nourished to carry his compassion onwards. What a great man we now mourn and celebrate. Rest in peace our dear friend. We will carry on the good fight.
From Kristinn Helgason
Visiting Professor at Rutgers University
I cannot believe that this wonderful man has left us. I have always considered myself very lucky to have worked under him at UNDP. He would regularly stay in touch after we stopped working together and always thinking ahead and optimistic about the future. He was not only an outstanding director and academic but more importantly a wonderful man. My sincere condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.
Good to hear from you.
From Valentina Resta, Senior Governance and Public Administration Officer at United Nations
Sorry to hear that another outstanding mind left us. May Shabbir’s soul rest in peace.
Good to hear from you.
From A.H. Monjurul Kabir
October 8, 2024, NYC: Did not realize that would be our farewell conversation over a meal. Rest in peace and strength Shabbir Cheema. You would be fondly missed.
Good to hear from you.
From Dr. Janice Perlman
So beautiful. He was a great person, friend and colleague.
Thank you
Janice
Good to hear from you, Janice. Grateful for Shabbir's and my connection with your Mega-Cities project.
From Babar Mumtaz,
International Development Consultant
Really saddened to hear of the passing to wise and kind friend. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm, insights and encouragement
Good to hear from you. Blessings.
From John Mary Kauzya, Professor Extraordinary
May Shabbir's Soul Rest in Peace. He was a great colleague, mentor and scholar. I am saddened
Good to hear from you.
From Rehman C:
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Aameen
Yes, thank you.
From Jan Sanders:
Dear Rob, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Shabbir. He stood tall in the field of decentralized governance and thought the world of your partnership! May we continue to carry this flame forward. Blessings to his family and colleagues. Jan
Good to hear from you, Jan.
From Shari:
I wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about the passing of your dear friend. All my love and prayers are being sent to you.
Thank you, dear neighbor.
From Ove Bjerregaard, former UNDP staff:
Sorry to learn about Shabbir’s passing. A gentle soul and a very dedicated UNDP colleague
Good to hear from you, Ove. Blessings.
From Caitlin Wiesen, former UNDP colleague:
Thank you so much Rob for letting me know. Grief and gratitude 🙏🏻
Wishing him a peaceful and joyful transition. 💙
Good to hear from you. Blessings to you.
From Renu Chahil-Graf
Thanks for your beautiful tribute Bob. Shabbir was a dear friend and inspiring colleague for many years. My deepest condolences to Sheri.
Good to hear from you. Blessings.
From Anita Nirody
Saddened to hear of Shabbir’s passing away. I always admired his intellectual curiosity and his principled approach. A wonderful colleague. My sincere condolences to his family.
Good to hear from you, Anita. Blessings.
From M George Walters
This is a profoundly sad moment for me that such an icon of the UNDP spirit is no longer present in the endless struggle for a better world.. in my experience of him when doing work for him with others like Prartiba and Rob, there was always this sense of deep support and encouragement to do that work well, for the sake of civilization. His legacy is in those he mentored and nourished to carry his compassion onwards. What a great man we now mourn and celebrate. Rest in peace our dear friend. We will carry on the good fight.
Good to hear from you, George. Blessings.
From Khalid Malik, formerly with UNDP:
Many thanks for letting us know. Shabbir was a kind, thoughtful person. We will miss him.
As a Muslim we normally say, Ina lilla he wa Ina alaihe rajehoon ( we belong to him and return to him).
Good to hear from you. Warm wishes.
From Eimi Watanabe, formerly with UNDP:
I am very sad to learn that Shabbir is no more with us. He was an outstanding colleague, human being and leader, so decent and sincere.
So good to hear from you, Eimi. Warm wishes.