Archives of Peking University News - PKU English - 北京大学

北京大学英语新闻网/Peking University News
Mr. Figueres thought high of China‘s fast and lasting economic development and
said countries in Latin America should learn from the emerging world factory
especially on that ―China sucks up the world foreign direct investment.‖ When asked
to comment on the unbalance in China‘s development and the increased income
gap, Figueres didn‘t hide his admiration and replied: ―Look at yourself! You are a
miracle!‖ He concluded the question with a Spanish Proverb ―If development was
easy, we would all be developed‖, by which he meant to point out that ―Development
is extremely complex.‖
Meanwhile, he looked into some major risks ahead in an information society,
including external shocks (low global growth). Only by competitiveness can we
mitigate risks and finance the ―virtuous circle‖. We also should have free trade
agreements. Then he told the story of Nike shoes: At the beginning, Nike hired
children labor, which raised the dissatisfaction of consumers. When consumers felt
enough with the policy of Nike and were not going to buy their products, Nike
changed their policy and through many hurdles and obstacles, it is now a very
responsible cooperation.
Approaching the end of his lecture, Jose mentioned the ―black hole theory‖, that is to
get energy through sucking up foreign investments. He said hopefully that we need
to foster our well-being in the present, while we ensure the great balance in society
that would contribute to the long term development.
Marked with Mr. Figueres‘ humor, passion and insight, the speech was accompanied
with understanding laughter from the involved audience.
Mr. Jose is Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, Switzerland. He is
also founder of the Costa Rica Foundation for Sustainable Development. He was
educated at United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated with
an Engineering degree and at the Kennedy School of Public Administration, Harvard
University where he obtained his MPA.
Edited By : Liu Li
Related Topic :
Related News :
Related Feedback:
1180