Let us become Active Builders of Peace in a divided world, Bior Deng, a student of the HIPSIR Peace Leader Program, tells his fellow graduates.
Delivering an inspiring valedictory speech during the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) graduation ceremony held at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County, Kenya, Bior Deng, a graduate of the Peace Leader Program, called on fellow graduates to become active builders of peace in a divided world.
Bior opened his remarks by warmly greeting distinguished guests from Heiman University College, XIM University, and Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), acknowledging their presence as a reminder that “education, like peace, has no borders.” He congratulated his fellow graduates from the Peace Leader, Certificate in Liberal Studies, and BASD programs, describing their academic journey as one of personal transformation and leadership formation.
Speaking passionately about the meaning of peace, Bior emphasized that “peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, respect for dignity, and a commitment to dialogue.” He challenged the audience to view peace not as a distant dream but as a daily responsibility, asserting that peace must be cultivated in homes, communities, politics, and in the hearts of individuals.
In a moving reflection, Bior linked peace to progress, noting that “without peace, education is interrupted, development is delayed, and our humanity is diminished. But with peace, anything becomes possible.” Drawing attention to global challenges—such as the displacement of over 110 million people and the escalating effects of climate change—he urged his peers to see themselves as part of the generation that “chooses peace and does not look away.”
Highlighting the diversity of the graduating class, he described the gathering as “a symbol of what the world could look like”—a space where students of different cultures, beliefs, and nations learn and celebrate together. He reminded the audience that shared dreams and mutual compassion bind humanity across borders: “When one of us chooses peace, the whole world heals a little.”
Turning to the future, Bior urged graduates to view graduation not as an end, but as the beginning of responsibility, challenging them to become peacebuilders through their words and actions, such as speaking when others remain silent, building when others destroy, listening when others shout, and forgiving, uniting, and leading.
He emphasized that peace is not the exclusive duty of governments or global institutions, but a personal commitment for everyone: “Peace begins with us—right here, right now.”
Bior concluded his speech by expressing heartfelt gratitude to mentors, instructors, and families for their unwavering support, encouraging graduates to “carry the torch of peace wherever you go.”
Ending with a powerful quote from futurist Alvin Toffler, he reminded his audience that “the illiteracy of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, relearn, and unlearn.”
His final words captured the spirit of the day: “When we choose peace, we do more than avoid war—we create a future worth graduating into.”
