Obama praises Northern Ireland's progress since Good Friday Agreement

Former US President Barack Obama has received an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast, using the occasion to praise Northern Ireland’s progress since the Good Friday Agreement and encourage young people to play an active role in shaping the future.

The former President was awarded the University’s highest honour during a special ceremony attended by students, staff and invited guests at Queen’s. His visit drew significant attention as he reflected on Northern Ireland’s peace journey and the importance of protecting democratic values.

Addressing the audience, President Obama said the Good Friday Agreement remained an example of what can be achieved when communities choose reconciliation and cooperation over division.

Recalling his previous visit to Belfast in 2013, he acknowledged the challenges facing young people today but urged them to remain hopeful.

“The Good Friday Agreement is still a shining example of what can happen when people put aside old wounds and choose peace,” he said.

“But as we have seen in many countries, including in my home country the United States, peace and democracy are not inevitable. They have to be chosen, again and again.”

Throughout his speech, President Obama highlighted the importance of education in creating opportunities and helping young people realise their ambitions regardless of their background.

A key part of the ceremony was a citation delivered by first-year Law with Politics student Emma McAllister, from North Belfast. Emma’s own journey reflected many of the themes discussed by the former President.

She first became involved with Queen’s through R-CITY, a cross-community programme designed to bring together young people from the Ardoyne and Shankill areas while encouraging participation in leadership and educational initiatives.

Through the programme, Emma completed Queen’s-accredited qualifications in Youth Leadership and Community Action before progressing to study at the University.

Following the citation, President Obama praised initiatives that encourage young people from different communities to learn together and view higher education as an attainable goal.

“That’s what peace makes possible. And it’s what Queen’s and the supporters in this room are helping to make real,” he said.

In closing, the former President challenged students and staff to continue leading by example and demonstrating what can be achieved through inclusion, ambition and public service.

“I want to use this opportunity as an honorary Queen’s graduate to leave you all with a challenge and that is to keep showing the way,” he said.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, said it was a privilege to welcome President Obama to the University.

“His commitment to peace, dialogue and public service has left a lasting impact around the world, and particularly here in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Reflecting on the event, Emma said President Obama’s message resonated strongly with her own experience. The former pupil of Dominican College Fortwilliam said his words reinforced the belief that a person’s background should not determine their future opportunities.

She added that presenting the honorary doctorate was a memorable reminder of the power of education, leadership and community engagement to create positive change.