ByGeorge!

Sept. 17, 2003

Powell Addresses US Foreign Policy

Secretary Joins GW for Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

By Greg Licamele

As the Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) officially opened the doors of GW’s new 1957 E St. facility, US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell (MBA ’71, DPS ’90) delivered a major policy address about the very topics students — and the world — are engaged in right now. His speech focused on the war on terrorism, Iraq, the Middle East peace process, European alliances, China and a host of other topics that confront the world today.

“Our relations among the major nations of the world will remain a key structural element that will shape the future of international security,” Powell said. “We must not take the present peace among the major powers for granted. That peace will not just take care of itself as time passes. We have to work at it, and we will. We will remain engaged. Yes, of course we want to promote democracy in the world now. We want to help people raise themselves from poverty now. We want to transform the inadequate system of global public health now. We are in pursuit of these goals, too, now. But only if the deep peace of our era can be preserved, defended and expanded, can our long-term goals be achieved.”

Before his address to a capacity crowd at Lisner Auditorium on Sept. 5, Powell was joined by members of the GW community, including President Trachtenberg, Board of Trustees Chair Charles Manatt and ESIA Dean Harry Harding in cutting the ceremonial ribbon on the new home to ESIA, the Department of Geography, a residence hall and an executive education suite.

“Now that you have put up the new building, now that you have shaped it, my young friends, may it shape you as you go from strength to strength,” Powell said. “As you prepare yourself to become the new leaders of this great nation in the 21st century, GW will prepare you for that in an absolutely outstanding way.”


Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu

 

GW News Center

Related Links

Powell Headlines 1957 E St. Opening

Full coverage of Powell's visit

GW Home Page Sept. 17 Cover