We begin in Australia where the country is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures. Bob Hawke, one of Australia's longest-serving prime ministers died on Thursday at the age of 89. He is well-known for his contributions to transforming the nation's economy. Our correspondent Greg Navarro has more from Sydney. 

GREG NAVARRO SYDNEY "Well news continues to spread across Australia tonight here at Thursday evening about the passing of the nation's 23rd prime minister Bob Hawke at the age of 89 with his contributions to the economy both within the country and within the region, as well as his incredible ability to connect with voters and come across the average person that helped to get him one of the highest approval rating of any prime minister within Australia."

Bob Hawke's confidence was evident to people who knew him, even as a child growing up in South Australia. So was his intellect, which helped him win a trip to Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar in the 1950's.

STEWART JACKSON LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY "He wouldn't come across as the smartest person in the room unless you started talking about detail in policy."

While at Oxford, the young Hawke won notoriety for setting a world record for downing a yard glass of beer. It was a skill he was never shy about displaying - even later in life.

MARK ROLFE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES "He appealed to what Australians call the larrikin, the rascal, who is very popular and breaks convention at times, who loved his sport, who loved drinking."

Hawke's ability to connect with the average person helped him to rise quickly as a union leader, and then make the switch into politics. He won his first election as Prime Minister in 1984 by an overwhelming majority.

MARK ROLFE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES "A man who loved people who, when he was a politician, loved to campaign and get out amongst the people, even for the enjoyment of meeting voters and that showed in his popularity ratings for the 1984 election in which he was getting 75% in the polls and that is unheard of both before and since."

Bob Hawke went on to win two more elections and serve as Australia's Prime Minister for 8 years. During that time, he helped revamp the country's economy, improved economic cooperation across the Asia Pacific by forming APEC, and promoted trade. Hawke is also credited with instituting the country's current universal healthcare system.

"Every Australian from newborn babe to Prime Minister can share in the cheapest, fairest and simplest health insurance scheme Australia's ever had."

STEWART JACKSON LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY "A politician who can be Prime Minister for 8 years means he was successful. A man who took the potential for what we might call the Reagan or Thatcher policies, he enacted them in Australia."

Bob Hawke's popularity within his own party began to fade and in 1991 he conceded his party's leadership and resigned as Prime Minister. His popularity among the public also declined after Hawke divorced his wife of nearly 40 years to marry his biographer and longtime mistress. He continued to remain politically active and, in 1995, helped form the Boao Forum, which promotes economic development and cooperation across Asia.

BOB HAWKE LATE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER "You're right, I am proud of it because it has stood the test of time."

Hawke's public appeal also stood the test of time, enjoying a resurgence later in life - thanks to a natural ability to connect to the people around him.

GREG NAVARRO SYDNEY "There's no doubt there will be countless tributes around the country in the coming days to remember Bob Hawke. He's not only been one of the country's most effective but also most popular leaders. Greg Navarro, CGTN, Sydney."