Tawakkol Karman, winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, is recognized for her efforts to promote democracy and defend women’s rights in Yemen.
“One day, one of you will be president. I trust that you will build your own foundations for peace. The world needs them, your country needs them, and above all, the people need them.”
This was how Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman addressed young people during her talk at Tec de Monterrey’s Querétaro campus, in which she urged students to be leaders in the world and to build the future they want for themselves and for society.
Tawakkol Karman’s talk was part of the Inspiring to Transform lecture series to mark Tecnológico de Monterrey’s 80th anniversary, an initiative that aims to create spaces for conversation on issues that are transforming the world.
According to the activist, the role played by new generations is vital, and she insisted that they must be informed about what is happening in their environment and act immediately.
“The world expects a lot from you as students who contribute to society, but most of all as human beings,” Karman said.
Tawakkol Karman gave a talk entitled “Freedom, Democracy, and Global Security,” in which she explained her vision of the crucial role that democracy, security, and freedom play in building a more stable, harmonious, and hopeful world.
“My experience as a human rights advocate has inspired me to work towards a fairer future for humanity,” she stressed.
Young people building peace
The Nobel Peace Prize winner highlighted that building peace in a nation involves everyone, so she encouraged the students to commit to making a positive change in society.
“You as students can shift paradigms and make dreams come true; you are the leaders of change.”
Karman also said that inspiration is a key element for transformation. She said that her career has been strengthened through taking action during her daily activities, which has allowed her to learn and improve.
Regarding the current situation in Mexico and in the world in terms of insecurity and organized crime, she insisted that future generations should participate in providing solutions and seeking new alternatives.
“There won’t be a future led by tyranny because you, as the ones responsible for changing society, won’t allow it to happen,” the speaker told students.
“Always dream, make it as big as you can, work on it, and someday it will come true.” - Tawakkol Karman.
Activism for and by young people
Tawakkol Karman said that her father played an important role in the development of her path as an activist: “My father always told me to think of myself as the one responsible for doing it, to be brave, and always act in my best interest,” she recalls.
Her turning point was living through violence, marginalization, and poverty in her native Yemen. The activist recalled that at a very young age, she decided to form part of the solution.
“What I experienced in my country motivated me to get involved in human rights.”
In her journey as a leader, she faced several challenges, including a lack of self-belief and a loss of confidence in reaching her goal.
“Sometimes you are your own worst enemy, but if you overcome all the challenges around you, all your fears, and believe in yourself, others will,” Karman said.
The Nobel Prize winner thinks that society needs both women and men to achieve a better future and leadership.
She is confident that humanity, the young people who are learning now, will fulfill their dreams and act on their motivations to build a better future for all.
“Always dream, make it as big as you can, work on, it and someday it will come true,” Karman said.
Inspiring to transform
Tawakkol Karman is one of the guests invited to give a series of lectures at Tec de Monterrey in order to create spaces for conversation about the issues that are transforming the world.
Throughout 2023, a series of talks have been organized at different Tec campuses with the participation of renowned national and international leaders.
“Our students and Tec graduates form part of the history of Mexico and the world. At Tec de Monterrey, we understand and take great responsibility for the impact we have on the lives of young people, their families, and the community that surrounds them.”
“So, in this anniversary year, we’re celebrating 80 years of building legacies that transcend hand in hand with our community,” said Mario Adrian Flores Castro, Vice President of the Monterrey Region and Director General of the Monterrey campus.
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