Simmons College

"You have worked hard to get here. But I must tell you that it is now that the real hard work begins. We are at a crossroads in human history. We face unprecedented threats, both to human security and to the environment. We have witnessed numerous assaults on the rule of law, human rights and civil liberties. And we have entered a dangerous period in world politics, where our politicians are not being held accountable for their deceptions and failures.

We are at a number of “tipping points” that threaten to foreclose on our common future. We require a Copernican revolution in our outlook. Each and every one of us must be prepared to make fundamental, lasting and immediate change. This cannot be about egos or agendas; it must be about the way we see the world and the way we see ourselves.

You also have a great responsibility to play your part in forging a peaceful world, in which coexistence and dialogue with other nations, races and faiths is possible, a world in which all citizens are equal before the law.

You have an opportunity to contribute toward saving the planet, to redress the wrongs of your parents' and grandparents' generations, and set the world back on the path of peace, the rule of law, respect for human rights and harmony with nature. I have every confidence that you will rise to meet the great challenges ahead of you. I believe in the power of the individual to make a difference."