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

2025 Sunhak Peace Prize: A Celebration of Global Leadership for Peace

The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, under the guidance of former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize. The awards aim to recognize exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to peace innovation worldwide. The award ceremony is set to take place on April 11, 2025, at 3 PM KST in Seoul, South Korea, and will adopt a hybrid format to ensure broader participation.

Honorees of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize

This year's honorees are Patrick Awuah Jr. from Ghana, Hugh Evans from Australia, and Wanjira Mathai from Kenya. Each recipient has demonstrated remarkable achievements in their respective fields, contributing to peace through education, activism, and environmental restoration.

Patrick Awuah Jr. - Transforming Education in Africa

Patrick Awuah Jr. is the founder of Ashesi University in Ghana, an institution that has revolutionized higher education in Africa. Through his visionary leadership, Ashesi University has emerged as a model for ethical leadership training and innovation. The university boasts an impressive 90% graduate employment rate and prides itself on having a student body comprising 50% women, empowering a new generation of African leaders to tackle critical challenges on the continent.

Hugh Evans - Global Activism and Impact

Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, has mobilized an astounding $43.6 billion to combat poverty and advance global development initiatives. His work has positively affected the lives of over 1.3 billion people worldwide, providing better access to healthcare, education, and vital services. Through his global activism, Evans has reshaped the landscape of civil engagement, intertwining grassroots movements with systematic political changes to address global inequalities.

Wanjira Mathai - Environmental Leadership

Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute, stands out for her leading role in environmental restoration and sustainable development. As a prominent figure within the Green Belt Movement, she has initiated the planting of 51 million trees and spearheads the AFR100 initiative, aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land across Africa by 2030. Mathai’s efforts not only focus on ecological restoration but also prioritize economic empowerment and livelihoods while addressing climate change.

Special Recognition

Additionally, the Sunhak Peace Prize Founder’s Award will be presented to Xanana Gusmão, the former President of Timor-Leste and current Prime Minister. Gusmão has been a key player in advocating for peace and international solidarity through initiatives such as g7+, which encourages collaboration among fragile states to overcome shared challenges. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering a spirit of cooperation and resilience.

Ceremony Details

Each awardee will receive a cash prize of $200,000, along with a medal and a plaque. The hybrid award ceremony aims to engage a wide audience, celebrating the profound impact these leaders have had on society and their commitment to fostering peace.

To learn more, visit the official website at sunhakpeaceprize.org.

Join us on April 11, 2025, to honor these distinguished leaders and their remarkable efforts in innovation for peace.