Graduation: 127 IHE Delft students from 49 countries
Reaching a goal – even one that seems daunting – is possible if you take small steps toward it, Li An Phoa, founder of Drinkable Rivers , told the 127 students from 49 countries who recently graduated from IHE Delft’s 18-month MSc programs.
Phoa’s inspiring graduation speech was part of the 25 April graduation celebration Delft’s Oude Kerk – a ceremony that showcased the students' diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives, as well as their shared commitment to protecting and managing water resources sustainably.
In her speech, Phoa shared her personal experience of founding the organization Drinkable Rivers and emphasized the importance of taking small steps towards the end goal. She urged the students to engage in important conversations, even if they feel uncomfortable or uncertain. She emphasized the significance of always 'taking care of what takes care of you', including taking care of oneself.
"As a society, we are taught to be polite and hesitant to ask to be included in certain situations. However, it is important to have the courage to respectfully explore opportunities and to accept or decline if necessary," she said. "The art of inviting oneself can open doors to new experiences and growth. Don't let negative voices or thoughts hold you back; push them to the background. Everyone matters, and so do you."
"The art of inviting oneself can open doors to new experiences and growth"
IHE Delft Rector Eddy Moors emphasized the importance of water in his speech, which also highlighted the recent UN 2023 Water Conference, which saw over 700 commitments made to address water management issues. He noted that, as emphasized by UN Secretary General António Guterres, that water progress is a precondition for reaching most of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing the graduates, he added:
“Your dedication and willingness to learn at IHE Delft uniquely positions you to play a significant role in this effort. My hope is for you to become a true water leader - someone who possesses both the knowledge and is unafraid to speak out about water issues.”
When the students arrived in the Netherlands, many had to begin their studies by quarantining due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this and other challenges, their resilience, determination, and hard work enabled them overcome all obstacles and earn their diplomas.
The ceremony also featured speeches by Student Association Board members Amancio Melad III and Mila Avellar Montezuma, who called on their fellow graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive difference for the global water situation.
“We share a project of hope, a project of the future,” Avellar Montezuma said. “A new cycle begins – the real life. And in this real life, we need to integrate all our knowledge toward our shared challenges (…) making sure that no one is left behind, and that diversity, just like the one we have here, is central.”
"A new cycle begins – the real life. And in this real life, we need to integrate all our knowledge toward our shared challenges"
Watch the graduation
Did you miss the graduation ceremony? Head over to our YouTube channel and watch it!