At the invitation of Peking University Top Scholars Lecture Program and the Beijing Forum for High-End Speeches, the former UN secretary-general, 2001 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, visited Peking University from April 21st to the 22nd. Mr. Annan was accompanied by Mr. Lamin Sise, his senior adviser, and General Zaw Win, the Senior Official of the United Nations Secretariat.
April 21, 2015
On the morning of April 21st, Ke Yang, executive vice president of Peking University, welcomed Mr. Annan and his delegation. Ms. Ke reviewed the deep and long-lasting relations between Mr. Annan and Peking University. As early as 1998, Mr. Annan had sent his congratulation on the Centennial Anniversary of Peking University. In 2004, during the first Beijing forum, he appointed Joseph Reed, Vice Secretary General of the United Nations, to send his best wishes on his behalf. In 2006, when his term as president of the United Nations was coming to an end, Mr. Annan visited Peking University for the first time, and his speech caused heated discussions among academia and the public.
Shortly afterwards, Mr. Annan had discussions with Peking University scholars and student representatives under the topic “Some Key Points in the World Order”. The meeting was chaired by Professor Yuan Ming, vice president of Peking University International Institute for strategic studies. Other participants included, Professor Jia Qingguo, Dean of the University of International Relations, Fu Jun, Executive Vice President of the School of Government, Wang Peiyu, Vice President and Director of the School of public health, Li Anshan, Head of the Africa Research Center, Lv Zhi, Director of the Natural Protection and Social Development Research Center, and scholars from other fields also attended. Additionally, student representatives from the Model United Nations of Peking University (AIMUN) and the Student International Communications Association (SICA) attended the session.
At the forum, Annan first shared his ideas about the tremendous changes in recent years and how the United Nations dealt with the challenges. Then, according to their fields of study and interests, scholars shared their opinions on the current world order. Mr. Annan emphasized the importance and necessity of strengthening international cooperation in various aspects. The attending students also voiced their thoughts. Finally, Mr. Annan concluded the session with a few comments and expressed his blessings to the young hearts and minds of Peking University.
Mr. Annan said that it has been a pleasure to be invited and he is deeply impressed by Peking University students. Judging from the questions they raised, students must have put much thought into issues regarding international affairs and human civilization. He hopes that he shall be able to revisit Peking University in the future, and expressed his best wishes for the Beijing Forum. Finally, Zhu Shanlu, secretary of the Board of Regents of Peking University, on behalf of Peking University, presented Mr. Annan with a set of commemorative envelopes jointly issued by the United Nations Postal Department, the Beijing forum, and the Chinese Philatelic Corporation.
April 22, 2015
On April 22nd, Lin Jianhua, president of Peking University presented Mr. Annan with the "Peking University Top Scholars Lecture Plan" medal and certificate. President Lin Jianhua paid his tribute to Mr. Annan for his effort in eliminating conflicts, fighting poverty and said that his contributions would never be forgotten. Mr. Annan then gave his keynote speech entitled "Towards a More Harmonious World Order”. More than 300 teachers and students were lucky enough to attend the session. After his keynote speech, Mr. Annan welcome questions from the audience during the question and answer session. Peking University students raised questions on climate change, technology transfers, gender issues, and peacekeeping operations.
Background Info:
Kofi Atta Annan (born April 8, 1938) is a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006. Annan and the United Nations were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world". He is the founder and the Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as the chairman of The Elders, a group founded by Nelson Mandela.
Peking University Top Scholars Lecture Plan
Echoing the spirit of promoting academic prosperity and cultivating talents, Peking University created the Peking University Top Scholars Lecture Plan in order to gather top leaders in the world of academia and many other fields to give lectures, courses, and participate in cooperative research at Peking University.
Beijing Forum for High-End Speeches
Around the theme “Harmony and Common Prosperity of Civilizations", the Beijing forum has successfully held many high-end speeches and dialogues with prestigious scholars.
Written by Zheng Zihui ("Sheryl")
