Bill Gates Speaks at Peking University

Good evening! Thank you, Professor Lin. It’s great to be here today. Peking University has an incredible history and I’m sure that, next year, as you celebrate its 120th anniversary, you will look back on the incredible contributions that you have made to this country ... Some of you may decide to work for charitable organizations that are making life better for most people in society. But even if you don’t end up doing that, or making big financial donations, there are many other ways of getting involved. Just learning about something, lending your voice or volunteering your time, is important. But now, I’ve also had the opportunity in my charity work to meet the people who apply their talents and passion in giving back with good grace. Many of these people are impatient to see the world to improve their optimist will. They believe in the possibility of change and are eager to do something about it. Doctors are courageous enough to risk their own lives to save the lives of others suffering from diseases. Entrepreneurs try their best to deliver life-saving drugs to remote villages by plane, and people of all walks of life volunteer to help the homeless. Maybe you are the person who wants to ensure that every child growing up in poverty has the nutrition they need to do their best in school. Maybe you want to design the battery that lights people’s desks at night, or the mobile technology that will allow people to start new businesses. No matter what your ambition is to improve the world, this is the best time and the best place to do it, and all of you have a great opportunity. I look forward to seeing what you’ll achieve. Thank you!