Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown Addresses NYU Shanghai

Sep 12 2013

On the evening of September 12th, Dr. James Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, visited NYU Shanghai to address the students. He spoke about the interdependence of nations and the need for international cooperation to solve the world’s most pressing issues. During his speech, Brown highlighted environmental damage and financial instability as two of the most important issues facing the world today. He described them as “global problems” that require “global solutions” from dozens of collaborating countries. Quoting inspiring leaders such as President John F. Kennedy, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, Brown advocated for change through international action and activism.
NYU Shanghai was a uniquely suited venue for this lecture, as our University mission brings together students from around the world to collaborate on these issues, among others facing our world today. Emphasizing the special opportunity that NYU Shanghai offers students, Brown spoke about the opportunity that students have to interact with classmates and professors from around the world. NYU Shanghai is a multicultural environment where students can come together to think creatively about tackling the world’s problems. Brown’s address inspired students to ask questions about the status quo and to view their classmates as partners in building a brighter future.