Minister Dlamini-Zuma to graduates: “You must be agents of change in the world.”

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities of South Africa, delivered an inspiring message to graduates of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) at a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024. GU-Q celebrated the academic success of 119 undergraduate students from 38 countries, including Qatar, and 21 graduate students from Qatar.

Dr. Safwan Masri, the dean of GU-Q, introduced Dr. Dlamini-Zuma as an inspiring humanist with over three decades of service and leadership, including being the first woman to chair the African Union Commission.

“Education is the most important weapon which you can use to change the world,” she said, quoting Nelson Mandela. She shared her vision for the future: a world without poverty, where equality and human rights are respected. “Today we are not only celebrating your academic foundations but your potential to make a difference – to your families, your communities, your countries, and also to be ambassadors of Georgetown University Qatar. You must be agents of change in the world. We hope that by the time you are my age, your children and your grandchildren will be living in a better world, one that you would have contributed to create...with other young people across the world.”

In his remarks to the graduating class, Dean Masri commended their achievements, saying, “I hope you are as proud of yourselves as we are of you. Thank you for enriching our lives, for expanding our minds, and for opening our hearts…we are immensely grateful and honored to see Georgetown’s legacy of providing education that positively impacts the world, in each of you.” 

The ceremony featured the traditional conferral of degrees by Georgetown University President Dr. John J. DeGioia. School of Foreign Service (SFS) Dean Joel Hellman presented the candidates from the four-year Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service program, with majors in Culture and Politics, International Economics, International History, and International Politics. GU-Q Dean Safwan Masri presented the Executive Master's in Diplomacy and International Affairs candidates, praising their negotiation and problem-solving skills as vital for leadership roles in Qatar and beyond.

Preceding the commencement, the Tropaia awards ceremony, a revered Georgetown tradition, recognized the exceptional academic and service achievements of seniors, faculty, and staff. Senior speaker Ayet Bouhajeb reflected on lessons from a student journey that began during a pandemic and ended amid significant regional conflicts, encouraging peers to apply their Georgetown skills and knowledge for humanity's benefit. “Let us use our voices, our skills, and our knowledge to make a positive impact on the world, to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, and to work towards a future where peace, justice, and equality reign supreme,” she said. 

Since its inception in 2005, GU-Q, a Qatar Foundation partner, has been a vibrant extension of Georgetown’s global community, celebrating nearly two decades of academic excellence in Qatar and the region. GU-Q offers the renowned SFS curriculum, giving students from across the globe an opportunity for a world-class, holistic education in international affairs.