UB Distinguished Speakers Begins with former Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan

[Undergraduate Academies]

“… [You are] the first generation to truly call themselves ‘global citizens.’”

On Wednesday night in Alumni Arena, Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, started this year’s Distinguished Speaker Series. Annan stressed the importance of thinking globally, especially in today’s world. Throughout his talk, he was truly inspirational for students and offered though provoking insight about the state of today’s geopolitical world.

Citing his experience as Secretary General, Annan presented five points about the future of international relations to the audience:

1. In terms of security, we are all linked to one another. The UN was created in 1945 – if interdependence and security were important in 1945, how true is it today? With the spread of disease, the state of the global economy, failed states becoming havens for terrorists, etc., we need to recognize our interdependence. We must realize our responsibility to protect citizens of states where their government turns on them – the UN needs to help those who cannot protect themselves.
2. We must work hard towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs). [MGDs = a set of 8 goals that focus on improving the conditions in developing countries around the world; these plans were implemented by Kofi Annan in 2000 during his time as Secretary General.]
3. Security and development depends on Human Rights and the Rule of Law. We cannot be divided by religion or culture; we must stress the commonalities.
4. In the international arena, we must account for non-state actors. Groups around the world, especially terrorist cells, are not “state actors” – they are non-state actors.
5. In order to accomplish our goals, we have to work together.