Welcome to The Lookout bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In this edition, we put in focus the extraordinary 'lifetime of service' with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Aspen Institute New Zealand leadership collectively have had a long and memorable association with the Queen in their respective official roles representing New Zealand.

Co-Patron and Chair, Sir Don McKinnon, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, came to know Queen Elizabeth well during his nine years as Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

"I felt an enormous privilege knowing her during that time ... you knew she was on top of the issues and that she always felt there was much we could do for the Commonwealth. The Queen has always contributed an aura of stability when the political world is in convulsions."