Tag: Macalester College

Decrying a recent trend toward authoritarianism in western politics, Kofi Annan on Monday afternoon urged mainstream politicians “to stop thinking of the next election and think of the next generation.” The former secretary-general of the United Nations was the keynote speaker at a reception celebrating the 30th anniversary of Books for Africa, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that collects and ships books to that continent. Annan attended the event at the University Club with his wife, Nane Annan, and former vice president Walter Mondale. “People will tell you that democracy is receding and we are seeing autocrats come into power all over,” Annan said. “I would hope that the pendulum will swing back — swing back to the sensible middle.” Annan said economic inequality — such as after the 2008 financial crisis — left many people susceptible to easy promises from strongman leaders, but he added that he hopes this will be a passing phase. “I would also urge mainstream politicians to have a bit of courage,” he said. “I would urge them to stop thinking of the next election and think of the next generation.” In prepared remarks, Annan also stressed the importance of literacy and education in promoting global stability, praising the progress made by Books for Africa, which ships more books to the continent than any other organization. A 1961 graduate of Macalester College, Annan was also in town for the dedication of the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship at his alma mater earlier in the day. “It started here in 1959 when I came as a student. “I have believed for a long time, and I’ve repeated it time and again, that you’re never too young to lead,” he said at the University Club. Related Articles