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AROUND THE QUADS

Annan Speaks of U.N.
Reform at Campus Panel

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan was a keynote speaker on October 17 in Low Library at "New Perspectives on Reforming the United Nations," a forum co-sponsored by the Center for International Conflict Resolution and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The summit took place a month after the U.N. General Assembly summit that discussed reform for the institution in response to growing criticisms.

Annan spoke in defense of the world summit, referring to its advancement of the Millennium Development Goals and achievement in social and economic development. He did, however, acknowledge the need for reform in response to a USIP report. "I would say that we got our foot in the door, but that only with a lot more pushing will we actually get through and convert the general statements in the outcome document into specific, tangible improvements in the U.N.’s performance - improvements that make a real difference to the lives of people around the world," Annan said.

Annan also spoke about the main areas of reform efforts, including terrorism, human rights, peace-building and management reform, suggesting optimism about reform and possibilities of change in the near future.

Other guests at the forum included Mark Malloch Brown, Chef du Cabinet of the Secretary-General; Edward C. Luck, SIPA professor of professional practice; Danielle Pletka, v.p., foreign and defense policy studies, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research; Lee Feinstein, senior fellow, Council on Foreign Relations; former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell (D-Maine); USIP President Richard Solomon; and University President Lee C. Bollinger.

Maryam Parhizkar ’09

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