WASHINGTON, June 8 (Yonhap) -- The president of the Central Pacific island nation of Kiribati and an Indian scientist were named the inaugural winners of a peace prize established by the wife of late Unification Church founder Moon Sun-Myung, organizers said Monday.

Kiribati President Anote Tong was selected for his role in the fight against climate change, while Indian biologist Modadugu Vijay Gupta was recognized for his development and dissemination of low-cost techniques for freshwater fish farming, organizers of the Sunhak Peace Prize said.

"Dr. Gupta and President Tong are worthy laureates because they have made the world a better and more peaceful place," said Hong Il-sik, president of the prize committee, in a statement. "Hunger, poverty, and climate change lead to global conflict and human suffering, and both men have devoted their lives to furthering peace by finding sustainable solutions to these pressing problems."

The prize was founded in 2013 by Han Hak-ja, the widow of the late Moon, "to recognize individuals, who have willingly sacrificed themselves for peace, and praise them for their works," the organizers said.

The winners will be given US$1 million in prize money.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Aug. 28 in Seoul.

[Source - http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2015/06/09/0301000000AEN20150609000200315.html]