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

Celebrating the Sunhak Peace Prize 2025

On April 11, 2025, the Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony took place in the stunning Crystal Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, South Korea. This event marked a significant milestone as it celebrated ten years of honoring exceptional leaders from around the globe who have made impactful contributions to sustainability, global citizenship, and educational innovation. More than 750 international guests attended, including current and former heads of state, civil society leaders, and advocates for peace and development.

The highlight of the evening was the acknowledgment of three outstanding leaders who were awarded the esteemed Sunhak Peace Prize.

Honorees and Their Impact

Wanjira Mathai

Wanjira Mathai from Kenya received recognition for her outstanding environmental leadership, particularly through initiatives like AFR100 and the Green Belt Movement. Her efforts have significantly contributed to environmental restoration, with over 51 million trees planted in an endeavor to rehabilitate degraded lands across Africa. Mathai’s dedication to the environment exemplifies how individual action can lead to large-scale positive change.

Hugh Evans

Next was Hugh Evans from Australia, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, who was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to global citizenship. Under his leadership, Global Citizen has raised over $43 billion, directly impacting the lives of more than 1.3 billion individuals worldwide. This fundraising initiative focuses on tackling poverty, improving health, enhancing education, and ensuring access to essential services. Evans's work illustrates the potential of collective global action in facing and addressing systemic issues.

Patrick Awuah Jr.

Lastly, the prize was awarded to Patrick Awuah Jr., founder of Ashesi University in Ghana, for transforming higher education in Africa. His visionary approach includes implementing innovative curricula that emphasize ethics, gender equality, critical thinking, and leadership. Ashesi University has emerged as a pioneering institution, producing graduates who are equipped to drive social change both within Africa and beyond.

In addition to the main awards, the Founder's Award was presented to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for his contributions to peaceful democratic reforms and good governance. South African leader Samuel Radebe was recognized for his commitment to interfaith harmony and community peace in Africa. The Founder's Award for Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of East Timor, was deferred due to unavoidable circumstances.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon extended his congratulations during the ceremony. He emphasized that even after ten years, the Sunhak Peace Prize continues to highlight the significant contributions of everyday heroes to global peace and solidarity. Ki-moon expressed profound appreciation for the inspiring dedication of the honorees and sincere gratitude to founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to global peace efforts.

Conclusion

The Sunhak Peace Prize is not only a recognition of individual achievements but a reminder of what can be accomplished through cooperation and commitment to the greater good. For more information, visit www.sunhakpeaceprize.org. The world needs more champions like Wanjira Mathai, Hugh Evans, and Patrick Awuah Jr. to inspire and lead us toward a sustainable and peaceful future.