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Sunhak Peace Prize 2025: Celebrating Global Leaders in Peace Innovation

On January 15, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, led by former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize. This prestigious award aims to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to peace and innovation worldwide. The formal ceremony is scheduled for April 11, 2025.

Award Recipients

The award recognizes an impressive lineup of leaders dedicated to positive social change and global peace:

1. Patrick Awuah Jr. (Ghana) - Founder of Ashesi University
2. Hugh Evans (Australia) - Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen
3. Wanjira Mathai (Kenya) - Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships, World Resources Institute
4. Xanana Gusmão (Timor-Leste) - Prime Minister and an eminent independence activist for East Timor

Patrick Awuah's Commitment to Education

Patrick Awuah Jr. is a transformative figure in higher education across Africa. His initiatives at Ashesi University emphasize ethical leadership and innovation, boasting an impressive graduate employment rate of 90% and a 50% female student population. Awuah’s vision equips a new generation of African leaders, addressing the continent's most pressing challenges through education.

Hugh Evans and Global Activism

Hugh Evans has dramatically reshaped the landscape of global activism as the co-founder of Global Citizen. Under his leadership, the organization has raised over $43.6 billion towards alleviating poverty and fostering global development. His work has improved the lives of over 1.3 billion individuals, expanding access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Evans’ approach merges grassroots movements with systemic policy changes, tackling global inequality effectively.

Wanjira Mathai's Environmental Leadership

As the Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute, Wanjira Mathai plays a vital role in environmental sustainability efforts. Leading initiatives like the Green Belt Movement, she has spearheaded the planting of 51 million trees and directs the AFR100 initiative, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across Africa by 2030. Mathai's work intersects environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, combating climate change while promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Xanana Gusmão's Call for Peace

The award will also honor Xanana Gusmão, a pivotal figure in East Timor's independence movement. As the country’s first president and now the Prime Minister, Gusmão advocates for peace and global solidarity through various initiatives, such as the g7+, fostering collaboration among nations facing instability.

Ceremony Details

The award ceremony will take place hybridly on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM KST in Seoul, South Korea. Each laureate will receive a monetary prize of $200,000, along with a medal and a commemorative plaque, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to promoting peace internationally.

For more information on the Sunhak Peace Prize and its esteemed recipients, visit Sunhak Peace Prize.