#South Korea #Seoul #Sunhak Peace Prize #Hugh Evans #Wanjira Mathai

Sunhak Peace Prize 2025: Celebrating Global Change Makers

On April 11, 2025, the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel World in Seoul hosted the Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony, marking a decade of honoring influential leaders dedicated to sustainability, global citizenship, and educational advancement. The event attracted over 750 international guests, including world leaders, former heads of state, and prominent figures from civil society, solidifying its significance in the global landscape of peace initiatives.

In its 10th year, the Sunhak Peace Prize recognized three remarkable individuals whose work has profoundly impacted society and the environment. The honorees this year included Wanjira Mathai from Kenya, Hugh Evans from Australia, and Patrick Awuah Jr. from Ghana, each acknowledged for their substantial contributions in their respective fields.

Wanjira Mathai: Environmental Advocate

Wanjira Mathai's efforts in environmental leadership have been pivotal, particularly through initiatives such as AFR100 and the Green Belt Movement. Mathai has played a crucial role in ecological restoration, leading the planting of over 51 million trees across Africa to rejuvenate degraded landscapes. Her commitment to sustainable practices highlights the importance of grassroots movements in tackling urgent environmental challenges.

Hugh Evans: Champion of Global Citizenship

Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, received recognition for his exceptional commitment to global citizenship. Under his guidance, Global Citizen mobilized over $43 billion, directly improving the lives of more than 1.3 billion people worldwide by addressing critical issues like poverty, healthcare, education, and access to essential services. Evans's work exemplifies how dedicated leadership can drive change on a global scale, fostering a more equitable world.

Patrick Awuah Jr.: Transforming Higher Education

The Sunhak Peace Prize also honored Patrick Awuah Jr., founder of Ashesi University in Ghana, for his transformative impact on higher education in Africa. Awuah's visionary leadership implemented innovative curricula focusing on ethics, gender equality, critical thinking, and leadership development. Ashesi University stands out as a pioneering institution that equips graduates to lead social change not just in Africa, but globally.

In addition to these three main awards, a Founder's Prize was presented to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for his contributions to peaceful democratic transitions and good governance. Samuel Radebe from South Africa received recognition for his commitment to interfaith harmony and community peace. However, the Founder's Prize for Xanana Gusmão, the first Prime Minister of East Timor, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The ceremony was graced by Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who commended the Sunhak Peace Prize for highlighting the crucial contributions of unsung heroes to global peace and solidarity. He expressed heartfelt congratulations to the recipients and appreciation for Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s visionary leadership and steadfast support for global peace initiatives.

This year’s ceremony underscores the ongoing relevance and necessity of global cooperation to tackle the multifaceted challenges our world faces today. The Sunhak Peace Prize continues to inspire future leaders and advocates for positive change, reinforcing the belief that individual actions, when combined, can lead to monumental shifts in society.

For further details about the Sunhak Peace Prize and its initiatives, you can visit their official website at www.sunhakpeaceprize.org.