The world seems to be clamouring for a leader capable of embracing the best qualities of all cultures, along with an unquestionable commitment to the highest standards of respect and decency, and with an unshakeable vision for creating justice and fair play for every human being.

That is irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity.

It is never a question of finding someone perfect, since every human is flawed in some way. However, a good leader should be seen as a guiding light towards a better world, by displaying and standing up for principles that lead to a better understanding of others who are different, but yet are willing to share core values n a climate of tolerance and peace.

Perhaps the reason there are so few good leaders in our world today is because the rushing tide of changing lifestyles continues to push timeless values aside, in the interest of whatever has captured the spotlight of popularity.

Leaders who want to gain or sustain power are confronted with having to decide whether to go with the flow, or to make a stand for what they believe to be right. There are indeed various perceptions of what values a good leader should have, whether it is in the world of politics or in everyday community life.

There are leaders who rule without any regard for how they are perceived, and many good people have paid the ultimate price for resisting that form of existence.

Some leaders gain power by making promises they know are unattainable, and when people discover what they signed on to, it is too late to do much about it. Under ruthless dictatorships, there is no room to even ponder change. With that type of leadership, even a hint of opposition could be fatal. A regime that survives because people are groomed to support leadership without question is something that much of the free world will not accept — and should not.

Trying to move the world away from brutal regimes that show little regard for human dignity, and the right to live with freedom to choose, will take great co-operation between nations in the free world, along with leadership truly based on qualities that uphold the highest standards.

Leaders should be able to display a keen sense of judgment, with calm thinking, when handling difficult situations, and they should also set an example by choosing words carefully in the process of attempting to improve the state of relations with those hostile to democratic principles. The age-old resentment to human rights by those who adhere to the superiority syndrome resulted in America suffering in that dreadful civil war, with thousands of lives lost. Emotional wounds are yet fully to heal.

However, out of that history comes a lesson in leadership that is very relevant today. President Abraham Lincoln, made a decision against members of his own party, and even members of his family, to press for the end of slavery. He was fully aware that without justice for all, there would be no success story to tell. He also knew the nation would destroy itself if human injustice was accepted as a part of everyday life.

Yes, even Lincoln paid with his life for refusing to budge from a principle that was based on a conviction that no human being should be treated as something less than human. America and the world have crossed many bridges of divisiveness in the continuing thrust to rid our planet of all forms of bigotry. There are bridges yet to cross.

This week much of the world paused to mourn the passing of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who was not only a champion in the ring, but perhaps was an even greater champion in the world ring of human rights and civil rights, with his belief that all cultures and religions have something good to contribute

to a better world. He also placed respect high on the agenda when encountering opposing viewpoints about life. Muhammad Ali will be remembered not just for amazing victories in the ring, but also for victories of the human spirit.

In a deeply troubled world where there is daily suffering, the need for strong leadership from free nations of the world is crucial.

If ever there was a time for a leader with the ability to connect globally with people of all races and religions, it is now.