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Barack Obama awarded honorary degree from Queen's University Belfast
Overview
Former US President Barack Obama has received an honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast. During his acceptance speech, he praised Northern Ireland's progress through the Good Friday Agreement, discussed the fragility of democracy, and challenged the younger generation to continue building an inclusive future.
Key points
- Former US President Barack Obama was awarded an honorary degree from Queen's University Belfast.
- During his acceptance speech, Obama praised the Good Friday Agreement as a shining example of choosing peace.
- He emphasized that peace and democracy are not inevitable and must be actively chosen.
- Obama met with students, including first-year law student Emma McAllister, who benefited from a cross-community leadership programme.
- University President Professor Sir Ian Greer praised Obama's global commitment to peace, dialogue and public service.