Juan Manuel Santos and Emily Lau
LSE awarded former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Hong Kong politician Emily Lau honorary doctorates at its summer graduation programme.
President Juan Manuel Santos, an LSE alumnus, was Colombian President between 2010-2018 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016. He was honoured by LSE for his significant contributions to peace and reconciliation.
In his speech at the graduation ceremony, President Juan Manuel Santos said: “The importance of this School in the history of the world is widely recognised. My presence today in this event is the living proof that dreams not only come true but can exceed our wildest imagination.
“Half a century ago, my dream was to study in this prestigious academic institution. Upon receiving this honour, my dream is that all of us, human beings, may rediscover a new path of moderation, peace, tolerance, compassion, and inclusion.”
Emily Lau graduated with an MSc in international relations at LSE in 1982 and is a former journalist and politician. She became the first woman directly elected to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in 1991, and was the first woman chair of the Hong Kong Democratic Party. The honorary degree was awarded by LSE to reflect Emily Lau’s campaigning and work to support human rights and freedom of the press.
In her speech on receiving the honorary doctorate, Emily Lau said: “When I was here 37 years ago I learned… that the highest form of morality is not one’s own national interest. And I’m so pleased that I learned from LSE to have the courage to espouse and to defend universal core values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
Addressing graduates directly, she added: “I think the world out there is waiting for you to help to bring a better life to many people, including in this country and elsewhere.”