Use the form on the right to tell us who you think the world should be calling on now that the South African hero is no longer answering the telephone.

Click here to read more about Nelson Mandela's life

During the 27 years in which Nelson Mandela was incarcerated in the notorious Robben Island prison for sabotage and conspiring to overthrow the government, he devoted himself to learning the language of his apartheid oppressors - Afrikaans.

He made it his business to get to grips with their culture, to learn their hopes, their fears.

When he was released from jail in 1990, the world was stunned by his gentle demeanour, his even temperament and gentle wit after so many years imprisoned by those with whom he was about to negotiate.

It was his ability to understand those on the other side which not only helped secure the country's bloodless transition to multiracial democracy, but also transformed him into a global icon called upon to mediate and issue sage words of advice around the world.

Mr Mandela's first lesson to budding international statesmen: Don't hate your adversaries, but understand them. Know what it is that you are up against.

No let-down

But while biographers of Mr Mandela deem this the South African hero's singularly most important quality as a statesman, he was helped along by a handsome helping of that elliptical attribute - charisma.

Those who have met him say they expected an anti-climax - bracing themselves for the inevitability that the reality of a living hero could never match the fairy-tale. Yet in the flesh, it is said, he lives up to his billing.

Former US President Bill Clinton - who has frequently rubbed shoulders with Mr Mandela in recent years - is also frequently described as possessing that "golden glow", which people pay thousands of dollars to bask in at after-dinner speeches.

Like Mr Mandela, Mr Clinton has also established his own body promoting worthy causes. The William J Clinton Presidential Foundation late last year brokered a landmark Aids drugs deal for people in developing countries.

Mr Clinton's well publicised flaws, meanwhile, are seen as having enhanced his humanity rather than damaged his character.

Titanic struggle required

But some pundits might argue that Mr Clinton is perhaps lacking in the moral authority department - one where the long-time oppressed Mr Mandela has excelled.

Clinton is adept at working the crowds

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is for his part seen as a statesman with strong skills in this department, although the UN is by no means universally liked or admired.

But even if, as an aspiring world figure, one were able to boast the combined skills of some of the 20th century's foremost leaders - Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, not to mention Mr Mandela - a crucial ingredient is still required.

"People can be fine leaders, but it is the circumstances in which they are made that are so important - the struggle of good against bad which elevates them to the status of international icons," says Mandela biographer Martin Meredith.

"It was Mandela's triumph over the obvious evils of apartheid that brought him to international attention, the battle against Hitler's Germany which secured Churchill's place in history.

"At present there are no such Titanic struggles in the world, and in this context, how can anyone acquire the kind of status that Mandela achieved?"

I think there is only one man for the job, Muhammad Ali. He is the only one with a similar or greater standing then Mr Mandela
Kashif Khan, UK

Mr Mandela is a man universally loved by his people, respected by his peers and like a fine wine, he has taken time to mature into something very special.
Llewellyn, London, UK

Mandela has no equal on earth. He emerged from 27 years of unjust imprisonment without bitterness. Hence, there is no such human being left on the planet for the world to call.
Dr Edem Akpan, Atlantic City, US

I think that of the respected world politicians left... Bill Clinton would make an objective and impartial leader.
Molly Kero, Kitchener, ON, Canada

Replacing Nelson Mandela is difficult but I think Kofi Annan can fit into his shoes if he steps down from his UN job. That will be in a couple of years but at present people can call on former American president, Bill Clinton.
Paul Ohia, Lagos, Nigeria

I look to The Dahli Lama and Leonard Peltier. These people forgive and pray for all of us without judgement. These 2 have a higher clearer vision for peace, compassion, and strength.
Teresa, WA. USA

It is my sincere hope and wish that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's epic struggle bears fruit. When she is done transitioning Burma to the comity of nations, she can take on the well deserved mantle of elder statesman of the world from Nelson Mandela.
Vivek, Portland, Oregon

It is a sad reflection on the world today that absolutely nobody springs to mind.
Helen Hensby, Fort Worth, USA

Have we forgotten Gorbachev? One of the most daring and humble politicians over the last two decades...
Venkat Kolagunta, Austin, TX, USA

Oprah Winfrey
Lyn Winkler, Windsor, Colorado USA

Although his life and future is within peace, Jimmy Carter could also be considered as a true international statesman.
Andrew Greenfield, San Francisco, CA, United States