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Program Highlights - Heads of State at Columbia University World Leaders Forum
New York, New York - October 21, 2005 - Eight heads of state -- representing countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America -- in New York City for the U.N. General Assembly meetings, opened Columbia University's 2005/06 World Leaders Forum. The heads of state shared their perspectives on the complex set of issues surrounding global development. Students, faculty, alumni and distinguished members of the greater New York City community joined these leaders in an open exchange of ideas. Program highlights included:
"The world is one, one planet, and the consequences will be the same for all of us if we do not act." Tarja Halonen, the first female president of Finland, delivered a speech on Sept. 12, 2005, titled "The Millennium Development Goals: Social Justice and Promotion of Equality," focusing on the UN Millennium Summit and globalization.
"We know what it takes to attain prosperity, and that is the continuing refinement of our institutions, and human development in an environment of democracy." Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, in a speech on Sept. 13, 2005, addressed the challenges of meeting the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, specifically with regards to Indonesia, and emphasized the need for global cooperation, local ownership, and an increased focus on rural infrastructure in all developing countries.
Mikheil Saakashvili, Law '94 and the President of the Republic of Georgia, spoke on Sept. 14, 2005 concerning how the Rose Revolution was more than a political revolution but also a cultural one that gave Georgian's their first true taste of freedom since Soviet rule. Five years ago President Shevardnadze himself had appointed Saakashvili the justice minister, but the young Columbia graduate resigned two years later protesting widespread corruption and cronyism among the Georgian leadership.
At the heart of Rwanda's development efforts is the last and perhaps the most important of all eight Millennium Development Goals—a global partnership for development. President Paul Kagame spoke on September 15, 2005, crediting partnerships—at the local, national, and global levels—for moving Rwanda forward on the path to a brighter future for all its citizens.
"What happened in Poland 25 years ago deserves to be called a turning point, .... But the idea of solidarity was not born in Poland. It is an eternal idea that goes to the core of what is best for humanity."
Polish President Kwasniewski, on September 15, 2005, addressed the geopolitical challenges his country is facing as a result of joining NATO and the European Union—particularly in regard to the war against terrorism, Poland's eastern policy, and the war in Iraq.
"Pakistan is determined to move forward as a very progressive, dynamic, moderate Islamic Republic of Pakistan and we want to continue along that line so that we can contribute to peace and harmony in the world and the progress of humankind."
President Pervez Musharraf's speech on September 16, 2005, entitled "Pakistan: Meeting the Challenge of Peace and Development" focused precisely on how he sees his own country's role in these two paramount global goals. Musharraf began his speech with a summary of the past quarter century of Pakistani history focusing primarily on the chaotic and violent series of political events in neighboring Afghanistan and their impacts on Pakistan during that period. He explained how Western support for various groups fighting against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan has left a legacy of armed, radical groups that continues to frustrate prospects for peace in his region today.
"We will not sell out democracy to the few to threaten violence if their demands are not met."
Referring to himself as a representative of "the youngest democracy in the world," President Jalal Talabani addressed the Columbia University World Leaders Forum on September 17, 2005, to discuss the two point strategy for his country's efforts to fight terrorism and fascism and to develop a constitution: build a security force and have an inclusive democratic political process for all Iraquis.
“I inherited a severely battered nation, ... But the killing and maiming has been abated by a commitment from people to end violence.”
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, the president of Sierra Leone and a former United Nations civil servant, spoke to a crowd in the Low Library Rotunda on Monday, Sept. 19 – the seventh day of the 2005 World Leaders Forum. His speech, “The Millennium Development Goals,” dealt with his country’s effort to implement the United Nations’ roadmap for economic and social prosperity. Kabbah said his government has chosen the path of non-violence in dealing with a rebel faction that has taken refuge in Sierra Leone’s hinterland and is mining diamonds to buy arms.
Founded in 1754 as King's College, Columbia University in the City of New York is one of the world's leading institutions of higher learning and research and a member of the Ivy League of U.S. colleges and universities. Columbia includes three undergraduate schools, 13 graduate and professional schools, a school of continuing education, four affiliated institutions, a world-class medical center, 22 libraries, and more than 100 research centers and institutes.
For more information regarding Columbia University's Heads of State Program, upcoming activities, and to arrange an interview with an expert from Columbia's World Leaders Forum Experts Bureau, please contact one of the individuals noted below:
| KWR International, Inc.
Keith W. Rabinemail: wlf@kwrintl.com
phone: +1-212-532-3005 |
Columbia University
Mariellen Gallagheremail: mg1152@columbia.edu
phone: +1-212-854-5573 |