“Global Citizenship and Global Education”
23 November 2019, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Thank you for your warm introduction.
H.E. Mr. Mohammad Abdul Hamid, President of Bangladesh and Chancellor of Brac University,
H.E. Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh,
H.E. Dr. Dipu Moni, Education Minister of Bangladesh,
Ms. Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of Brac University,
Distinguished Guests,
Students and Faculty, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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.
My special recognition goes to H.E. Mr. Mohammad Abdul Hamid, President of Bangladesh and Chancellor of Brac University, for his national leadership and for harnessing this university’s academic resources into a strong commitment to global engagement and service.
More than ever before, the world needs a new generation of thinkers and doers.
We need thinkers who can appreciate the scale and the depth of the global challenges before us. And we need doers who will not hesitate to step forward with the courage to take action to confront these challenges.
Students and Faculty, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In today’s era of increasing division and uncertainty, we must elevate our support for the transformational power of education at all levels. And it is also necessary to redouble our efforts to empower students and graduates and provide them with viable pathways for meaningful employment.
This will help combat inequality, cultivate deeper cultural understanding, enhance peace and reconciliation, and fortify mutual respect in the minds of lifetime learners.
At the moment, conflict and climate change are harming nations and stunting development. There are over 70 million refugees and forcibly displaced people who need our support, solidarity, and sustainable solutions. And misinformation disseminated through the internet and social media is sowing discord in many societies.
However, despite the many serious problems that we face, we are also living in an era of historic global prosperity.
Today, people are living longer, healthier lives. Children have better access to quality education. And technology, trade, and tourism bring us all closer together, allowing for greater collaboration across vast distances and between diverse cultures.
As United Nations Secretary-General, I strived to advance the power of education, empower women and girls, and promote the spirit of global citizenship and partnerships.
This was critical in bringing the entire world together to agree to the UN’s 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Climate Agreement. These were two of my biggest achievements as they provide humanity, and our planet, with a collaborative blueprint to ensure the future we want.
But it is young people and women who are absolutely essential to the UN’s international efforts to achieve the SDGs, tackle climate change, and build peaceful societies.
Consider the fact that young people and women comprise at least 75% of world’s population.
Indeed, you are the true enablers to achieve our sustainable development and climate goals, as well as the dynamic global citizens of tomorrow.
However, if we continue to hold back half of the world’s population; it will be impossible to reach our full potential. The bottom line is that, to date, no country on earth has achieved true gender equality and violence against women remains depressingly high all across the world, and at all income levels.
Therefore, we simply must do more to combat this scourge and empower all women and girls everywhere.
In this regard, I believe that global citizenship can serve as a unique tool to help solve some of our most pressing challenges and assist us in reaching our global goals. Global citizens identify not as a member of a nation, but instead, as a member of humanity more largely.
They are understanding and tolerant of other people, cultures, and religions. They fight for gender equality, the protection of our planet, and human rights for all.
They are committed to service and helping others, including refugees and immigrants. They build bridges rather than construct walls.
So for these reasons, I’ve been trying my best to help elevate global citizenship as a driving vision for young people around the world. I believe this will help provide young people and women with a greater say in their own destiny, as well as a greater stake in their own dignity.
Dear Students,
The challenges we face are simply too enormous to be left in the hands of few leaders. All of us have to work together for a more equitable world.
I have great confidence in today’s young generation. Your role is more vital than ever, both as rights-holders and as our next leaders. As the agents of change and dynamic global citizens of tomorrow,I encourage you to courageously stand up for both your future and our planet.
Harness your vision, future work, and continuing studies, to prioritize global action. Look outside your immediate surroundings, your city, and your country. Think beyond yourselves!
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.
You hold the keys to unlock a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous world.
And your voices are more powerful than you know.
Brac University 2019 graduates; I have no doubt that you will open the door to a better future for us all!
Congratulations! I thank you for your attention.