Kofi Annan departs

While an essay on 'protectionism' calls, I couldn't resist watching Kofi Annan's farewell speech as Secretary-General. If ever there was a singular voice of reason in this world, it is that of Annan. Approaching the microphone he appeared uncharacteristically tentative, unsure where to put his hands, no doubt his mind whirring with thoughts about the impending close to his tenure. He is a profoundly sensible man, a peacemaker, a humanist of the finest measure. He builds bridges, he calms nerves, he warms hearts. Call me a wet-eyed commie, but I love 'im.

But when he criticises it bites. His speech at the Harry S Truman presidential library, delivered in his measured West African cadence, focused on the history and future of US leadership. Truman was a framer of the UN, a builder of postwar multilateralism who understood the importance of US leadership. Annan reminded the audience that the US can lead - it did so much to build the multilateral system - but the world's problems need another infusion of its benign leadership. He reminded of the critical importance of principles in foreign policy - a thinly veiled reference to Guantanamo etc - the maleability of which leave "friends abroad troubled and confused."

Annan laid out five lessons from his tenure as Secretary-General: We are all responsible for eachothers security; We must ensure all have the chance to benefit from global prosperity; Our security and prosperity depend on human rights and the rule of law; all states must be accountable to eachother and to non state actors; We can only achieve these things by cooperation through multilateralism - in particular the institution of the United Nations. And in closing Annan noted the responsibility of major powers to serve, not dominate institutions like the Security Council.

May he write a nice thick book in the months and years ahead, freed from the story-telling strictures of office.