Professor Fu Jun: World will remember a great man like Annan

World
Europe

07:03

Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, has died at the age of 80 in Bern, Switzerland, early on Saturday. As the world mourns the loss of a great man, CGTN invites Professor Fu Jun from Peking University to share his memory of Mr. Annan.

Professor Fu remembers Mr. Annan as a life-long fighter for the protection of human rights and upholder of the rule of law, as well as an active promoter of inclusive sustainable development.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan holds a meeting concerning Iraq on January 19, 2004. /VCG Photo

Fu said he was one of the admirers of Annan’s charisma. He praised Mr. Annan’s call on the world to pay more attention to the spreading of the HIV-AIDs.

Fu also quoted Annan’s famous words on sustainable growth, another key area the leader had focused on: “No calling is nobler, responsibility greater, for our work to enable men and women, children in every city and village in the world to have a better life.”

And to put these words into reality, Mr. Annan manages to pass the Millennium Development Goals, including civic and cooperate worlds into the effort.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan consoles family members of victims of a massacre on February 17, 2000. /VCG Photo

Fu said Annan had a great relationship with China. The former UN Secretary-General said China’s interpretation of a harmonious society echoes UN’s definition of a healthy democratic society - peace and stability, economic development, and respect for the rule of law and human rights. He said developing countries should learn from China’s experience of poverty alleviation and economic growth.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan visits the Forbidden City on April 1, 1998. /VCG Photo

Fu also remembers Annan as a strong supporter of the One-China policy, sticking to the fact that Taiwan is a part of China.

Professor Fu said Anna’s passing is a great loss to the world, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.