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    BEIJING, May 23 -- Though many of today's youth may feel helpless when it comes to making a difference in the world, students from Peking University will at least capture the attention of one world leader as Kofi Annan makes a stop in their campus Tuesday.
    
    About 30 students, mostly members of the university's Model United Nations Association and Students International Communication Association, will get the opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with the UN secretary general at the Peking University campus for about 30 minutes this morning.

    Participants in the discussion said they would like to question Annan more on such topics as the role of the United Nations in protecting the environment, eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

    "I don't want to touch upon too much on the hot topics of international issues as I believe he had enough of that during meetings with the leaders as well as in the media reports," said Zheng Yuan, a third-year law student, adding she would like to get the UN leader's thoughts on climate change and sustainable development.

    Being the head of Model United Nations Association of Peking University, Chen Guang said he is looking forward to meeting Annan.

    "Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies, and I want to know whether the ideas of our young people will make some contribution to the decisions that UN bodies make," Chen said.

    The students' dream of making a difference around the globe was echoed by Premier Wen Jiabao, who expressed his commitment to make unswerving efforts to help more developing countries eliminate poverty and seek development.

    Wen made the pledge during a meeting with Annan yesterday in downtown Beijing, saying China is willing to continue to support the work of the UN and its secretary general to help foster a harmonious world with lasting peace and development.

    He called on the United Nations to effectively carry out its mission and improve its authority and efficiency through the reform.

    In response, Annan spoke highly of China's role on the international stage, saying China has been actively supporting the Millennium Development Goals and has selflessly offered aid to African countries.

    He added that the country has also made notable contribution in the fight against bird flu, HIV/AIDS and malaria.

    State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan Monday also met with the UN secretary general and hosted a banquet in his honour.

    Annan will fly to Hanoi, Viet Nam today to kick off the fourth leg of his five-nation Asian tour.

    Prior to Beijing, Annan had visited Seoul and Tokyo, where he also had visited universities and held talks with the students. Enditem

    (Source: China Daily)

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan gestures as he talks to students during his visit to Beijing University in Beijing May 23, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)