2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Ceremony: Celebrating Global Innovators in Peace

On April 11, 2025, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, led by José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, will honor remarkable global leaders whose contributions to peace and development stand as a beacon of hope amid numerous global challenges. The ceremony will take place in Seoul, South Korea, and will spotlight three distinguished laureates:

Patrick Awuah Jr.

Patrick Awuah Jr. is the Founder and President of Ashesi University in Ghana, which has become a pioneering institution in higher education throughout Africa. His vision is reflected in the remarkable 90% graduate employment rate and a student body in which women make up 50%. Awuah's work emphasizes the transformative power of education, not just in economic terms, but as a means to foster ethical leadership and innovation among Africa’s future leaders. Through his efforts, he has empowered a new generation to both confront and address the continent's crucial challenges.

Hugh Evans

Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans is at the forefront of mobilizing resources to combat poverty worldwide. His organization has raised an astonishing $43.6 billion to enhance global development efforts, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 billion individuals. Evans has pioneered an innovative approach to activism that merges grassroots movements with systemic change, thereby tackling global inequalities in healthcare, education, and access to essential services. His unwavering commitment to social justice has redefined what global activism can achieve.

Wanjira Mathai

Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute, Wanjira Mathai, is an influential advocate for environmental restoration and sustainable development. As a key figure in the Green Belt Movement, she has led the charge in planting more than 51 million trees and is pivotal in the AFR100 Initiative, aiming to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across Africa by 2030. Mathai’s approach aligns ecological restoration with economic empowerment, fostering sustainable livelihoods while addressing climate change head-on.

Founder's Award

Additionally, the prestigious Founder's Award will be presented to H.E. Xanana Gusmão, an instrumental figure in Timor-Leste's journey towards independence. As the first President and current Prime Minister of the nation, Gusmão has relentlessly championed peace and solidarity through initiatives like the g7+, which encourages cooperation among fragile states to overcome shared challenges.

Ceremony Details

The 2025 award ceremony is set to unfold in a hybrid format, allowing worldwide access to this momentous occasion. Each of the honored laureates will receive a cash award of $200,000, alongside a medal and plaque recognizing their significant contributions to peace. It is an event to celebrate individuals who have used their skills, vision, and determination to foster a more peaceful and equitable world.

For those interested in learning more about the laureates and the Sunhak Peace Prize, visit the official website at www.sunhakpeaceprize.org. This ceremony not only serves to recognize past achievements but also inspires future activists and leaders in the ongoing quest for global peace and harmony.