Warm greetings to all graduates, esteemed faculty members, and distinguished guests present today at this prestigious University of UMASS Lowell commencement.
Congratulations to all the graduates. Well Done! It is my great honor to address you on this exceptional day where we gather to celebrate the culmination of your academic journey.
When I was ten years old, I told my father that I want to be president of Yemen. He replied, "This is a small dream, my child; make your dreams bigger, dream to become the president of the world.” You cannot imagine how his words made me dream of only big and great goals without fearing the consequences.
From a young age, I recognized the difficult circumstances and crises people face in Yemen due to tyranny and corruption. During so many struggles, hardships, and obstacles, I had hope and faith in myself that I could be an agent of change to make a positive impact. I felt as if I was the one who is responsible for saving the Yemeni people and leading them toward a free and dignified life, and that the solution to saving Yemen begins with removing the main cause of the status quo, the dictator himself.
Yes, this is the truth. Authoritarian rulers and their regimes are the root cause of the problems and crises in our Arab region and elsewhere. The overthrow of tyrants is the key to salvation.
My dreams became big enough to call the Yemeni people to protest against dictatorship, I decided to resist tyranny and defend people's rights and freedoms. This was the most important decision of my life; I chose a dangerous and costly path, but I was willing to take the risks that come with it.
I became a target for repressive regimes. I was arrested and subjected to constant threats against my life; I was slandered, harassed, and smeared by media campaigns of authoritarian regimes. I also received tempting offers of positions within the helms of power if I abandoned my principles. But I refused to give up my values and let my people down; my dream of freedom and dignity is bigger than fear; without virtue, life is meaningless.
I refuse to give up my calling: standing up to authoritarian regimes. My hobby is overthrowing tyrants, for I believe that the overthrow of tyranny is the essence of the peace process and blessed are the peacemakers.
Despite the challenges I encountered, and despite starting my journey alone on the streets of our capital, Sana'a. On 2011, My dream of leading a peaceful revolution involving millions of people had finally come true. And, My dream of overthrowing a dictator who ruled Yemen for 33 years had also come true. I am also honored to have been part of the Arab Spring that toppled seven dictators who ruled their countries with cruelty and corruption for decades.
Yes, unfortunately, The authoritarian regimes in the region, namely Saudi Arabia, Emirates, and Iran, in retaliation for our people's aspiration for democracy and freedom. These tyrants have waged wars, and supported militias and military coups, and terrorism in most Arab Spring countries, in Yemen, Syria, Tunis, Sudan, Egypt, and Libya. But with all the destruction caused by the counter-revolution countries and the international community's deafening silence, Arab people refused to give up their hope and dreams. We know freedom is costly, but we are always willing to pay that price. We have an unshakable belief that the future and destiny of our people are with freedom, dignity, justice, prosperity and democracy. This destiny is an inescapable reality because victory is our ally.
During my years studying for my Master's in international security at UMASS Lowell, debates about theories and practices related to security and freedom were present and overshadowed most of my courses. Security and freedom are in great danger in today's world. And we have to defend both at the same time. One cannot cancel the other.
The Russian war and invasion of Ukraine, the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, and the tensions between China and superpowers over territorial claims and human rights issues all of these issues have brought to the forefront the danger of the outbreak of a third world war and a global nuclear conflict. The rise of populism, waves of intolerance and hatred based on religion or ethnicity, and far-right terrorism have caused endangered the security and freedom of many democratic countries. Even well-established democracies like the United States are not immune to such threats. We have seen the January. Six attack on Congress, and that dangerous moment threatened both security and democracy not only in America but around the world. Europe and other countries with democratic heritage also at risk of sliding into fanaticism, fascism, and a disregard for human rights and public freedoms.
The battle today is between these two opposing camps: one that values democracy, freedom, and security, and the other, that values tyranny, war, and chaos. Repression knows no borders. Look at how the dictators around the world are gathering today, and after destroying our countries, they are now trying to destroy democratic countries and international security.
The return of tyranny in many countries worldwide undermined millions of people's freedom and security, leaving them under daily pain and suffering.
To achieve lasting peace and security: democratic countries should know that upholding fundamental values such as freedom, justice, democracy, and equality is critical to national and international security. And if they truly care about protecting world peace and security, they must stop supporting dictators. Those who ally themselves with tyrants, on whatever grounds, not only endanger human values but undermine their country's national interests, because tyrants pose a threat to the world, not just to their home country.
Finally, Congratulations once again all those who are graduating today and congratulations to the family members and loved ones. To all those who believed in you and were part of your journey.
Today represents a significant achievement that is the result of your hard work and dedication. Pursuing knowledge may not always be an easy path, but it is a great journey that leads to your personal growth and enlightenment. That's a powerful key to opening doors and finding yourselves and your purpose.
Being a part of this great institution and this great city of Lowell, the city of the Industrial Revolution, in itself is such a great deal and honor, It is now part of our journey and our story to be member of this revolutionary community. Actually I feel it is my destiny to be associated with great revolutions where ever I go, and I am happy with that.
We live today in a world where local issues are global, and global issues are local. Whatever you will be in the future: president, minister, judge, professor, doctor, scientist, engineer, journalist, or whatever you choose to become, always stand up on the right side of history; That means: Reject tyranny, racism, and hatred, and always embrace democracy, freedom, and human dignity.
Do not underestimate yourself, Do not belittle your imagination. Do not be stingy with your dreams. Dream big. bold and limitless. In a world where everything has a price tag, dreams are free.
I aspired to become a significant person whose voice would be heard by many people around the world. I dreamed of making impacts on people's lives. Can you imagine this woman from Yemen standing in front of you now, from a so-called "developing country." A woman born into a society that faces limitless obstacles - from gender discrimination to living under a repressive regime. The same woman, along with many courageous women and men, led a great peaceful revolution against a dictator and removed him from power after 33 years of dictatorship. That same woman stood on many international stages and platforms and spoke to people, governments, media, universities, NGOs, conferences, summits, and forums about various important issues affecting the world. This woman has envisioned this moment since she was a child. Yes, I have envisioned this moment since I was a child.
So remember, It all starts with a dream.
Achieving your dreams requires being brave, taking risks, facing hardships, ups and downs, and never thinking of giving up. I did it, and you can do it too.
Thank you very much.