#USA #Los Angeles #Mines Advisory Group #Hilton Prize #Humanitarian Work

Mines Advisory Group Awarded the 2025 Hilton Humanitarian Prize

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has announced that the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a UK-based humanitarian organization, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Hilton Humanitarian Prize. This recognition comes as MAG marks its 30th anniversary in the humanitarian field, focusing on the critical issues of landmine removal and armed violence reduction.

Since its inception in 1989, MAG has dedicated itself to helping communities affected by conflict, restoring safety and stability while providing necessary support for rebuilding lives. By removing landmines and unexploded ordnance, MAG has positively impacted over 23 million individuals across more than 70 countries. Furthermore, it has taken a leading role in global advocacy against landmine usage which has substantially influenced international policies.

The Hilton Humanitarian Prize is renowned as the world's largest annual award given to nonprofits working in the humanitarian space. This year, MAG was selected through a rigorous evaluation process that gathered nominations from various philanthropic organizations around the globe. Following thorough deliberations by an independent panel of jurors, MAG emerged as the standout candidate for the honor.

Jurors for the 2025 Prize included notable figures such as The Right Honorable Helen Clark and Leymah Gbowee, among others, emphasizing the Prize's commitment to selecting organizations that display extraordinary humanitarian efforts. Peter Laugharn, the President and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, noted, “The selection of the Mines Advisory Group serves as a reminder that compassion and peace should be prioritized in our global agenda.”

In an era characterized by increasing geopolitical tensions and escalating humanitarian crises, the importance of organizations like MAG has never been more pronounced. The Prize not only recognizes their incredible work but also increases its funding award from $2.5 million to $3 million this year, aligning with the celebration of 30 years of humanitarian excellence.

In 2023 alone, over 80% of the casualties caused by landmines were civilians, and a staggering portion of these victims were children. This highlights the urgent need for organizations addressing these devastating realities. Darren Cormack, MAG’s Chief Executive, reflected on the organization's mission, saying, “For 35 years, MAG has committed itself to addressing the immediate needs of communities affected by conflict.” He expressed gratitude for the Hilton Prize, recognizing the courage and dedication of the organization's global staff.

The majority of MAG's workforce of 5,500 comprises individuals hailing from communities heavily impacted by war. This connection to the ground realities allows MAG to provide culturally sensitive and informed interventions. MAG's efforts have also garnered international recognition, having been co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for its role in the campaign to ban landmines, which laid the groundwork for the celebrated Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

The Hilton Humanitarian Prize continues to be an important beacon of hope, shining a spotlight on extraordinary organizations that create profound societal change and advocate for the disadvantaged. With increased resources and recognition, the Mines Advisory Group is poised to continue its impactful work, demonstrating that concerted humanitarian efforts can lead to significant change even in the direst circumstances.

This momentous recognition not only highlights the critical need for ongoing support of humanitarian efforts but also fosters a renewed commitment to addressing the issues caused by conflict and violence around the world.

For more information about the Hilton Foundation and the Mines Advisory Group, visit their respective websites.

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