The US-led invasion of Iraq was an illegal act that contravened the UN charter.

Access to safe water is a fundamental human need and therefore a basic human right.

In a world of plenty, continued suffering is a terrible stain on our conscience. It is inexcusable that we not strive, with every resource at our disposal, to eliminate suffering.

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.

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

We were all children once. And we all share the desire for the well-being of our children, which has always been and will continue to be the most universally cherished aspiration of humankind.

Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all