Like any large organisation, public or private, the UN is a complex machine.

Reform is a process, and not an event.

I don't see a situation where one side will win militarily, take over Syria, and there will be peace and quiet, a clean victory.

In the rush for justice it is important not to lose sight of principles the country holds dear.

Some have suggested that ideally there must be some international body that would treat areas like the Arctic as a global commerce, a bit like the way we treat the sea. It doesn't belong to any particular country, but to all of us, but I'm not sure some of the powerful are ready for that sort of solution.

We tend to look at countries in terms of failed states and functioning states, which is rather simplistic.

Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship.