At the 19th Global Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates in Monterrey, Mexico, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, Tawakkol Karman,
delivered a speech urging global unity for peace and justice.
She expressed her joy at being in the beautiful city and highlighted the pressing challenges it faces, including air pollution, water shortages, corruption, and organized crime.
Karman called on the people of Monterrey to work together to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of collective action. She urged especially the youth to recognize their potential as change-makers, reminding them that defending human rights and combating corruption are vital responsibilities.
Addressing the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, Karman condemned the atrocities occurring in these regions and stressed the need for immediate action to stop violence and uphold the rights of oppressed peoples. She articulated a vision for a world free from dictatorship and environmental destruction.
Karman concluded her speech by encouraging attendees to embrace their roles as leaders and change-makers, fostering hope for a better future. She thanked Monterrey for hosting the event and expressed her optimism for collective efforts toward freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
Here is her complete speech:
Hello everybody! How are you?
First, I'm so happy to be here in Mexico, and I am so happy to be here in Monterrey. It's a very beautiful city and a very beautiful country.
I always dreamt that people around the world would gather for something very important, which is to achieve peace, justice, freedom, democracy, and prosperity here in Monterrey.
You have a very beautiful city that has a strong industrial economy, and you call it the economic promise of Mexico. You have a great country and a wonderful city, but at the same time, you face significant challenges with air pollution, water shortages, increasing corruption, and organized crime throughout Mexico and most of Latin America.
You, the people of Monterrey, along with us as Nobel laureates and advocates for justice, equality, safety, security, and peace, must work together to address these issues.
You should put forth every effort to stop climate change, defend human rights, and halt the ongoing killings of women. This is very important; it is your responsibility.
Especially you young people here in this great country, always tell yourselves that you can undertake this mission: to defend human rights, stop corruption, combat organized crime, and address air pollution and climate change.
Think of this as a significant duty and a major responsibility. Yes, it is a big responsibility, but do not believe it is greater than your ability. Don't think that this is bigger than your ability.
If I want to inspire you for something, I would tell you to always be responsible and be at the forefront. Always remember that you must be the solution. This is what I did in my country, Yemen, which has suffered from a devastating war, militia coups, and interference from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the Emirates.
This is what the people in Gaza continue to do while they sacrifice and struggle for their freedom, justice, and democracy. Gaza is currently witnessing one of the worst genocides in recent history. We must stand with the people in Gaza, and this genocide must stop now. This horrific situation must end.
We will not remain quiet or silent in the face of these atrocities. We will not stand idly by. We will gather all our efforts, and the most sincere effort is your effort to tell the truth.
The current problem in Gaza is that people are suffering from occupation and daily operations of genocide. The solution for sustainable peace in the Middle East is to end the occupation and allow people to return to their homes, affirming the right of Palestinians to have their own country and self-determination.
The same applies to Ukraine, which is suffering from brutal occupation and war instigated by Russia and its dictator, Putin. The same principles of freedom, dignity, and sovereignty must apply to Ukraine.
The same situation exists for the people here in Latin America, who suffer from poverty, inequality, and the theft of their wealth by multinational companies. Democratic countries must confront dictators, corrupt companies, and corrupt individuals.
If I were to inspire a noble dream, I would say that if I were the leader of the world, I would stop every dictator on the planet. If I were the leader of the world, I would end every occupation worldwide.
If I were the leader of the world, I would halt every company that contributes to global warming, causing adverse climate change and destroying the lives of our current and future generations.
If I were the leader of the world, I would put an end to Russia's aggression, and I have a grand vision for making this happen.
But will I be the leader of the world? I believe I am already a leader in this world, and you should consider yourselves leaders as well.
You possess the tools and the dreams to be change-makers. Don’t hold yourselves back from embracing this role.
Lastly, thank you, Monterrey, for organizing this event and hosting us. I have high hopes for what we can achieve together.
Let us unite for freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and prosperity.
Thank you!
To watch speech click here
