Former US President Barack Obama has received an honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast. The award was conferred during a ceremony at the university, attended by students, staff, and invited guests.

In his acceptance speech, Obama reflected on Northern Ireland's progress since the Good Friday Agreement. He said the agreement remained a powerful example of people choosing peace over conflict. He cautioned that peace and democracy are not guaranteed and must be actively maintained.

Obama highlighted the importance of education and access to higher education. He referred to the work of R-CITY, a cross-community programme that brings together young people from Ardoyne and Shankill in Belfast. The programme runs leadership and educational opportunities.

He congratulated the Queen's community for its efforts to support inclusion and ambition. He encouraged them to continue showing what is possible through such values.

Before Obama spoke, Emma McAllister, a first-year Law with Politics student from north Belfast, delivered a citation. McAllister first engaged with Queen's at the age of 15 through R-CITY. She later completed Queen's-accredited qualifications in Youth Leadership and Community Action before starting her degree.

Queen's President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said the university was privileged to welcome Obama. He praised Obama's commitment to peace, dialogue, and public service, noting its particular impact in Northern Ireland.

The ceremony took place at Queen's University in south Belfast.