On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers, let us pay tribute to the men and women from countries across the world who serve selflessly, tirelessly and fearlessly in UN peacekeeping operations. Let us remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in lands far from their own in the service of peace. And let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world free from the scourge of war.

It is true that the principle of national citizenship, associated with rights, and the control of a country's borders are two key aspects of modern 'sovereign' nation states as they emerged in the Westphalian order. But there has been much progress since 1648.

If we are to make poverty history, we must have the active participation of States, civil society and the private sector, as well as individual volunteers.

You have to develop a certain healthy distance to allow you to keep a clear head, to be able to analyse the situation, lead your team, and move forward with them, because there are times if I'm not careful... if you get too involved, it will consume you; it will consume you, and you will not be good to your team; the issues you are dealing with.

Fierce national competition over water resources has prompted fears that water issues contain the seeds of violent conflict.

We have to be very clear with the population and the countries we enter what we can do and what we cannot do.

Normally when people resign they will organise their champagne farewell parties... and then they resurface somewhere.