One of the world’s most experienced diplomats, Jan Eliasson is a likable and honest man who is endowed with a constructive mindset. Lately, however, he feels that he in dark moments almost lands in the category of pessimist, ”but a pessimist that hasn’t given up”, he adds in his typical forward-looking way.

What is worrying this former UN number two is the geopolitical shift that seems to have eroded trust between world powers and diminished the belief in international cooperation. Plus the ”almost obscene” levels of expenditure on armaments.

Jan Eliasson tends to paint worst case scenarios to be prepared, he tells (his wife has banned them at breakfast and dinner). ”Mostly they don’t occur”.

The hope lies in focusing on people, not on organizations or governments. Says Jan:

”We have to get away from the vertical approach. You put the problem at the center, and then you gather people around it that can do something about it, whether formally or informally.”

”It sounds like a banality, but the more I work in international politics, the more I realize that what really counts is when you make a difference in people’s lives.”

On spirituality and inspiration from UN’s former head Dag Hammarskjöld:

”You have to look for a higher purpose and see that you were given the gift of life and have to take care of that life and do the best of it. And, actually, the best you can do for yourself is to help others.”

On the future of humanity:

”I hope we come back to humanism and understand that the most important work is the work we do together. You are part of something bigger.”

”If we really mobilize the resources we have, we can do it. And I have an enormous belief in the increasing role of women.”

Jan Eliasson is currently the chairman of the international peace research institute SIPRI.