It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the sudden passing away of Phil Thomas. Phil had been working with the team over the past year, in Maiduguri, Cairo and Rome and was due to participate in the forthcoming workshop at headquarters on 11 December. Phil was a dedicated and consummate professional, and after working with him closely for a year, colleagues regarded him as much a friend as a colleague and benefited hugely from his insights and humour. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of colleagues in the Organization, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to his family on this terrible loss. Our thoughts are with Phil’s family and colleagues. Best regards, Dominique