#South Korea #Seoul #Sunhak Peace Prize #Patrick Awuah #Hugh Evans

The Sunhak Peace Prize 2025: A Celebration of Pioneering Leaders for Peace

On April 11, 2025, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee will hold a prestigious award ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, honoring three extraordinary global leaders for their innovative contributions to peace initiatives. The event, chaired by former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, will recognize Patrick Awuah Jr. from Ghana, Hugh Evans from Australia, and Wanjira Mathai from Kenya for their remarkable efforts in advancing peaceful and sustainable futures.

Honorees and Their Impact

Patrick Awuah Jr.

Founder and President of Ashesi University in Ghana, Patrick Awuah has revolutionized higher education on the African continent. His pioneering work has established Ashesi University as a benchmark for ethical leadership and innovation in education. With an outstanding 90% employment rate among graduates and a 50% female student body, Awuah has nurtured a new generation of African leaders equipped to tackle critical challenges facing the region.

Hugh Evans

As co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans has led an astonishing campaign that has raised $43.6 billion to combat poverty and promote global development. His efforts have positively impacted the lives of over 1.3 billion people worldwide through improved access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. Evans’ commitment to addressing inequality has transformed the global activism landscape, connecting grassroots movements with systemic political changes.

Wanjira Mathai

Wanjira Mathai serves as the Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute. A leading figure in environmental restoration and sustainable development, Mathai has spearheaded initiatives like the Green Belt Movement, which has successfully planted 51 million trees. Her leadership in AFR100 aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in Africa by 2030, effectively linking environmental recovery with economic resilience and climate change combat.

Xanana Gusmão

The prestigious Founder's Prize will also be awarded to H. E. Xanana Gusmão, the critical leader in the struggle for East Timor's independence. As the first president of the nation and current prime minister, Gusmão advocates for peace and international solidarity through initiatives such as g7+, which promotes collaboration among