Our students study in each other’s countries. We’re more than just neighbors - we’re linked by trade and culture, and family and values. So over the last eight years as President, I’ve worked to strengthen our relationship with the Americas. So the question for all of us is, how can we make sure that in this rapidly changing world, nobody is left behind and that all of us are stronger and more prosperous? We see it in the forces of extremism and division that too often tear communities apart. We see it in the widening gap between the rich and the poor around the world. Now, even as we make all these important strides in advancing the rights of more people, even as technology brings us closer together, this unprecedented change also brings challenges. You have the tools in your hand to solve problems that we couldn’t even imagine when I was your age. (Laughter.) At a time when Earth is now populated by more cell phones than people, you have the power to connect with each other across borders, across nations. And technology has reshaped the world, as you can tell, because everybody has their phones. People across the world are securing their human rights. More children are going to school more girls in particular are going to school than ever before. Scientific breakthroughs are paving the way for cures to new diseases. If you think about all the progress that’s been made, not just in your lifetimes, but even in the last few years, fewer people than ever around the world live in extreme poverty. I often say to young people in my own country: If you had to be born at any time in human history, it would be right now. And that’s why I wanted my last public event abroad to be with you. Now, the good news is, because I’ve had a chance to meet so many young people around the world, it makes me very optimistic to know that you are going to be in charge. And that means your generation will determine the course of our future - as individual nations and as a global community. (Laughter.) Second, because today more than half of the world’s population is 30 or younger. First of all, young people are more fun than old people. But whenever I travel, one of the things that I’ve been trying to do for the last eight years is to meet with young people. And I’ve had the usual meetings with world leaders, and we’ve done important business. Now, this is my final stop on my final trip abroad as President of the United States. (Laughter.) She’s a better dancer than me.īut I want to thank all of you for being here - our Young Leaders of America, both live and online, representing every country in Latin America and the Caribbean. But I will not be attempting the Marinera - (applause) - because I usually leave the dancing to my wife, Michelle. So, while I’m here, I’m hoping to enjoy some good food - some pollo a la brasa. PRESIDENT OBAMA: I love you, too! (Applause.) (Applause.) I want to thank the government and the people of this beautiful country for your hospitality. I want to thank everybody at Catholic University of Peru for hosting us. Please give Cyntia a big round of applause for the great introduction. Thank you, Cyntia, for your kind words and your great work here in Peru in bringing people together across generations to meet challenges. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Hola Peru! (Applause.) Asu! Muchas gracias.
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