Sunhak Peace Prize 2025 Honors Global Leaders for Innovative Peace Efforts

Sunhak Peace Prize 2025: Honoring Innovators for Peace

The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, under the auspices of former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, is proud to announce the awardees for the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize. The prestigious ceremony will take place on April 11, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea, highlighting the contributions of remarkable individuals dedicated to the cause of peace and humanitarian efforts globally.

This year, three distinguished laureates will be recognized at the award ceremony: Patrick Awuah Jr. from Ghana, Hugh Evans from Australia, and Wanjira Mathai from Kenya. Each of these leaders has made significant strides in their respective fields, addressing pressing issues related to education, poverty, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.

Patrick Awuah Jr.: Transforming Education in Africa

Patrick Awuah, the founder and president of Ashesi University in Ghana, stands out as a transformative force in higher education across Africa. His dedication to fostering ethical leadership and innovation has positioned Ashesi University as a beacon of hope and a model for educational reform. With an impressive employment rate of 90% among graduates and a student body comprised of 50% women, the institution has empowered a new generation of African leaders to tackle the continent's most critical challenges.

Awuah’s vision transcends traditional education; he focuses on developing problem-solvers and active citizens who can navigate complex socio-economic landscapes while adhering to ethical principles. His impact is profound, clearly reflected in the success stories of Ashesi graduates who are making strides in various sectors throughout Africa.

Hugh Evans: Global Citizen and Activist

Recognized as a co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans has proven instrumental in mobilizing an astounding $43.6 billion to combat poverty and enhance global development. Through his efforts, over 1.3 billion lives have been positively impacted with increased access to healthcare, education, and essential services.

Evans’ innovative approach to global activism redefines community engagement and grassroots mobilization. By harnessing the power of social media and collaborative campaigns, he effectively bridges movements from diverse demographics while launching systemic political changes challenging global inequalities. His remarkable dedication not only inspires action but also creates measurable changes in the lives of countless individuals worldwide.

Wanjira Mathai: Championing Environmental Restoration

As the Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute, Wanjira Mathai has emerged as a leading force in environmental restoration and sustainable development. She has taken the helm of significant initiatives, such as the Green Belt Movement, where she led the planting of 51 million trees. Wanjira is also a pioneer of the AFR100 initiative, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in Africa by 2030.

Mathai's work successfully connects ecological restoration with economic empowerment, making strides in combatting climate change while promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through her efforts, communities are not only revitalizing their environments but also enhancing their economies, illustrating the powerful link between sustainability and social progress.

Special Recognition to Xanana Gusmão

In addition to the three main awardees, the committee will honor H.E. Xanana Gusmão, an important leader in East Timor’s struggle for independence. As the first President and current Prime Minister of his country, Gusmão has been a steadfast advocate for peace and international solidarity, spearheading initiatives such as g7+ that fosters cooperation among fragile states facing common challenges.

The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize award ceremony will occur on April 11 at 3:00 PM (KST) and will be hybrid, allowing global audiences to participate in celebrating these champions of peace. Each laureate will be awarded $200,000, along with medals and plaques recognizing their outstanding contributions.

For further information, please visit www.sunhakpeaceprize.org. Images and press releases related to the event are also available online to inspire future activism and awareness regarding peace initiatives worldwide.