Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has come to address Brac University’s (BU) 13th Convocation on 23 November, 2019, as the commencement speaker. This was the first time he spoke at a convocation overseas.
Mr Ban Ki-moon accepted the invitation of BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Chang. The former Secretary-General supports education, global citizenship and energising students, and has been a lifelong believer of the possibilities of education and youth. He expressed his admiration and consideration for the next generation in his speech:
“It is my great privilege to speak with you this afternoon on the momentous Occasion of the 13th Convocation Ceremony of Brac University here in beautiful Dhaka.
I’m incredibly grateful for this honor, and it is quite meaningful to have the opportunity to say a few words to you at such an important juncture for young people, for our planet, and for our collective future.”
The convocation at the Bangladesh Army Stadium was chaired by Honourable President and BU Chancellor Md Abdul Hamid. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdul Momen and BU Board of Trustees Chairperson Tamara Hasan Abed also spoke at the event. Other members of the Board of Trustees were present at the ceremony. In total more than 9,000 people attended the event.
Earlier, Professor Chang and Foreign Minister Dr Momen received Mr Ban Ki-moon at the airport and sent him off on Saturday night following the visit lasting less than 24 hours. The Convocation was Ban Ki-moon’s second meeting with Professor Chang since he joined BU. In July, Mr Ban already attended the meeting of the Dhaka Meeting of the Global Commission on Adaptation. Ban Ki-moon provided empowering and inspiring messages for the graduates for their journey after graduation:
“We need to ensure that the UN’s global goals are local business; here in Dhaka and beyond.
We only have one planet, and our ability to sustain it will ultimately dictate our collective future.”