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I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.

Malala Yousafzai

Harvard University’s 2018 Class Day speech, May 2018 · Checked on 1 March 2026
I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.

Analysis

The Harvard University Class Day video and transcript show Malala saying, "I speak not for myself but for those without a voice… those who have fought for their rights… their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated." The wording matches the statement provided.

Background

Harvard’s Class Day ceremony features a keynote address from a distinguished guest. In 2018, Malala Yousafzai, Nobel laureate and education activist, delivered the speech, emphasizing global education rights and speaking on behalf of the voiceless. Her remarks were widely reported and archived.

Verdict summary

The quoted passage is an accurate excerpt from Malala Yousafzai’s Harvard Class Day speech on May 30, 2018.

Sources consulted

— Harvard Class Day 2018 – Official video and transcript (Harvard University website)
— BBC News article: "Malala Yousafzai speaks at Harvard Class Day" (30 May 2018)
— The Guardian coverage: "Malala Yousafzai urges Harvard graduates to fight for education" (30 May 2018)