Thread by @Kennedy_School

Watch live as @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981, former president of Colombia and Nobel peace laureate, delivers the 2019 Graduation Address.

Livestream begins at 2pm #harvard19 #hkslife ken.sc/2W7pNfH

“It’s okay to plan your future, to know where you want to go, but be prepared and open-minded to explore alternatives, because destiny can give you good surprises.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

“Beyond the defeats and the successes, beyond the weaknesses and the strengths, beyond what others think of you, be yourself.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

“When I talk about past and current problems, I don’t want to sound pessimistic or frighten you, but, on the contrary, I want to highlight the challenges and the great opportunities we have before us.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

“I believe in this generation of extraordinary men and women because you are not motivated by hate and prejudice; you are prepared to question old ideologies and old methods, to open your hearts and minds to new possibilities.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19

“True peace, lasting peace—the one that tempers our hearts and souls, and heals the wounds—can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

“I must say that here, in this school, I learned many of the lessons and acquired many of the tools that helped me not only to end this long and absurd war in my country but to improve our economic and social indicators as never before.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981

“Empathy is the most important value that any leader could have.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

“Remember that leadership is not considering yourself better than others but serving others.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

”Leadership is not building walls but building bridges. Leadership is fostering solidarity and respect for diversity. Leadership is not saying “my country first,” “my religion first,” or “my race first,” but saying “humanity first.“”—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981

“I challenge you to lead with hope, not fear. To lead with empathy, not apathy. To seek opportunities in every difficulty, to embrace change. To be optimistic in a world flooded with pessimism.”—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife

“If you lead with a compassionate heart and a positive mind, you will make the world a better place.“—President @JuanManSantos MC/MPA 1981 #harvard19 #hkslife