The UN Foundation's 'We the Peoples' Awards 2024 Celebrates Global Leadership and Humanitarian Efforts

Celebrating Global Leaders: The 2024 'We the Peoples' Awards

On November 22, 2024, Gotham Hall in New York City was the prestigious venue for the United Nations Foundation's annual 'We the Peoples' Awards ceremony. This event acknowledges and celebrates exceptional global leaders whose efforts have markedly influenced humanity. This year, seven remarkable individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions in various domains.

Notable Awardees of 2024

Among the honorees was the honorable Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Ardern was celebrated for her empathetic leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing women's rights, combatting climate change, and fostering unity and peace across nations. Elizabeth Cousens, the President and CEO of the UN Foundation, presented this prestigious accolade, highlighting Ardern's impact on a global scale.

The magazine TIME received the award for Goal 17 Innovations in Partnerships, in recognition of its century-long dedication to journalistic integrity. Jessica Sibley, the magazine's CEO, accepted the award from Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon, underscoring the need for credible sources of information in today's world.

Amanda Gorman, a celebrated poet and activist, was awarded for her advocacy in education and equality. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, commended Gorman for her unique ability to inspire change through her powerful words.

Angélique Kidjo, a Grammy-winning artist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, also took home an award for her relentless support for children's rights and her commitment to empower young girls and women in Africa. Her award was presented by Inés Yábar, Program Director at the UN Foundation.

Louise Mabulo, founder of the Kakao Project, was recognized for her innovative support of vulnerable communities affected by climate change in the Philippines. The award was presented by Marc-André Blanchard, Executive Vice-President at CDPQ.

Additionally, the 'UN Heroes' award showcased the dedication of UN personnel on the front lines during emergencies. This year's accolade was given to teams involved in disaster evaluation and coordination, recognizing their bravery and commitment to saving lives in times of crisis. Baroness Valerie Amos presented this award, acknowledging the significant risks these individuals undertake to protect others.

During the ceremony, Elizabeth Cousens remarked, “In these times of profound consequences and change in our world, we come together to honor extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated unique imagination, courage, and commitment.” She accentuated that leadership manifests in various forms, from humanitarian service to creativity in the arts and journalism.

The 'We the Peoples' awards are inspired by the opening words of the UN Charter, promoting the essence of unity and collaboration for a better world. The 2024 honorees stood as benchmarks of honesty, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of building a safer, fairer, and better future for all.

This celebration not only honored these icons but also provided a platform to inspire upcoming leaders and remind the world of its shared responsibility in addressing global challenges. To learn more about the UN Foundation and its transformative efforts over the past 25 years, visit www.unfoundation.org.

As the event concluded, photos, transcripts, and recordings will be made available to the public to ensure the stories of these remarkable leaders continue to resonate far beyond the assembly of dignitaries.

Conclusion

The 'We the Peoples' Awards serve as a powerful reminder that leadership is about collective action and the courage to pursue a vision of unity and progress. With figures like Jacinda Ardern, Amanda Gorman, and Angélique Kidjo leading the way, the future holds the promise of a safer and more compassionate world.