Kofi Annan was yesterday's keynote speaker at the NAFSA conference opening plenary. The roll call of plenary speakers at this and previous conferences is certainly impressive - the former UN Secretary General did not disappoint. A softly spoken and humble man, his address was the perfect embodiment of the conference theme - ideals and impact. While others have chosen to focus on his ear muff story, there was much more substance in the reflections of this alum of Macalester College, St Paul, Minnesota. Canvassing such issues as illiteracy, gender inequality, climate change and the current US immigration debate, he also had enough grasp of the complexities of international education to remind us to bring the community into the IE discussion, to broaden both understanding and impact. This is critical - the impact of international education manifests itself on the individual, the institution, on national and global issues, but importantly, also on community. And community can be an important ally in our advocacy of the benefits of international education.
Annan reminded the audience that international students contribute US$20b annually to the economy, but moved on to the salient lesson of IE - the opportunity to promote dialogue and respect and increase understanding. He made the point that the immigration debate has painted diversity as a weakness, whereas the diversity of immigrant societies and the presence of international students is in fact an opportunity. We need to maximise the benefits of pluralism and build the ethos of global citizenship. Returned international students become leaders in their communities, and those who stay contribute to the community and economy in their host country.
Two final points important rounded out the plenary address. Annan bemoaned the decline of foreign language studies in developed countries, in my view a new and insidious form of cultural colonialism. He also made the point that this generation of young people (I don't think he meant me) is the first generation of truly global citizens, and we need to understand their perspective, energy and commitment. His initiative of online dialogue with young people ( see the Kofi Annan Dialogues Live http://bit.ly/17rMOtV) is inspired and inspiring. It is idealistic, but it just might have impact.
Annan reminded the audience that international students contribute US$20b annually to the economy, but moved on to the salient lesson of IE - the opportunity to promote dialogue and respect and increase understanding. He made the point that the immigration debate has painted diversity as a weakness, whereas the diversity of immigrant societies and the presence of international students is in fact an opportunity. We need to maximise the benefits of pluralism and build the ethos of global citizenship. Returned international students become leaders in their communities, and those who stay contribute to the community and economy in their host country.
Two final points important rounded out the plenary address. Annan bemoaned the decline of foreign language studies in developed countries, in my view a new and insidious form of cultural colonialism. He also made the point that this generation of young people (I don't think he meant me) is the first generation of truly global citizens, and we need to understand their perspective, energy and commitment. His initiative of online dialogue with young people ( see the Kofi Annan Dialogues Live http://bit.ly/17rMOtV) is inspired and inspiring. It is idealistic, but it just might have impact.
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