Nelson Mandela taught me this: hope survives wherever people come together | Gordon Brown

Even amid the despair that haunts our world, good can come out of evil. We need to believe that, for the sake of our future

• What brought us hope and joy in 2023? Writers share their stories

• Gordon Brown was UK prime minister from 2007 to 2010

A story is told about a British ambassador and his fellow diplomats at the UN who were asked of their hopes for the festive season. A box of the finest handmade chocolates," the British official replied, only to find to his embarrassment that other countries' ambassadors had listed Peace on Earth", Stability" and An end to world poverty".

At this time of year, facing a troubled and fractured world, our hopes cannot reflect only personal wishes. They have to be focused on solving the monumental crises paralysing our planet - the interminable Russia-Ukraine war, the carnage in the Middle East, and rising poverty and inequality at home and abroad.

Gordon Brown was UK prime minister from 2007 to 2010

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