Former US President Barack Obama has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen's University Belfast. The presentation took place during a ceremony attended by students, staff, and invited guests.

In his acceptance remarks, Obama reflected on Northern Ireland's progress since the Good Friday Agreement. He said the agreement remains an example of what can be achieved when people set aside past conflicts and choose peace. He cautioned that peace and democracy are not inevitable and must be chosen repeatedly.

Obama stressed the importance of education and widening participation initiatives. He praised efforts to bring together young people from communities across Belfast and help them see higher education as attainable.

Emma McAllister, a first-year Law with Politics student from north Belfast, delivered a citation before the award. She became involved with Queen's at age 15 through R-CITY, a cross-community programme that supports young people from Ardoyne and Shankill in accessing leadership and educational opportunities. McAllister said Obama's message about opportunity and youth has personal meaning for her. She credited R-CITY with encouraging her to develop as a leader and believe that Queen's was within reach.

Queen's Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said the university was privileged to welcome Obama, noting his commitment to peace, dialogue, and public service.

Later that evening, Obama appeared at the O2 arena in Belfast as part of a speaking tour. He was interviewed by writer and journalist Susan McKay. During the event, he discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging Israelis to consider a just and ethical defence and Palestinians to pursue nonviolent strategies. He said an immediate goal was to relieve suffering and end violence, including stopping encroachment into the West Bank and helping rebuild Gaza.

Obama also commented on democracy, saying it must not be taken for granted. He said that if citizens abdicate their role, someone else fills the void. He acknowledged the importance of institutions like the UN and EU but added that people do not want excessive bureaucracy and institutions must deliver outcomes.

On journalism, Obama said a significant factor in democratic instability is people getting news from social media. He said he makes a point of speaking to young people, saying they inspire him and are ahead of where he was at their age.