2025 Sunhak Peace Prize: Honoring Global Leaders in Peace Innovation
Seoul, January 15, 2025 – The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, chaired by José Manuel Durão Barroso, former President of the European Commission, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize. The main award will be shared by Patrick Awuah Jr., Founder and President of Ashesi University, Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, and Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute.
Transformational Leadership for Global Peace
Announcing
the winners, Chairman Barroso emphasized, “The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize
highlights visionary leaders who have turned the ideals of peace into
actionable and sustainable solutions. These laureates have boldly addressed
global challenges and spearheaded transformative change.”
Patrick Awuah, Jr.: Revolutionizing Education in Africa
Patrick
Awuah has reshaped the higher education landscape in Africa through the
establishment of Ashesi University. By fostering an innovative academic
environment focusing on STEM education, ethical leadership, and
entrepreneurship, he has empowered countless young Africans to excel.
- Over
90% of Ashesi graduates secure meaningful employment or launch successful
businesses.
- Women comprise 50% of its graduates, advancing gender equity across the continent.
Hugh
Evans: Mobilizing Global Action Against Poverty
Hugh
Evans revolutionized the fight against poverty through his organization, Global
Citizen. His efforts have mobilized approximately $43.6 billion for poverty
eradication and development programs, directly impacting over 1.3 billion
people worldwide.
- Advocated
at G7, G20, and UN platforms to mobilize financial and policy commitments
from world leaders, driving global progress toward achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Empowered
global citizens to drive 30 international policy changes addressing
poverty, inequality, and climate crises.
Wanjira
Mathai: Championing Environmental Restoration in Africa
Wanjira
Mathai pioneered the integration of environmental restoration with economic
development. Through initiatives like the Green Belt Movement, she:
- Planted
over 51 million trees, combating deforestation and soil erosion.
- Revitalized
local economies and created employment opportunities for women.
- Led
the AFR100 initiative to restore 100 million hectares of land across
Africa by 2030, contributing significantly to climate resilience.
The founder of the
Sunhak Peace Prize, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, stated in her welcoming address, “Over
the past decade, the Sunhak Peace Prize has identified and honored individuals
who have dedicated themselves to addressing urgent global challenges based on
its three core values: respect for human rights, reconciliation of conflicts,
and ecological conservation.” She further emphasized, “The lives of the
laureates have been a vivid and inspiring testament to how peace can be
realized through concrete actions and cultural transformation.” She also
pledged to continue discovering outstanding global leaders to expand the vision
for peace worldwide.
Award Ceremony Details
The
2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 11,
2025, at 3:00 PM at the Lotte Hotel in Jamsil, Seoul, South Korea. The
hybrid event will be held both in-person and online. Each laureate will receive
a cash prize of $200,000, along with a medal and a plaque.
For
more information, please visit www.sunhakpeaceprize.org.
Media Contact: Tel: +82-2-3278-5158
Mobile: +82-10-2936-9138
Email: sunhakprize@gmail.com
