President Lee Bollinger, Distinguished participants, Good evening.

I thank Columbia University and the School of International and Public Affairs for hosting this wonderful ceremony.

I send greetings to President Lee C. Bollinger, Dean Merit E. Janow, and all of the distinguished participants. I wish I could have joined you in person.

I am honoured to receive one of SIPA’s Global Leadership Awards for 2016. Congratulations to my fellow award recipients.

Your institution was part of the founding of the United Nations. The Dean of Barnard and two political science professors helped to draft our Charter.

Since then, SIPA faculty and alumni have continued to contribute to our work. I personally rely on many as my senior advisors.

I am especially impressed by SIPA’s students.  You will graduate into a world of peril and promise.

The international agenda is heavy with suffering.

At the same time, we have laid plans for a new era of  peace and human progress.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change can drive historic change across the spectrum of peace, development and human rights.

I count on SIPA to continue supporting the United Nations as we rise to the challenges of our day.

Thank you for your leadership and engagement.