UN Foundation gives Global Leadership Award to PM

Prime Minister Mia Mottley was among those honoured today by the United Nations Foundation at the ‘We the Peoples’ Awards Ceremony at Gotham Hall, New York City.

The annual Global Leadership Awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations whose work embodies the values and purposes of the UN: to create a safer, healthier and fairer world for everyone, everywhere.

In addition to Mottley, who is Co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates Group, the other 2022 awardees are: Forest Whitaker, Founder and CEO of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative and SDG Advocate; Mia Kami, artist, storyteller, and climate justice activist; the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Peace on Purpose|lululemon.

“As we gather this year amid a series of complex global crises, I’m reminded of an unassailable truth: our progress is a choice,” said Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation. “The leaders, changemakers, and organizations we are recognizing tonight are choosing progress every day, and reminding us that there is power in cooperation. It is
 our tremendous honor to recognize them tonight and celebrate their tireless efforts toward building a better and fairer world for all.”

The Awards were presented at We the Peoples, a signature event named for the inspiring opening words of the UN Charter. As the UN Foundation marks its 25th Anniversary this year, We the Peoples also celebrated the extraordinary vision and generosity of Founder and Chairman Ted Turner, who established the Foundation to provide a pathway for
partners to support the United Nations’ lifesaving work and vital mission. 

The 2022 honorees were recognized for wide-ranging work to drive progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as we approach the halfway point to their 2030 deadline, raise climate ambition, and reimagine multilateral cooperation to deliver on the promise of the UN Charter and SDGs for everyone, everywhere. 

The award to Whitaker was in recognition of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative’s work helping some 1.3 million children – including former child soldiers – cope with trauma and learn to thrive in their communities. Whitaker received the SDG Vanguard Award. 

Kami’s award was in recognition of her work bridging art and action to protect the world’s oceans. She is a singer-songwriter from Fiji who channels her passion for climate action, indigenous rights and gender equality through a unique blend of musical performance and storytelling.

The award to the The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was In recognition of the courage demonstrated by UNFPA on the frontlines of the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide, the organization received the 2022 UN Heroes Award. Dr. Natalia Kanem, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, accepted the Award, which was presented by Mark Malloch-Brown, President of Open Society Foundations and UN Foundation Board member. 

In recognition of the program’s support to UN development and humanitarian workers, the Award was presented to Peace on Purpose|lululemon by Vice Chair of the UN Foundation Board of Directors and Master of University College Oxford, Baroness Valerie Amos. Peace on Purpose provides tools for staff to care for their mental and physical well-being so they can effectively care for others. 

The award was accepted by Esther Speck, SeniorVice President of Sustainable Business & Impact atlululemon. 

(PR)