Leadership, the economy and faith in times of crisis were among topics discussed by Gordon Brown and the Chief Rabbi before the 250 guests at a Hendon Synagogue gala dinner.
The former prime minister was participating in the inaugural Hardman Conversation, in memory of the community's long-time minister, Reverend Leslie Hardman. The event also marked the official opening of the synagogue's Hardman wing.
Questioned by historian Sir Martin Gilbert, Mr Brown stressed the dangers of protectionism. The challenges of the day, from financial security to climate change, were global problems that could not be solved by any one government.
"The answers lie in international co-operation," he said. "Unless we do it together, financial security will not be on the agenda for some time."
