“You Have the Power” to Affect Future, Kofi Annan Tells SIPA Delegation

About 70 students from SIPA’s UN Studies Working Group (UNSWG) attended a recent lecture by Kofi Annan on “New World Disorder: Challenges for the UN in the 21st Century.” The October 23 event was hosted by the Foreign Policy Association.

Annan, a former UN secretary-general, discussed the need for leadership with foresight, the challenges caused by globalization, and the necessity of international institutions that change as the world changes. Some memorable quotes:

• “Democracy is not a panacea.”
• “Afghanistan and Iraq have shown us the failure of military solutions. We cannot only have use of force, but use of force with coherent political strategy adapted to deeply fractured societies.”
• “We need brave leaders who put the next generation ahead of the next election.”

SIPA students were pleased when Annan mentioned the School’s delegation near the outset of his speech.

“I just want to say how wonderful it is to see so many young people,” he said. “I know SIPA sent a group of [many] students. Young people have the power to create impact.”

Annan posed for a photo with the SIPA group, reiterating a comment he made earlier in the evening about the role young people can play in shaping the world: “I meant what I said—you have the power.”

Thanks to Maggie Li MIA ’15 of the UN Studies Working Group, who provided the account from which this was adapted and abridged. To see the original version, visit UNSWG online.