AP Photo

The earthquake in Haiti is a tragedy beyond comprehension. It has caused immeasurable human suffering, ­shattering families, communities and hopes. Among the many thousands who have lost their lives are good friends and close colleagues from the United Nations. I mourn their loss and all those who died in this disaster.

Fortunately, humanitarian aid, provided by countries from all across the globe and co-ordinated by the UN, is finally beginning to reach those in need. The immediate priority will for some time remain the provision of medical care, water, food and shelter. But we must also plan now for the longer-term issues of recovery and reconstruction. We must not waste this opportunity, however tragic, to get things right in Haiti. The challenge is to do this in a way...