Atatime when international co-operation often seems more myth than measure, the world's response to the tsunami disaster - and the challenge of dealing with fresh crises in an already stricken region, such as Monday's earthquake in Indonesia - have reminded us of our shared vulnerability. What lessons can we learn from such disasters in order to respond more effectively to new emergencies? And significantly, what have we at the United Nations learnt from the tsunami disaster to help us reform this indispensable, if not flawless, institution?

First, the tsunami disaster showed with stunning clarity that when there is a will - a political will - there is a way. Galvanised into action by the sudden immensity of suffering, decision-makers rushed forward to make their pledges known. Never in my 25 years of working in humanitarian emergencies have I seen governments react with such unbridled generosity to contribute money, military assets and manpower. This unprecedented generosity stands in striking contrast to other crises such as in Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo where 1,000 people die every day from preventable causes - a tsunami death toll every six months for six consecutive years since the war there began.