In a speech to students and guests at the School of Public Policy and Management on March 18, UN Under-Secretary General Zephirin Diabre said that globalization has the potential to eradicate poverty and build a more equal world.

Mr. Diabré , who is also Associate Administrator of United Nations Development Programme , met with Tsinghua Vice President Gong Ke prior to the speech.

Following a brief introduction of Tsinghua by Vice President Gong, Mr. Diabré delivered a speech on “ China and Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities,” saying that globalization is the hallmark of the new millennium.

“From the information superhighway to international trade, from the phenomenal impact of the Nike culture to global media, the subject of globalization has come to concern us all,” said Mr. Diabré.

He said he firmly believes that the forces of globalization and trade can work together to wipe out poverty and create a more balanced world order.

Mr. Diabre closed his speech by asking the young people to work to expand the opportunities for poor people everywhere.

“Together, we will make a difference,” he said.

After the speech, Mr. Diabré answered questions from the students.

Reported by Li Han