Beyonce, BTS and Barack and Michelle Obama all addressed the graduating class of 2020 in the virtual YouTube ceremony. YouTube
Beyonce, BTS and Barack and Michelle Obama all addressed the graduating class of 2020 in the virtual YouTube ceremony. YouTube
Beyonce, BTS and Barack and Michelle Obama all addressed the graduating class of 2020 in the virtual YouTube ceremony. YouTube
Beyonce, BTS and Barack and Michelle Obama all addressed the graduating class of 2020 in the virtual YouTube ceremony. YouTube

Dear Class of 2020: BTS, the Obamas and Beyonce turn out to celebrate graduating students


Farah Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

Students around the world have had their 2020 graduation ceremonies cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, but that does not mean their passing out is going without recognition.

On Sunday, June 7, YouTube Originals staged Dear Class of 2020, a virtual commencement ceremony dedicated to students graduating high school, college and university this year. And the video platform called upon a throng of A-list names to speak and perform at the online event.

The four-hour ceremony was hosted by Barack and Michelle Obama, and they were joined by the likes of Camila Cabello, Mariah Carey, BTS, Maluma, Hasan Minhaj and more.

After some powerful words of wisdom from Beyonce (we'll get to those) and Bono, a group of singers came together for the opening performance, a cover of U2's Beautiful Day.

Here, we round up some of the highlights from the ceremony ...

1. The Obamas

You can always rely on Barack and Michelle Obama, the former US president and first lady, for some comfortingly sage advice, and that is exactly what they delivered.

"Now, while you might not get the experience of sweating under your cap and gown in the hot sun, or getting embarrassed by your family yelling out your name when you walk across the stage, you still have all those people with you today, just like they have been with you this whole journey," Michelle told the class of 2020.

"These past few months, you've had to reach even higher. You weren't just adjusting to a virtual classroom, you were helping your teachers adjust their audio ... you weren't just taking your final online, you were making sure your siblings had enough time on the computer to to do their work."

Barack added: "We want you to know that all the work you've put in to get your education is still one of the best investments you can make. You all have done something great, hold your heads high and celebrate."

2. BTS

Closing the show came down to K-pop megastars BTS. The group took over the National Museum of Korea for a 12-minute performance, which will have delighted any graduating members of the Army, as their fans are known.

It was a high-energy performance, with costume changes, all their big hits and slick choreography. They kicked things off with Boy With Luv, followed by Spring Day and Mikrokosmos.

The group also gave a 12-minute speech, in English and Korean, applauding the class of 2020 for making it after a "strange year".

"Please don't be afraid, don't worry yourself. The beginning and the end are connected," Suga said. "One small person can dream the biggest dream, paint the largest picture and make endless possibilities come true. When we meet again I look forward to seeing your dream, your picture and your endless possibilities out in this world."

Their talk ended with the group standing to throw their graduation caps in the air, shouting: "Congratulations class of 2020!"

3. Beyonce 

Beyonce addressed the graduating class with a 10-minute speech, which focused on the Black Lives Matter protests that have broken out globally in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody.

Whatever the world looks like in 10 years or 20 years part of that is up to you. Let this moment push you to improve yourself in all areas of your life

"Congratulations to the class of 2020," she opened with. "You have arrived here in the middle of a global crisis, a racial pandemic and worldwide expression of outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed black human being.

"And you still made it, we're so proud of you. Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the world know that black lives matter.

"We've seen the power of the collective, we've seen what happens when we join for the same cause. Please continue to be the voice for the voiceless," she said. "Never forget, we can disagree in a way that's productive to arrive at decision that fosters real change.

"If you make a mistake, that's OK, too," she goes on to say. "But we all have a responsibility to hold ourselves accountable in change.

"Whatever the world looks like in 10 years or 20 years, part of that is up to you. I urge you to let this current moment push you to improve yourself in all areas of your life."

4. Lizzo teaming up with the NY Philharmonic 

Lizzo, the first lady of flautists, partnered up with the NY Philharmonic for a more modern take on the classic Pomp and Circumstance graduation marching song.

The clip was edited to show footage of young black students who had turned up to Black Lives Matter protests in their graduation caps and gowns.

