Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman concluded her participation in the 19th World Summit of Nobel Laureates, held from September 18 to 21, 2024.

During the summit, Karman joined her fellow laureates in a unanimous condemnation of the Israeli actions against Palestinians, characterizing them as massacres and ethnic cleansing.

In a powerful address at Universidad Regiomontana, Karman denounced the ongoing violence in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. She urged attendees to empathize with the victims, stating, "We are now witnessing a major crime against humanity taking place in Palestine. We, as human beings, must stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and what is happening there must stop." Karman emphasized the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the necessity for accountability for war criminals in international courts. [To watch and read the speech, click here]

Her participation at the summit, which featured more than 15 Nobel laureates and notable figures, highlights her steadfast commitment to advancing peace and justice on a global scale. Karman's condemnation of Israeli actions underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Palestine.

In addition to her focus on Palestine, Karman addressed the pressing challenges facing Monterrey, including air pollution, water shortages, corruption, and organized crime. She called on residents to unite in tackling these issues and urged the youth to recognize their potential as catalysts for change.

Karman also reflected on the broader struggles for freedom and democracy in the Arab Spring countries, particularly Yemen, where Iranian-backed militias have exacerbated violence and suffering.

She encouraged students to adopt non-violent methods and resilience in the face of oppression. Her compelling message resonated with attendees, inspiring them to embrace their roles as leaders and change-makers, and fostering hope for a better future.

Inspiring Speech

Karman also delivered an inspiring speech at the Global Summit Nobel Laureates, urging young people in Latin America to become agents of change in their communities.

She called on young people to defend human rights, combat corruption, fight organized crime, and address air pollution and climate change. She emphasized their crucial role in creating a more just and sustainable future for their region. [To watch and read the speech, click here]

In a powerful statement, Karman outlined her vision for a better world: "If I were the leader of the world, I would stop every dictator on this planet; I would end every occupation in the world. I would stop every company that contributes to global warming, which destroys the lives of our current and future generations. I would end Russian aggression. This is a big dream I have."

Karman stressed the need for democratic countries to confront dictators, corrupt companies, and corrupt individuals, urging young people to take action and fight for a world free from oppression and environmental destruction.

Women in the Forefront

While participating in a panel discussion titled "Women in the forefront" at the World Summit of Nobel Laureates, Tawakkol Karman, emphasized the importance of women's active participation in all spheres of society, including politics, economics, human rights, and healthcare. She urged women to be present in all aspects of life and to make their voices heard, reminding them not to marginalize themselves. 

She highlighted the serious challenge faced by women in Mexico, specifically the high rate of femicide, which she called for an end to. Karman acknowledged the efforts of activists working against this issue and encouraged them to be brave and continue speaking out. 

She urged women to raise their voices boldly, not fearing the consequences, and to advance their positions. She stressed the importance of women taking ownership of their own solutions and refusing to accept victimhood. Karman emphasized that women should consider themselves leaders and strive to be in decision-making positions.

She pointed out the lack of female representation in a religion session at the summit, questioning why there were no women present to discuss religious matters. She acknowledged the shared responsibility in overlooking this lack of participation and reiterated the importance of women's involvement in all areas.

Karman concluded by encouraging women to believe in themselves, their abilities, and their strength. She emphasized that women have the power to achieve the impossible and are the solution to many problems. She urged women to support each other globally, including in Palestine, Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Africa, and among indigenous women in Mexico.

Hope Amidst Crisis

On September 19th, Tawakkol Karman participated in a panel discussion that explored the devastating consequences of recent wars, including their financial, human, and environmental costs, as well as the looming threat of nuclear conflict. 

Karman expressed concern about the current global landscape, characterized by widespread hatred, division, war, and conflict. She noted a decline in democracies, even in countries historically known for their democratic values, and a stagnation in progress regarding poverty, education, women's rights, and children's rights. She found this decline in basic rights alarming, especially considering the advancements in human rights achieved since World War II.

However, Karman also emphasized a growing awareness alongside this decline. While acknowledging the rise in hatred and racism, she highlighted a growing desire for change among people, particularly young people, who are eager to participate in creating a better future. She recognized climate change and global warming as pressing issues but expressed hope due to the courage of individuals around the world who are speaking out and calling for action against escalating conflicts and environmental crises.

Karman maintained a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the negative and positive aspects of the current situation. She expressed confidence in the future, believing that young people, who understand their responsibility and live in the present, will lead change towards a better future. 

Karman encouraged young people to not underestimate their ability to make a difference and affirmed her support for those working to preserve democracy and its fundamental principles, including checks and balances, separation of powers, and judicial independence.