#South Korea #Seoul #Patrick Awuah #Hugh Evans #Sunhak Prize

The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize: A Tribute to Global Innovators for Peace

On April 11, 2025, the prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize will take place in Seoul, South Korea, honoring transformative global leaders who have significantly contributed to peace and sustainability initiatives. The ceremony, chaired by former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, aims to spotlight individuals whose innovative approaches are fostering a more peaceful world.

Honorees of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize

The recipients of this year’s award include:
1. Patrick Awuah Jr. (Ghana) - Founder of Ashesi University
2. Hugh Evans (Australia) - Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen
3. Wanjira Mathai (Kenya) - Managing Director of the World Resources Institute for Africa and Global Partnerships

These leaders will each receive a cash award of $200,000, a medal, and a plaque recognizing their monumental efforts.

Patrick Awuah Jr.: Transforming Education in Africa

Patrick Awuah is making waves in the educational landscape of Africa through his leadership at Ashesi University. His commitment to ethical leadership and academic excellence has established the institution as a pioneer in higher education. With an impressive employment rate of 90% for graduates and a student body that is 50% female, Awuah plays a vital role in cultivating a new generation of African leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges. His efforts exemplify how education can serve as a powerful tool for innovation and societal advancement.

Hugh Evans: A Visionary Activist

Hugh Evans, through the Global Citizen initiative, has successfully mobilized more than $43.6 billion to eradicate poverty worldwide and enhance global development. His strategies have positively impacted over 1.3 billion people, granting them improved access to essential services like healthcare and education. Evans’ work bridges grassroots movements with systemic political change, championing equity on a global scale. This innovative approach to activism underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustained progress against inequality.

Wanjira Mathai: Leadership in Environmental Restoration

Wanjira Mathai, a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, leads the charge in ecological restoration and socioeconomic empowerment. As a prominent figure in the Green Belt Movement, she has spearheaded efforts that resulted in the planting of over 51 million trees. Moreover, she oversees the AFR100 Initiative, aiming to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across Africa by 2030. Mathai’s work not only combats climate change but also promotes sustainable livelihoods, tying together environmental recovery with economic development.

Xanana Gusmão’s Recognition

In addition to the three primary honorees, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee will also present the esteemed Founder’s Award to Xanana Gusmão, a pivotal leader in Timor-Leste's fight for independence. As the nation's first president and current prime minister, Gusmão has been a staunch advocate for peace and cooperation on an international level. His initiatives focus on solidarity among fragile states, fostering collaboration to address mutual challenges.

Ceremony Details

The award ceremony will be held in a hybrid format, accommodating attendees both in-person and virtually, at 3:00 PM KST in Seoul. With a focus on recognizing groundbreaking contributions to peace, the event aims to inspire future generations to engage actively in creating a more harmonious world.

For more information about the Sunhak Peace Prize and to keep up with the latest updates, visit www.sunhakpeaceprize.org.