#South Korea #Seoul #Global Citizen #Sunhak Peace Prize #Ashesi University

2025 Sunhak Peace Prize: Honoring Global Leaders

On April 11, 2025, the prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony took place at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, South Korea. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the award, which acknowledges outstanding contributions in the fields of sustainability, global citizenship, and innovation in education.

The event was attended by over 750 international guests, including world leaders, former heads of state, and prominent civil society representatives. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of three remarkable individuals who have made significant impacts on the global stage.

Recognized Leaders

Wanjira Mathai from Kenya received accolades for her exceptional leadership in environmental initiatives, particularly through the AFR100 initiative and the Green Belt Movement. Her tireless dedication has led to the planting of more than 51 million trees, fundamentally restoring degraded landscapes across Africa.

Hugh Evans, an Australian activist and co-founder of Global Citizen, was honored for his unwavering commitment to global citizenship. Under his leadership, the organization has raised over $43 billion, directly impacting the lives of more than 1.3 billion people by addressing critical issues such as poverty, health, education, and access to essential services.

Patrick Awuah Jr., the founder of Ashesi University in Ghana, has revolutionized higher education in Africa. His visionary leadership has introduced innovative curricula focused on ethics, gender equality, critical thinking, and leadership. Under his guidance, Ashesi University has become a pioneering institution, producing graduates equipped to lead positive social change in Africa and beyond.

Moreover, the ceremony also featured the Founders' Award, presented to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for his role in promoting peaceful democratic transitions and good governance. South African leader Samuel Radebe was recognized for his efforts in fostering interfaith harmony and community peace in Africa. The Founders' Award for Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of East Timor, has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

In a poignant message during the ceremony, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his admiration for the work of the recipients. He stated, “As the Sunhak Peace Prize celebrates its tenth anniversary, it continues to shine a light on the vital contributions of unsung heroes to peace and global solidarity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the laureates for their inspiring dedication and sincere gratitude to the founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, for her visionary leadership and unwavering support for global peace efforts.”

Looking Forward

The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize reinforces the importance of collaboration and active participation in addressing the pressing challenges faced by our world today. Recognizing these champions of change serves as an inspiration for future generations to engage in sustainable practices, enhance citizenship responsibilities, and innovate educational landscapes.

For more information about the Sunhak Peace Prize and its awardees, please visit www.sunhakpeaceprize.org.

The Sunhak Peace Prize Secretariat was also noted for its commitment to highlighting impactful leaders dedicated to fostering peace and understanding worldwide.

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This significant event shows how the commitment to sustainability, education, and global citizenship is crucial in our rapidly changing world. As the Sunhak Peace Prize continues to shine a light on these crucial areas, it invites everyone to join in the path towards a more equitable and sustainable future.