Miroslav Lajcak

The U.N. has brought peace and order to many places around the world. However, terrorism, violent extremism, violations of human rights, natural disasters caused by climate change - they all threaten the lives of people today. Add migration, insufficient health care, lack of education, and the picture gets even bleaker.

Human rights represent absolute and universal values. They should be protected by all means we have at our disposal.

Everyone who has ever asked for asylum in Slovakia was granted asylum if that person met the conditions. There was never any discrimination based on religion.

Peace' means rules respected by everyone - big or small, rich or poor - means cooperation. It means respect for human rights and dignity.

Better governance helps realize the full potential of the many young Africans who are currently giving their families' savings to criminal networks and risking their lives in the vast expanses of the Sahara or Mediterranean instead of starting their own businesses and using their lives to benefit their families and communities.

We cannot prevent hurricanes or earthquakes, floods or volcanic eruptions. But we can ensure that both people and communities are better prepared and more resilient.

We need to address issues our people think about and talk about. Because there is a feeling that Europe elites are addressing different issues. Not the ones that people care about.

The longer it takes to respond to a major development or crisis, the higher the chance of violence being seen as the only answer.

Our people have not been exposed to Muslims, and they are frightened. It's a new phenomenon for them... Hundreds of Muslims mean nothing in Belgium or London, but it does mean something in Slovakia.

People are afraid of what they don't know.

The U.N. must have adequate resources and the right capabilities to fully engage in global peacekeeping.

I do believe we can do more to bring the U.N. closer to the world's citizen and make a real difference in their lives.