UN Foundation's 2024"We the Peoples"Awards Ceremony Honors Global Leaders

Rt. Hon. DameJacinda Ardern, formerNew ZealandPrime Minister, recognized as Champion for Global Change

NEW YORK,Nov. 22, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- The United Nations Foundation'sWe the PeoplesGlobal Leadership Awards were announced today inNew York City, recognizing seven extraordinary honorees who have achieved outsized impact on the world stage. 

The 2024 honorees are: Rt. Hon. DameJacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister ofNew Zealand;TIME, accepted byJessica Sibley, Chief Executive Officer;Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist;Angélique Kidjo, Grammy-Winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador;Louise Mabulo, Founder of the Cacao Project; andUN Emergency First Responders, accepted by team members fromUnited Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC)and theInternational Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

"At this time of great consequence and change in our world, we gather to recognize exceptional leaders who in their communities and on the world stage have shown unique imagination, courage, and resolve,"saidElizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation."These honorees show us that leadership takes many forms — from humanitarian service to community activism to art, journalism, and statecraft at the highest levels. They show that progress is most possible when we unite our strengths for common cause." 

At theWe the PeoplesAwards, named for the powerful opening words of the UN Charter, this year's honorees earned accolades for their integrity, resilience, and grit, and for their unwavering commitment to building a safer, fairer, and better world.

Champion for Global Change

• Rt. Hon. DameJacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister ofNew Zealand
  
  In recognition of her trailblazing and empathetic leadership, commitment to championing the rights of women, combatting climate change, and fostering of unity and peace.Elizabeth Cousens, UN Foundation President and CEO, presented the marquee award.

Goal 17 Innovation in Partnership Award 

• TIME
  
  In recognition of TIME's commitment to journalistic integrity for over a century, earning a reputation across the globe as a consistent and unflinching source of truth, debate, and critical thinking. Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon and UN Foundation Board Member, presented the award, which was accepted byJessica Sibley, Chief Executive Officer of TIME.

Unite our Strength Award

• Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist
  
  In recognition of her advocacy for education and equity, and her unparalleled ability to move people to change through the power of her words.Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, presented the inaugural award.

SDG Vanguard Awards 

• Angélique Kidjo, Grammy-Award-winning Singer-Songwriter, and International UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
  
  In recognition of her defense of children's rights globally, her fearless and unwavering support of girls and young women acrossAfrica, and her commitment to using her platform and voice for good. Inés Yábar, Lead of the UN Foundation's Next Generation Fellows program, presented the award.

• Louise Mabulo, Founder of the Cacao Project
  
  In recognition of her impactful advocacy and support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change inthe Philippinesand beyond through sustainable, resilient agricultural practices. Marc-André Blanchard, Executive Vice-President and Head of CDPQ Global and Global Head of Sustainability, CDPQ, and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, United Nations Foundation, presented the award.

Each year, the UN Foundation has honored the compassion, courage, and determination of UN frontline workers with theUN Heroes Award. This year's honor went toUN Emergency First Responders.

• In recognition of their brave and selfless work to save others when disasters strike, the UN Heroes Award was presented to team members fromUN OCHA'sUnited Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). BaronessValerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford and UN Foundation Board Member, presented the award. 

The 2024We the PeoplesAwards Ceremony was held at Gotham Hall inNew York City. Photos, remarks, transcripts, and videos will be made available via the UN Foundation'spress kiton a rolling basis following the event.

About The UN Foundation

For over 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity's greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more atwww.unfoundation.org

SOURCE United Nations Foundation, Inc.