From the Nobel Prize speech of the first High Commissioner for Refugees, 1922:
"The golden produce of the earth has been trampled under iron feet, the land lies in ruins everywhere, and the foundations of its communities are crumbling. People bow their heads in silent despair."

"The soul of the world is mortally sick, its courage broken, its ideals tarnished, and the will to live gone; the horizon is hazy, hidden behind burning clouds of destruction, and faith in the dawn of mankind is no more."

"Where is the remedy to be sought? At the hands of politicians? They may mean well enough, but politics are no longer of service to the world. In the final analysis, the struggle of the politician amounts to little more than a struggle for power."

"The diplomats perhaps? Their intentions may also be good enough, but they are once and for all a sterile race which has brought mankind more harm than good over the years."

"The whole European community and its way of life have been and still are toys in the hands of reckless political and financial speculators – perhaps largely bunglers, inferior men who do not realize the outcome of their actions, but who still speculate and gamble."

"How then can confidence in peace be inspired? I am not particularly convinced of the ability of politicians to achieve anything in this situation. In my opinion, the only avenue to salvation lies in cooperation between all nations on a basis of honest endeavor."

"Everyone must join in this work. We must take up the fiery cross and light the beacons so that they shine from every mountain. We must raise our banner in every country and forge the links of brotherhood around the world."

Source: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1922/nansen/lecture/

Final comment.
Having helped to write speeches for more recent High Commissioners, you have to wonder what happened to the passion.