Editor’s notes: On 21-22 April, 2015, Mr. Kofi Annan, President of Kofi Annan Foundation, former Secretary-General of United Nations and winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, led his delegation to extend visiting and exchange activities in Peking University. Prof. Yuan Ming, Vice President of Institute of International and Strategic Studies Peking University (IISS) fully participated in Mr. Annan’s events and hosted his speech contest. Student Assistant Chen Yuhui of IISS, also a doctoral student in School of International Studies Peking University, was honored to accompany Prof. Yuan to Mr. Annan’s visiting in Peking University and wrote up a “Sidelight on Prof. Yuan Ming accompanying Kofi Annan-Winner of Nobel Peace Prize and Former Secretary-General of UN- to His Visiting”. The full text reads as follows:

April sees grass sprouting out of the earth and warblers flying in the sky as well as an old friend long expected by Peking University setting foot on campus again after 6 years-Mr. Kofi Annan, winner of Nobel Peace Prize and former Secretary-General of Prof. Yuan Ming UN, His old friend, Vice President of IISS and a member of the UN Foundation’s the board of directors, escorted him at symposiums and lectures during his stay at Peking University.

At Peking University, Mr. Annan is still regarded as one of well-known distinguished international personage, though it’s been nearly ten years since Mr. Annan retired from the position in the biggest international organization-United Nations. His popularity was made fun of by Prof. Yuan Ming when the discussion began on the first day, and Mr. Annan himself also talked about amusing stories after his retire. The meeting surrounded by a peaceful and pleasing atmosphere embraced young scholars sitting in such as Dr. Lei Shaohua, Senior Research Fellow of IISS, which casted a light on the multiply repeated subject by predecessors like Mr. Annan and Prof. Yuan Ming: how the world will change depends on the young generation, and then the following revolution will emerge expectations for peace of human beings. 

Mr. Annan presented his own views on global governance in the symposium with PKU scholars and students. He focused his attention on the issue that “the world has changed” and combined his own long-term practical experiences in UN with setting forth both benefits and potential dangers of such tendency. Scholars from PKU professionally raised many questions tallying with global governance, while young students proposed their own outlook and anticipation on international matters. Despite the various ages and nationalities of participants, they witnessed chords and sparks again and again when exchanging opinions on the world order’s evolving.

The uncertainty of world structure was outlined in dialogue:

“The ancient cultures, such as China and India, are retrieving their positions, either gained or deserved to gain in history, in international affairs.”

The determination to transform global governance was passed on in dialogue:

“I’ve been advocating reforms for years. The world is changing, so international organizations call for adjustment.”

The young generation was loaded with high hopes in dialogue:

 “You will lead the world. Filled with our anticipation, you will have an infinitely broad future.”

The dialogue was good to the last word during just over one hour.  Mr. Annan struck everybody’s heart by the way his wise. Prof. Yuan Ming delivered her sincere appreciation to him on behalf of all attendance.

The next day, Mr. Annan gave a public speech titled “Towards A More Harmonious World Order” at Ying Jie Conference Center, Peking University, where Prof. Yuan Ming presided again as invited. Mr. Annan put forward that China could positively participate in reconstructing a new international order adaptive to new situations under increasing globalization and connection among countries currently. He quoted the conceptual “harmony” in Chinese culture when indicating that “peace and security, sustainably compatible development and human rights and the law” are three factors commonly laying a foundation for harmonious and prosperous development of the society. In Q&A session, Prof. Yuan Ming highly appraised Mr. Annan’s speech, recalled his affection and relationship with PKU and initiatively introduced some students asking questions.

Mr. Annan said that PKU students’ questions revealed the youth focus and concern on international affairs and our civilization progress in 21st century. By the end of the presentation, Prof. Yuan Ming took the lead in standing up and greeting his speech with a storm of applause to congratulate the old friend as he had been invited to be one of scholars of “Peking University Global Fellowship.”

Among the vital advantages and tasks of international and strategic think tanks relied on colleges and universities is to build a platform for Chinese younger generation to communicate with the world’s top elites. As a top one of such think tanks in China, IISS based on PKU resources has contributed greater efforts to these activities. Take “The 2014 North Pavilion Dialogue” held by IISS for instance. In this dialogue, Prof. Yuan Ming and Honorary President Dai Bingguo attended the young students’ interchange of ideas with India’s National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon. All of those present was deeply impressed by the frank atmosphere, sparks of thought and the surging vitality “belonging to youths in Peking University”. From now on, IISS will not only continue to support and construct such bridges but also and create working methods and achievement forms by attracting more young blood into its daily undertaking, aiming to devote itself to vibrant new-style think tank with Chinese characteristics.