when it comes to operations on that continent, we tend to do it on the cheap.

In terms of logistics, the difficult terrain makes this one of most challenging relief operations ever undertaken, ... Winter is approaching fast, and temperatures are dropping.

When economic conditions are difficult, people tend to be less generous and protect themselves; the question of solidarity doesn't mean much to them at that time.

We cannot wait for governments to do it all. Globalization operates on Internet time. Governments tend to be slow moving by nature, because they have to build political support for every step.

There are now 11 women heads of state or government, in countries on every continent. And three countries -- Chile, Spain and Sweden -- now have gender parity in government.

The balance must be redressed.