Nobel Peace Prize 2010 Presentation Speech | Summary and Q&A

Summary

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 to Liu Xiaobo for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental rights in China. This decision reflects the committee's belief in the close connection between human rights and peace. However, Liu Xiaobo is unable to attend the ceremony as he is currently imprisoned, which emphasizes the necessity and appropriateness of the award. This award serves to remind the world of the importance of human rights, democracy, and peace.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you provide examples of previous Nobel laureates who were unable to attend the ceremony due to political reasons?

Yes, there have been several instances where Nobel laureates were prevented from attending the ceremony or faced condemnation from their own country's authorities. In 1935, Carl von Ossietzky was unable to attend due to Adolf Hitler's prohibition on Germans accepting any Nobel Prize. Andrei Sakharov, Liu Xiaobo, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi faced similar situations in 1975, 2010, and 1991 respectively. Despite being unable to attend, these laureates made significant contributions and were recognized for their noble efforts.

Q: How familiar is the Norwegian Nobel Committee with Liu Xiaobo?

Although none of the committee members have personally met Liu Xiaobo, they have closely studied him over a long period of time. They are aware of his background and achievements, such as his involvement in the pro-democracy movement in China and his advocacy for non-violence. Despite not having a personal connection, the committee feels that they know Liu Xiaobo well through their extensive research and observation.

Q: Can you provide more information about Liu Xiaobo's background and his involvement in the democracy movement in China?

Liu Xiaobo was born in China's Jilin province in 1955 and pursued higher education, including a bachelor's degree in literature and a master's degree and PhD in Beijing. In 1989, he participated in the pro-democracy movement and became one of the leaders of the hunger strike at Tiananmen Square. He advocated for democracy and non-violence, aiming to find a peaceful resolution to the tension between the students and the government. Although he was only partially successful, the movement had a significant impact and Liu Xiaobo became a turning point in his country's history.

Q: What are some of Liu Xiaobo's accomplishments in the field of human rights?

Besides his active involvement in the pro-democracy movement, Liu Xiaobo served as the president of the independent Chinese pen Center from 2003 to 2007. He has written nearly 800 essays, many of which focus on human rights and democracy. In 2008, he played a key role in the drafting of the Charter 08, a document defending fundamental human rights. This charter has been signed by thousands of individuals both in China and abroad. Despite facing imprisonment and oppression, Liu Xiaobo has consistently advocated for the protection of human rights and the upholding of China's own Constitution.

Q: What is the significance of China's economic growth and its impact on the world?

China has experienced rapid economic growth for several decades, becoming the world's second-largest economy. Its success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty is commendable, and it deserves credit for it. China, with its 1.3 billion people, has the potential to influence the fate of mankind. If the country can develop a social market economy with full civil rights, it will have a positive impact on the world. However, if it fails to embrace civil rights, there is a danger of an economic crisis, which would have negative consequences globally. Therefore, China's economic progress must be balanced with the respect for human rights and the fostering of democracy.

Q: How does the connection between peace, human rights, and democracy manifest in today's world?

Research has shown that peace is closely associated with human rights and democracy. There is a strong correlation between democratic countries and the absence of conflicts among them. While democracies may engage in wars against non-democratic nations or pursue colonial ventures, there is no example of one democracy going to war against another. The fraternity between nations, mentioned by Alfred Nobel, can only be achieved through the promotion of human rights and democracy. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the importance of these values in creating a more peaceful world.

Takeaways

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo serves as a reminder that human rights, democracy, and peace are intertwined. The committee believes that China's future development is deeply connected to its ability to embrace civil rights and engage in open dialogue. The increased responsibility of a powerful nation like China necessitates transparency, criticism, and improvement. Despite the criticisms and obstacles faced by Liu Xiaobo and other human rights activists, their struggle represents the common values and standards of the global community. It is essential to recognize the contributions of those who fight for human rights and democracy, as they shape our world and pave the way for a brighter future.