Peking University, Beijing, June 7, 2010: On the afternoon of June 2, Dr. Yu Woo-ik, Republic of Korea (ROK) Ambassador to China, paid a visit to Peking University and delivered a speech entitled “The true road of development.” Prior to the speech, Prof. Li Qiang, Assistant President of Peking University, had a meeting with Dr. Yu Woo-ik, exchanging ideas about the current status of communication and cooperation between universities of China and ROK. Teachers from PKU School of International Studies and School of Foreign Languages also attended the meeting.

After the meeting, Dr. Yu Woo-ik delivered a speech to over a hundred students of Peking University at the Chaitai International Center. On emphasizing the importance of development, he began with his own experience of growing, and pointed out that a nation or a district making the best of its conditions and potential to lead its people to a life of happiness is what development is all about. This happiness does not lie merely in materials; it is more a spiritual content. Pursuing the true development entails balancing the material development and its side effect, trying to share the fruits of development with all the people. Justness in opportunities should be desired, while the “one size for all” approach objected. Moreover, development should be combined with the general values including liberty, equality and human rights. And finally, development is a notion of time so that it should be aimed at future and for the benefits of our posterity, rather than lingering on “now.”

Dr. Yu Woo-ik believed that development is ultimately determined by the people themselves, especially the leaders who are in charge of development plans. Peking University tops in China, whose students have an important influence on the future development of China, Asia and even the whole world. Dr. Yu therefore raised three expectations for the PKU students. Firstly, keep an open mind and strive to learn new knowledge in this trend of globalization. Secondly, be creative and discontent of the reality; think over the past and pursue the future of diversity. Finally, learn to be restrained and helpful and make ourselves a better person in harmonious existence with other people.

During the Q&A session following the speech, Dr. Yu Woo-ik had a deep discussion with students present about heated issues such as fostering development of the diplomatic relations and safeguarding social fairness.

Edited By: Connie Chang

Translated By: Chen Long

Source: PKU News (Chinese)