Abu Dhabi: Graduates from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) can stand as proud examples of different people and cultures coming together to forge a better world, said Yousuf Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, during NYUAD’s class of 2016 graduation ceremony on Monday.
“You inspire me by being bold and innovative thinkers, the very fact that you decided to come to Abu Dhabi and be part of this unique school shows an appetite for seizing opportunities and creating change,” Al Otaiba said.
“At a time when far too many people are stuck looking backwards, you are challenging assumptions and looking to build a future,” he added.
Al Otaiba hailed the graduates for their open-minded and tolerant attitudes — attributes he said were crucial in this day and age against the backdrop of extremism.
“At a time when so many forces in the world are seeking to create and deepen divisions, you are proving that when we engage genuinely with people from other backgrounds, we learn and we grow, we become better for it as individuals and as a society.
“Here in the UAE we are seeking to create a place where people from all backgrounds, faiths, nationalities, and perspectives can join together to learn. This sense of mutual respect and warm hospitality, these are Emirati values, so I don’t care what passport you carry, you are all Emirati now,” he added.
Al Otaiba told the students that their journey does not end with graduation, and that they would be faced with new responsibilities in shaping a better world with the values they have gained through their studies and experiences.
“You will shape the world of tomorrow — in your words, in your actions, and in the choices you will make.
“You have a responsibility, a responsibility to be an advocate for the values you have embraced here, the very same values that will move the world forward — innovative thinking, tolerance, respect for others, hospitality, and a culture of hope.
“If you build a foundation for the future based on these principles you will lead the world in the right direction.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was Shamma Suhail Faris Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth, and an alumni of NYUAD.
“As a NYUAD graduate I can attest to the fact that NYUAD graduates survive, they adapt, they finish what they start, and they stand their ground and always put others before them,” she said after receiving the distinguished alumni award.
“Soon you’re going to be out there leaving your mark on the world, whose future depends on young, bright, curious, honest, and intelligent people like you.”
Al Mazroui ended her speech by encouraging the graduates to be a continued source of positivity.
“I want to leave you with one message, don’t forget to keep extending bits of goodness wherever you go.”
