UN Foundation Honors Exceptional Global Leaders at 2024 We the Peoples Awards Ceremony
UN Foundation Honors Exceptional Global Leaders at 2024 We the Peoples Awards Ceremony
On November 22, 2024, New York City was the stage for the prestigious We the Peoples Awards ceremony, hosted by the United Nations Foundation. This event aims to recognize leaders who have made significant contributions to global change, promoting ideals of unity, resilience, and humanitarianism. The UN Foundation presented these awards to seven remarkable laureates for their outstanding impacts on the global stage.
Celebrating Visionary Leaders
Among the honorees, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received the top accolade as the Leader of Global Change. She was lauded for her innovative and compassionate leadership, particularly in championing women's rights, addressing climate change, and fostering unity across diverse communities. Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation, presented the award, emphasizing the importance of leadership in various forms—be it humanitarian aid, public activism, or journalism.
The awards categorize the recipients based on different impactful areas:
Innovation in Partnership
TIME Magazine was honored with the “Goal 17 – Innovations in Partnership” award. Under the stewardship of CEO Jessica Sibley, TIME has maintained its dedication to journalistic integrity, consistently providing vital truths and critical discussions globally. The award was presented by Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon, recognizing TIME's significant role in fostering informed public discourse.
Empowering Change Through Words
Amanda Gorman, an acclaimed poet and activist, received the award for her advocacy in education and equality. Known for her powerful spoken word, Gorman inspires societal change through her art. This award was presented by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who commended Gorman's remarkable ability to elevate voices through poetry.
Child Rights Advocacy
The “SDG Vanguard Award” was presented to Angélique Kidjo, a Grammy-winning artist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, for her unwavering commitment to children's rights and her tireless efforts in promoting education and empowerment for girls across Africa. Kidjo's work exemplifies the transformative power of art in activism. Inés Yábar, Program Director at the UN Foundation, presented the award, highlighting Kidjo’s significant impact in her field.
Combatting Climate Change
Louise Mabulo, founder of the Cocoa Project, received recognition for her fight against climate change's effects on vulnerable communities. Her initiative employs sustainable agricultural practices, forming a resilient response to the agricultural challenges faced by farmers in the Philippines. Marc-André Blanchard, Executive Vice-President at CDPQ Global, awarded Mabulo, pointing to her innovative approach as a model for nurturing both community and environment.
Honoring the Heroes of UN
This year's ceremony also honored the UN’s emergency response specialists with the “UN Heroes” award. Recognizing their courageous and selfless work during natural disasters, this award was presented by Baroness Valerie Amos, a member of the UN Foundation Board of Directors. The recognition showcases the UN's commitment to humanitarian efforts and the unsung heroes who operate on the front lines of crisis situations.
The We the Peoples Awards Ceremony underscored the significance of collaboration, resilience, and innovation in addressing the world's pressing challenges. As Elizabeth Cousens remarked, these honorees exemplify leadership across various spheres, demonstrating that success stems from the collective strength in pursuing a shared goal.
A Commitment to Global Progress
The UN Foundation has a robust history of over 25 years in fostering innovative partnerships, creating initiatives aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing issues, and supporting the UN’s vital work. With a focus on achieving global progress, the foundation continues to advocate for humanitarian efforts and social justice. To learn more about their initiatives, visit www.unfoundation.org.
The ceremony, named after the opening words of the UN Charter
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.