As the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization began its 2015 session today, the acting assistant political chief, Jens Toyberg-Frandzen, underlined the importance of political will to the continued success of the body’s efforts.

Conflict, disease, human rights abuses and food insecurity combined to make 2014 a year marked by untold human misery. From the rise of violent extremism to the spread of Ebola, from war in Gaza to unrest in Ukraine, UN peacekeeping, diplomacy and humanitarian capabilities were pushed to the limit

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged Caribbean countries to build on the successes of decolonization, in remarks to a United Nations-sponsored regional seminar in Quito, Ecuador.

Sir Brian Urquhart, who celebrates his 94th birthday in February, is a living chronicle of a large chunk of 20th century history.

Throughout his four decades of service to the United Nations, starting as one of its very first staff members and ending as an Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, he also helped shape history-making moments. He was present for the birth of the United Nations in 1945, and was witness to many of the Organization’s – and the world’s – seminal milestones.