We need to ensure the poorest in the planet - who will be hardest hit by the financial crisis - are not forgotten.

It has been said that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.

The Arab spring reminds me a bit of the decolonisation process where one country gets independence and everybody else wants it. How about us, when do we get it, when do we make our move? And you have a situation where someone has been in power for decades, where the integrity of elections, democracy and security have really not been debated or discussed and most people suspect that elections are rigged and that the democratic rotation that elections are supposed to ensure doesn't really happen. And when this goes on for a while you are sitting on a powder keg.

Extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere.

Have confidence in the young people, give them a chance, and they will surprise you.

The [UN Security Council] P5 ought to be dissuaded from using their veto power, which can paralyze the United Nations. The country blocking action ought to have to explain its decision and propose an alternative solution. It has been suggested that a veto only becomes effective if the vetoing state has the support of two or three other permanent members.

We have the means and the capacity to deal with our problems, if only we can find the political will.