5. The 'Schitt's Creek' cast 

It wasn't all serious and motivational speeches, there was room for a little comedy, too. The Schitt's Creek cast reunited by video call, "at the behest of Michelle and Barack".

Not only did the Rose family bring plenty of their trademark laughs into their dysfunctional Zoom call, they brought together the show's wider cast to sing a thank you song to teachers, a rendition of Mariah Carey's Hero.

The entire clip is worth a watch for the laughs, but if you want to skip to the magic, it's at 4.23 minutes, when Carey herself joins the call, much to the delight of the characters. Yes, Mariah does have a wind machine for her Zoom calls.

Watch the full Dear Class of 2020 ceremony here: 

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m; Winner: Faiza, Sandro Paiva (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).

5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m; Winner: Greeley, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.

6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Marzaga, Jim Crowley, Ana Mendez.

6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri.

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Ashras, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Ahmed Al Mehairbi.

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

INFO

Visit www.wtatennis.com for more information

 

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

MATCH INFO

Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')

Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)

Match info

Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace

Man of the match: Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace)

Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021

Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.

The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.

These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.

“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.

“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.

“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.

“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”

Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.

There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.

“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.

“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.

“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”

Result

UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

MATCH INFO

Everton 0

Manchester City 2 (Laporte 45 2', Jesus 90 7')

Scoreline

UAE 2-1 Saudi Arabia

UAE Mabkhout 21’, Khalil 59’

Saudi Al Abed (pen) 20’

Man of the match Ahmed Khalil (UAE)

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

US%20federal%20gun%20reform%20since%20Sandy%20Hook
%3Cp%3E-%20April%2017%2C%202013%3A%20A%20bipartisan-drafted%20bill%20to%20expand%20background%20checks%20and%20ban%20assault%20weapons%20fails%20in%20the%20Senate.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20July%202015%3A%20Bill%20to%20require%20background%20checks%20for%20all%20gun%20sales%20is%20introduced%20in%20House%20of%20Representatives.%20It%20is%20not%20brought%20to%20a%20vote.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20June%2012%2C%202016%3A%20Orlando%20shooting.%20Barack%20Obama%20calls%20on%20Congress%20to%20renew%20law%20prohibiting%20sale%20of%20assault-style%20weapons%20and%20high-capacity%20magazines.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20October%201%2C%202017%3A%20Las%20Vegas%20shooting.%20US%20lawmakers%20call%20for%20banning%20bump-fire%20stocks%2C%20and%20some%20renew%20call%20for%20assault%20weapons%20ban.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20February%2014%2C%202018%3A%20Seventeen%20pupils%20are%20killed%20and%2017%20are%20wounded%20during%20a%20mass%20shooting%20in%20Parkland%2C%20Florida.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20December%2018%2C%202018%3A%20Donald%20Trump%20announces%20a%20ban%20on%20bump-fire%20stocks.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20August%202019%3A%20US%20House%20passes%20law%20expanding%20background%20checks.%20It%20is%20not%20brought%20to%20a%20vote%20in%20the%20Senate.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20April%2011%2C%202022%3A%20Joe%20Biden%20announces%20measures%20to%20crack%20down%20on%20hard-to-trace%20'ghost%20guns'.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20May%2024%2C%202022%3A%20Nineteen%20children%20and%20two%20teachers%20are%20killed%20at%20an%20elementary%20school%20in%20Uvalde%2C%20Texas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20June%2025%2C%202022%3A%20Joe%20Biden%20signs%20into%20law%20the%20first%20federal%20gun-control%20bill%20in%20decades.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

India cancels school-leaving examinations
Points about the fast fashion industry Celine Hajjar wants everyone to know
  • Fast fashion is responsible for up to 10 per cent of global carbon emissions
  • Fast fashion is responsible for 24 per cent of the world's insecticides
  • Synthetic fibres that make up the average garment can take hundreds of years to biodegrade
  • Fast fashion labour workers make 80 per cent less than the required salary to live
  • 27 million fast fashion workers worldwide suffer from work-related illnesses and diseases
  • Hundreds of thousands of fast fashion labourers work without rights or protection and 80 per cent of them are women
UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.