State failure is the greatest threat to world order, says Sergio Vieira de Mello. Only a global commitment to the rule of law and multilateral governance can counter this growing menace – so as to root out terrorism, bolster security and protect human rights – There are times in human history when change seems to…

Any international intervention in Iraq will require not just the winning of a war, but the building of a peace and the rebuilding of a nation as well. Sadako Ogata, the former UN high commissioner for refugees, looks at the record in Afghanistan to see how military action, humanitarian aims and nation-building can be linked…

The pursuit of freedom, democracy and peace in the Middle East is an objective shared by all and in the interests of all. But, says former UK foreign secretary Douglas Hurd, in the disagreement and misunderstanding about how to achieve these aims lies the potential for even greater conflict. – We are living through a…

What are the qualities that define great leadership? Passion? Optimism? Communication? Conviction? Bravery? Honesty? Luck? One thing’s for sure: we need some leadership now. Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, offers his own analysis of what great leadership involves. – We live in a momentous time. The world stands divided between passionate…

Governments around the world have favoured corporations at the expense of their citizens for far too long, says Tony Juniper. They should stop cosying up to them – at Davos or anywhere else – and start putting the interests of society above those of business – The latest blockbuster James Bond movie, “Die Another Day”,…

The scourge of contagious disease is not just a problem for the poorest countries. It is a problem for the world – and one that can only be addressed by true cooperation between the public and private sectors, NGOs, philanthropic organizations, grassroots workers and activists. To assess what is being done and must be done…

Companies must take unilateral action now to address the challenges of global health and development, says Raymond Gilmartin. – Twelve months ago, I had the privilege of serving as a co-chairman of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in New York City. The meeting took place against the extraordinary backdrop of the tragic events and…

“At the heart of difficulty lies opportunity,” Albert Einstein once noted. This, says EU environment commissioner Margot Wallström, is the attitude we must adopt in combating climate change. Here she outlines the EU’s approach and what it means for people at all levels. – Hardly a week goes by without a disaster that foreshadows climate…

The next few months will have a big impact on the global trade round. The most difficult negotiations are still to come and many issues are contentious. Supachai Panitchpakdi, director-general of the World Trade Organization, outlines his trade and development agenda and his hopes and fears for the talks – Meeting deadlines is a crucial…