Obama receives honorary degree from Queen’s University Belfast

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Receiving his doctorate, the 44th US president praised Northern Ireland's progress and challenged the next generation to continue building a peaceful and inclusive future.

The Good Friday Agreement peace agreement "is still a shining example of what can happen when people put aside old wounds and choose peace," he told university staff and students.

During his visit to Northern Ireland, Obama was due to address an audience of paying fans in Belfast's O2 Arena on Tuesday night.

Accepting the honorary doctorate during a special ceremony at QUB, Obama made a speech that touched on a number of subjects including the peace process and the role young people can play in shaping Northern Ireland's future.

Obama said that, while peace had transformed opportunities across Northern Ireland, its benefits must continue to be shared by all.

Comparing Northern Ireland now to the place he encountered on a visit back in 2013, he said young people today faced significant challenges but also had reasons to remain hopeful.

"But," he added, "as we have seen in many countries, including in my home country the United States, peace and democracy are not inevitable.

"They have to be chosen, again and again."

During the ceremony, Obama heard from Emma McAllister, a first-year Law with Politics student from north Belfast.

McAllister first engaged with Queen's through a cross-community programme that helped young people from the Ardoyne and Shankill areas to access leadership and educational opportunities.

After listening to McAllister, Obama said: "That's what peace makes possible. And it's what Queen's and the supporters in this room are helping to make real."

In his closing remarks, Obama set out a challenge for students.

"And that is to keep showing the way," he said.

Queen's President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer congratulated Obama.

"We are privileged to welcome President Obama to Queen's.

"His commitment to peace, dialogue and public service has left a lasting impact around the world, and particularly here in Northern Ireland."

According to the university, honorary degrees are awarded to those who have achieved distinction or given significant service in one or more of a number of broad constituencies.

This includes business and commerce, the arts, education, medicine, and more.

In 2025, former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville received a QUB honorary degree for his contribution to sport, business, education and philanthropy.

Other notable recipients include boxer Carl Frampton, poet Seamus Heaney, former Irish President Mary McAleese and playwright Brian Friel.