 Graduates, academic staff, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to be here with you today at your graduation from one of the finest universities in the world, focusing on Asia, Africa, and Middle East. In my capacity as president of SOAS, University of London, it is my pleasure to welcome you and our graduates, families, friends, and supporters to this occasion of celebration. As some of you may know, I've been a social and political activist for many decades, and I have advocated for women's and children's rights. I'm convinced that joining the SOAS family will enrich me personally and enlighten my work and the that of networks I'm associated with. It has been proved that education, SOAS, the seeds of transformation, depends our understanding of one another and of the world. It also helped us to build the bridges across cultures and nations. Madiba once said, I quote, education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Unquote. But for me, this can be summarized in one word, empowerment. SOAS offers a rare opportunity for students and academic staff to experience, on a daily basis, interaction and exposure to what they call a microcosm of the world. You will hardly find another place that brings together knowledge from Asia, Africa, and Middle East, and where rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, learning, discovery, and critical thinking are nurtured and enhanced. You have been blessed with an exceptional education. I urge you to use it wisely and apply the learnings you gained here to your personal life, at your workplace, in your communities, and in your countries to make a difference. For almost 100 years, SOAS has made a tremendous impact on the lives of those who have walked through its doors. And many have achieved positions of power and influence in their respective countries and regions. It is a huge concern that regions of SOAS focus, namely Asia, Africa, and Middle East, have been confronted with growing conflicts, fueled by political, religious, ethnic intolerance, inequality, and competition over resources. Perhaps this is the biggest challenge of your generation. It is my hope that you, young people, will raise to this challenge with creativity, resolve, and generosity. Do use your knowledge to break the cycle of violence and create a movement where, as humans, we value, respect, and accept difference in diversity as our common strength. This way, we nurture and live in peaceful and cohesive societies where social justice prevails. Let me now draw your attention to other issues close to my heart. Education for all, girls and boys, and mutual respect in relationships. As young women and men studying at SOAS, we are fortunate to have had equal opportunities and equal rights. But this is not the reality of millions of girls and boys. Too many girls are denied the right to education. Too many women experience gender-based violence. When you come across discrimination and such behaviors, do not turn a blind eye. Do not be indifferent to those injustices. When a girl is denied her right to education or when women are in abusive relationships, it is your dignity which is being affronted. Your personal freedom that you have been privileged with will never be complete while others are denied the same kind of freedom. As humans, we are able to influence our personal transformation as well as the transformation of the society we want. We are only limited by our own imagination. Before I conclude, I would like to leave with you some advice. One, take action and be passionate about what you do. Second, inform yourself at your times. Expand your knowledge constantly to sharpen the tools you need to serve society. Three, create your own definition of success. Money and power are often seen as measures of success. Yet for me, success is to have peace of mind attained through the knowledge that I made my best effort to do the best of which I am capable and to do everything within my power to reach out and work with others to provide a life of dignity for all. Four, be prepared to have setbacks and sometimes make mistakes since we all inevitably do so. What is important is what we learn from them. After setback, pick yourself up, keep your determination to pursue your purpose. You are much, much more stronger than you can think. Five, be prepared to make sacrifices for what you believe in. The end result will exceed your dreams. Six, take care of your family and friends. They will sustain you through difficult times and celebrate with you your successes. Congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. You will always be part of SOAS and SOAS will always be part of you. I thank you.