Obama’s advice to young PH leaders: Have a vision

Biggest lesson

At the town hall meeting, Obama was asked the biggest lesson he has learned as a President.

“To admit you’re wrong and try something new,” he said. “(To be) able to take responsibility for hard decisions and not become paralyzed,” he added.

A Thai fellow also asked Obama: “If you were a Rohingya, what country would you like to live (in) and why?

Responded the world leader: “I would want to stay where I was born. I would stay in the land where my parents lived, but I would make sure that the government is protecting me and treating me fairly. That’s what I want. It is important that we take this issue seriously.”

He added: “The condition of the Rohingya reflects the country’s commitment to human rights, security and peace.”

Obama said he had observed that there are two characteristics of unsuccessful nations: “First, nations that divide themselves (along) religious and racial lines do not succeed. Second, nations that suppress women do not succeed.”

He added: “Do not discriminate (against) women. Not only is it bad because half of the country is not successful because they’re not getting education and opportunity … But it’s women who teach children. Which means the children are less educated if you’re not teaching the moms.”

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