Taking on the world, one forum at a time

Today, the first World Leaders Forum event will take place at Low Library, featuring Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York and Mayor Boris Johnson of London. They will kick off an ongoing conversation that aims to address some of the major issues facing both cities. The World Leaders Forum provides Columbia students with unique opportunities to engage with some of the top policymakers and politicians of the world, one they should take part in as much as possible.

Since University President Lee Bollinger established the World Leaders Forum in 2003, the conference has brought prominent figures such as Bill Clinton, the Dalai Lama, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to campus. This year’s guest list features Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (Sept. 21) and former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan (Sept. 23), among others. Seven events are already set for September, and as Bollinger invites more speakers throughout the year, more will be scheduled in the months ahead. Even though controversial speakers tend to garner the most attention, each brings valuable insight and experience. If possible, professors should integrate the forum events into their classes. Students in classes related to the topics of discussion should be given permission to attend the events instead of class should the times coincide. Students who do attend should share their experiences with those who could not attend.

We look forward to the launch of this year’s World Leaders Forum today. The dialogue between the two mayors promises to be an insightful discussion on the future of these two urban centers. It is fitting that the first World Leaders Forum event of the year features Bloomberg, one of our local leaders. Since New York is a global city, intertwined in world politics and the world economy, the forum should continue to tap into the ambassadors, diplomats, and other leaders that make this city their home.

As Columbia continues to reaffirm its commitment to dialogue and international exchange, we should take advantage of the opportunities that living in New York and attending Columbia University have given us.