2025 Sunhak Peace Prize

THE 6TH PRIZE AWARD

2025 SUNAHK PEACE PRIZE LAUREATES

Actions for peace lay the foundation for sustainable peace.

Meet four innovators of peace who have driven tangible change

through action, solidarity, sustainability, and inspiration.

INNOVATION FOR PEACE

2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate Patrick Awuah Jr.

SUNHAK PEACE PRIZE AWARD

The 6th Sunhak Peace Prize Award

Sunhak Peace Prize

An Educational Innovator Unlocking Africa’s Potential

Patrick Awuah established Ashesi University in Ghana in 2002, introducing a groundbreaking educational model that integrates STEM-focused learning with ethical leadership. With 92% of graduates securing quality jobs or launching successful businesses, Ashesi has become a driving.

( Achievements )

Expanding Access and Promoting Gender Equality

He has prioritized accessibility at Ashesi University, with 55% of students receiving scholarships. Female enrollment has risen from 25% to 50%, empowering women in STEM fields through mentorships and scholarships. Notable alumni, like Regina Kanu, among the BBC’s 100 Most Inspirational Women, highlight Ashesi's transformative impact.

Nurturing Ethical IT Talent for Africa’s Future

He founded Ashesi University in 2002, revolutionizing higher education in Africa. Starting with 30 students, the university now serves 1,500 students from 31 countries, with 92% of graduates achieving employment or entrepreneurial success within six months. Ranked #1 in Ghana and #9 in Africa, Ashesi fosters innovation through initiatives like the Ashesi Venture Incubator, generating $1.5 million in revenue.

Transforming Africa’s Future through Integrity

Patrick Awuah introduced Africa's first honor code at Ashesi University, fostering ethical leadership and accountability. Leadership programs emphasize ethics, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, producing graduates who combat corruption and drive sustainable development, contributing to Africa's growth.

( Achievements )

Pioneering Ethical Leadership to Overcome Corruption

Ashesi University is the first in Africa to implement an Honor Code, establishing an autonomous examination system along with a mechanism for monitoring and reporting misconduct. This initiative has promoted a culture of integrity, empowering students to grow into responsible leaders dedicated to driving progress within their communities and nations.

When you change leaders, you change a continent.
The next century will be Africa’s century.
- Patrick Awuah Jr. -

2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate Hugh Evans

SUNHAK PEACE PRIZE AWARD

A Trailblazing Global Citizen Inspiring the Next Generation

Hugh Evans is a world-renowned leader who co-founded Global Citizen in 2008, aiming to eliminate global poverty and promote sustainable development. By mobilizing over $43.6 billion in commitments, he has positively impacted the lives of 1.3 billion people worldwide. Through digital platforms and campaigns, he has pioneered a new era of citizen action for global change.

( Achievements )

Citizen Action Mobilizing Policy Change

Hugh Evans, through Global Citizen, has united over 12 million members and driven 42.9 million actions, resulting in 30+ global policy changes. Key achievements include raising $2.3 billion for education, benefiting 700 million children, and securing $8.7 billion at the 2021 G7 Summit for vaccine equity. Global Citizen ensures accountability in advancing SDGs.

Citizen Action Mobilizing Policy Change

Hugh Evans, through Global Citizen, united 12 million members, driving 42.9 million actions and 30+ policy changes. Key achievements include raising $2.3 billion for education and securing $8.7 billion at the 2021 G7 Summit for vaccine equity. Global Citizen ensures accountability in SDG progress.

The Power of Music and Action in Global Change

Hugh Evans transformed civic engagement through the Global Citizen Festival, blending music and activism with artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and BTS. During the pandemic, the One World: Together at Home festival raised $127 million for healthcare workers and COVID-19 efforts. Evans’ approach inspires collective action and global solidarity.

( Achievements )

$43.6 billion in Commitments, 1.3 billion Lives Transformed

Hugh Evans, founder of Global Citizen, has mobilized $43.6 billion since 2008, benefiting 1.3 billion people through healthcare, education, and climate resilience. Key campaigns include Mandela 100, raising $7.4 billion for 122 million Africans, and Global Goal: Unite for Our Future, securing $7 billion for vaccine equity.

Poverty, climate change, and gender inequality are global problems.
To solve them, we need global citizens to act together.
- Hugh Evans -

2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate Wanjira Mathai

SUNHAK PEACE PRIZE AWARD

A Champion of Africa’s Ecological Restoration

Wanjira Mathai carries forward the legacy of her mother, Wangari Maathai, by leading efforts to restore ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience across Africa. Through the Green Belt Movement, she has planted 51 million trees and spearheaded the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), which aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

( Achievements )

51 Million Trees Planted Across Africa

Under Wanjira Maathai’s leadership, the Green Belt Movement has planted over 51 million trees and promoted conservation across Africa. In 2023, her AFR100 initiative restored 30 million hectares of land, boosting biodiversity, water security, and local economies.

Reviving Africa’s Degraded Landscapes

As Global Partnerships Director at WRI Africa, Wanjira Maathai leads the AFR100 initiative, working with 31 African nations to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. So far, 30 million hectares have been restored, creating jobs and boosting agricultural productivity.

( Achievements )

Women Leading the Renewable Energy Transition

Mathai has championed renewable energy entrepreneurship for African women through the wPOWER program, training over 5,000 women to promote solar power and sustainable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy access in underserved regions.

Planting trees for future generations is our responsibility and our hope.
- Wanjira Mathai -

2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Founders' Award Laureate Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

SUNHAK PEACE PRIZE AWARD

A Visionary Leader Driving East Timor’s Democracy and Global Harmony

Xanana Gusmão offered a new model of cooperation and reconciliation among conflict-affected nations through East Timor's independence and the founding of g7+. His leadership helped establish East Timor as a stable democracy and provided a beacon of solidarity and hope for global conflict zones.

( Achievements )

A Leader Symbolic of East Timor’s Independence and Democracy

Xanana Gusmão led East Timor's independence movement and was imprisoned for seven years. After independence in 1999, he became the first president in 2002 and later served as prime minister, driving the nation's reconstruction and democratic development.

Rebuilding East Timor Through International Cooperation

After East Timor's independence, Gusmão led national reconstruction with UN support, strengthening security, economic recovery, and democracy. His diplomatic efforts raised the country’s international standing, earning him the Sakharov Prize and the Gwangju Human Rights Prize.

( Achievements )

Founding g7+: A Global Platform for Conflict-Affected Nations

In 2010, Gusmão founded G7+, a platform for 22 conflict-affected countries to collaborate on peace and reconstruction. G7+ is seen as a model for conflict resolution and sustainable development.

Even after war ends, human relationships must endure.
Peace and reconciliation are the true victories.
-Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão-