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AWARDED: Baroness Valerie Amos

BARONESS VALERIE Amos CH, Director of SOAS University of London has been awarded an honorary degree from Middlesex University London at its first Winter Graduation.

More than 400 postgraduate students received their degrees alongside Baroness Amos in a wide range of subjects including Sports Physiotherapy and Exercise Medicine, Marketing Management, Cybercrime and Digital Investigation, and Human Rights Law.

In her speech, Baroness Amos told assembled new PhDs and Master’s graduates, “Graduation ceremonies are all about celebrating achievement and I am delighted to have the opportunity to wish you all well in the next phase of your life.

"Our world feels as if it is at a crossroads. As the next generation of leaders, you have a crucial role to play. You can show that an outward-facing approach – one rooted in making connections across peoples and communities and which values diversity – works”.

Baroness Amos joined SOAS as Director in September 2015. From 2010, she served as Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the UN. She has served in a number of roles in the public sector including as Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Earlier in her career, Baroness Amos was an adviser to the South African government on leadership, change, management and strategy issues between 1994 and 1998. She was appointed a Labour Life Peer in 1997 and became a member of the Government in 1998.

She was a Foreign Office Minister, Secretary of State for International Development, Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. She also served as UK High Commissioner to Australia before joining the UN. In June 2016, she was made a Companion of Honour.

Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University, added: “By awarding an Honorary Degree to outstanding people such as Baroness Amos, the University is recognising achievement at the highest level as well as dedication to public duty and making a difference to others’ lives.”

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