Secretary of State Colin Powell may be in Central Asia trying to resolve globally significant issues, but he hasn’t forgotten about the kids at home. Next month, Powell will participate in a global forum sponsored by MTV, the Music Television network, network executives said Tuesday.
Powell’s appearance will give young people around the world the opportunity to ask the secretary questions about global issues. He will speak from Washington to viewers via the Internet and at specific locations in the United States, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Russia and nations in the Middle East where MTV is broadcast.
“Giving a voice to young people and access to world leaders is something we are very passionate about,” said Judy McGrath, president of the MTV Group.
MTV has frequently held Rock the Vote events at presidential political campaign stops, most recently at the 2000 Democratic and Republican party conventions, and earned its mark in campaign history when one viewer managed to elicit an admission from former President Clinton that he prefers “mostly briefs” over boxer shorts.
It won’t be the first time Powell has talked frankly with young people. Prior to becoming secretary of state, the former Army General and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff chaired America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping build the character and competence of young people.
MTV has a combined total of 375 million viewing households in those countries. The forum will air sometime in February.