Former United States President Barack Obama has warned that peace and democracy cannot be taken for granted, urging young people to defend democratic values and sustain reconciliation as he received an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Obama delivered the message during a special ceremony at the university, where he challenged students to build on the achievements of the region’s peace process and ensure that its benefits extend to every community.

According to a BBC report, Obama praised the Good Friday Agreement as a powerful example of how dialogue and compromise could overcome longstanding divisions, while cautioning that the progress achieved could not be sustained without continuous commitment.

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

The former president, who served as the 44th president of the United States, drew parallels between Northern Ireland and his home country, stressing that democratic institutions and peaceful coexistence require citizens to make deliberate choices to preserve them.

He said Northern Ireland had made considerable progress since his previous visit in 2013, although young people continued to face significant challenges alongside new opportunities.

Obama emphasised that reconciliation would remain incomplete if its economic and social benefits were not shared fairly across communities.

The ceremony also highlighted the role of education in bridging divisions through the experience of Emma McAllister, a first-year Law with Politics student who gained access to leadership and educational opportunities through a cross-community programme at Queen’s University.

The initiative connects young people from the Ardoyne and Shankill areas of Belfast, communities historically divided by sectarian tensions.

Responding to McAllister’s experience, Obama said the opportunities created through such programmes demonstrated the practical benefits of peace and the importance of institutions that promote inclusion.

He urged students to sustain the progress and continue providing leadership for Northern Ireland’s future.

“And that is to keep showing the way,” he said.

Queen’s University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, described Obama’s visit as a privilege, noting that his commitment to peace, dialogue and public service had made a lasting impact internationally, particularly in Northern Ireland.

Obama’s visit also included a scheduled address to a paying audience at Belfast’s O2 Arena on Tuesday night.

Queen’s University awards honorary degrees to individuals recognised for distinguished achievements or significant service in fields including business, education, medicine and the arts. Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville received a similar honour in 2025 for his contributions to sport, business, education and philanthropy