The opening statements from the first evidence session of the LSE-Oxford Commission on State Fragility, Growth and Development. The first session focused on 'Establishing security and reducing conflict' and features contributions from:

• UN Under Secretary-General Jamal Benomar
• Major General J M Cowan CBE DSO
• Jean-Marie Guéhenno (International Crisis Group)
• Major General (retd) Andrew Mackay CBE