Kofi Annan

Well, this is the first non photo of the year post in quite a while.  I wonder how much action the blog will see now, without Photo of the day to keep me going!

Last Sunday, I was very privileged to attend a lecture by Kofi Annan, former general secretary of the UN.  It was part of the Celebrations for Exeter College's 700th anniversary.  My friend who was at Exeter had managed to get tickets for her and offered to take me as her guest.  In the end she wasn't able to attend, so John managed to pass off as her instead!  It was in the Sheldonian Theatre and I liked our seats in the circle looking directly at the side of Kofi.

The lecture was entitled something like 'The future of Africa - Challenges and Opportunities'.  I did enjoy it, I do have an interest in Africa. I was quite fascinated by the fact that John Kufour was in the front row of the audience - former president of Ghana (where Kofi is from) and graduate of Exeter College.  As Kofi mentioned Ghana a lot, I did find myself wondering what John would be thinking and whether Kofi would be different without him there.  Do need to wikipedia John now!  Seems fairly positive.

There was also a question and answer session at the end with some interesting ones and hard hitting ones - though maybe not so hard hitting answers.  I developed quite a dislike for the guy compering it (do you call it a compere in this situation?!) who was either the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor of the university - he seemed to have such an 'Oxford Voice' to me.  I definitely feel I am developing more of a dislike of Oxford the further I get from being there!

Kofi and his talk gave John and I quite a desire to go to Ghana and do our bit.  I wonder if we shall?!