Latest news with #LeymahGbowee
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Marking the 30th Anniversary of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize, International Jury Selects Mines Advisory Group as the 2025 Prize Recipient
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation today announced that the Mines Advisory Group — a humanitarian, development and peacebuilding organization focused on landmine removal and armed violence reduction in communities affected by conflict — has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Since 1989, the Mines Advisory Group has helped over 23 million people in more than 70 countries rebuild their lives after war. It has played a leading role in the international effort to prevent the use of landmines — saving countless lives, protecting human rights and contributing to sustainable peace for communities across the world. The Mines Advisory Group was chosen through the same deliberative process that has defined the Prize for three decades. The Hilton Foundation reviews nomination submissions from nonprofits throughout the world, and an independent, international panel of distinguished jurors makes the final selection after a rigorous vetting process. The following individuals served on the 2025 Hilton Humanitarian Prize jury: The Right Honorable Helen Clark; Leymah Gbowee; Conrad N. Hilton III; Sister Joyce Meyer; Her Majesty Queen Noor; Kennedy Odede; Zainab Salbi; and Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León. 'The selection of the Mines Advisory Group as this year's Hilton Humanitarian Prize recipient serves as a reminder that compassion and peace should still be at the top of our global agenda,' said Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. 'Through its extraordinary efforts to help communities return to safety and prosperity after conflict, the Mines Advisory Group exemplifies the kind of humanitarian excellence our Prize has sought to celebrate and inspire over the last three decades.' Today, amidst rising levels of geopolitical conflict — and humanitarian needs — the need to uplift nonprofit organizations on the frontlines has never been greater. This year's Prize, therefore, honors the Mines Advisory Group for its work to address the lasting and devastating impacts that landmines, unexploded ordnance and armed violence have on human lives and post-conflict development. In 2023, more than 8 out of 10 landmine casualties were civilians, and more than a third of civilian casualties were children. Landmines and other explosive weapons are still being used in conflicts today, including in Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen. 'For 35 years, MAG has stood resolute in its mission to respond to the urgent needs of people in communities ravaged by conflict and in places still grappling with conflict's legacy, long after the wars have ended,' said Darren Cormack, Chief Executive of the Mines Advisory Group. 'We're honored to receive the Hilton Humanitarian Prize in recognition of the tireless and courageous work of our global staff. Our hope is that this spotlight can help underscore the fundamental human right to live free from the fear of landmines and armed violence. Every landmine cleared is a life saved, a community restored and a future reclaimed.' The Mines Advisory Group is working to counteract and raise awareness of this growing threat through a community-centered approach to landmine removal, armed violence reduction programming and international advocacy. The vast majority of the organization's 5,500 staff come from communities that have been directly affected by conflict. In 1997, the nonprofit was a co-laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize for its founding role in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines that led to the formation of the landmark Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) — also known as the Ottawa Treaty. 'As levels of conflict rise across the world and as several countries have expressed intent to exit the Ottawa Treaty amidst escalating conflict in Eastern Europe, our work has never been more important,' said Shari Bryan, Executive Director of the Mines Advisory Group U.S. 'The Hilton Humanitarian Prize will enable us to better meet the needs of this moment. Using the Prize funding, our team will be able to invest in research and innovation to deepen our impact, respond to emergency contexts and secure sustainable funding to carry our work forward.' As the largest annual humanitarian award for nonprofits, the Prize shines a light on extraordinary organizations innovating, advocating and creating change to improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage throughout the world. Since 1996, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize has awarded $46.5 million to 29 nonprofit organizations working in some of the world's most challenging environments. While the landscape for humanitarian aid and philanthropy continues to evolve, the legacy of the Prize underscores an enduring commitment to celebrating humanitarian leadership and inspiring greater action to alleviate human suffering worldwide. The Prize's unrestricted funding award will increase from $2.5 million to $3 million this year to mark the 30th anniversary. The 2025 Prize Ceremony honoring Mines Advisory Group will take place during the 30th Anniversary Event this October in New York, NY, USA. Nominations for the Hilton Humanitarian Prize are open year-round. About the Hilton Foundation Founded by international hotelier Conrad N. Hilton in 1944, the Foundation invests in organizations tackling some of the world's toughest challenges. We think big about solutions, working in partnership with local communities to improve lives, strengthen systems, and advocate for change. The Foundation partners with organizations worldwide, with a special focus on Africa, South America, and the United States, including our home in Los Angeles. Additionally, the Foundation is proud to fund the world's largest annual humanitarian prize for nonprofits — the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. For 30 years, the Prize has recognized nonprofit organizations setting a global benchmark for excellence and advancing the collective progress of humanity. Visit our website for more information. The Mines Advisory Group is a global humanitarian and advocacy organization that finds, removes and destroys landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded bombs from places affected by conflict. It also provides education programs, particularly for children, so people can live, work and play as safely as possible until they clear the land. The organization also delivers work to reduce armed violence by educating people about the risks of small arms and light weapons and by destroying and marking weapons and helping authorities to safely store arms and ammunition to prevent their diversion and to protect communities from unplanned explosions. Since 1989, the Mines Advisory Group has helped over 23 million people in 70-plus countries rebuild their lives after war. In 1997, the Mines Advisory Group shared the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in banning landmines. More info: Mines Advisory Group International and Mines Advisory Group US.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Liberia Observes International Women in Diplomacy Day
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women Liberia, proudly commemorated International Women in Diplomacy Day at the historic Cecil C. Dennis Jr. Auditorium, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in diplomacy and foreign service. This year's observance was held under Liberia's national theme, 'Accelerate Action,' underscoring the urgent need to fast-track efforts toward achieving gender equality and empowering women globally. The event provided a platform to honor trailblazing women, reflect on progress, and renew commitments to advancing women's roles in international relations and decision-making spaces. In a message delivered on behalf of H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Cllr. Deweh E. Gray paid tribute to iconic Liberian women who have shaped the nation's diplomatic and governance landscape. Among those honored were Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first democratically elected female president; Angie Brooks Randolph, the first African woman to preside over the United Nations General Assembly; and Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, all recognized as pioneers and beacons of peace, leadership, and gender inclusion. Cllr. Gray highlighted key national initiatives aimed at enhancing women's participation in diplomacy and peacebuilding, including the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. She emphasized that Liberian women are not only contributors to peace processes but are increasingly leading them affirming the country's growing commitment to gender-responsive governance. She reflected on Liberia's historic role as a champion of African sovereignty and global diplomacy, recalling the country's early establishment of diplomatic relations with major powers as part of its longstanding advocacy for African self-determination. 'Liberia has always been a symbol of hope and agency on the international stage,' she noted, urging continued leadership by women in diplomacy to shape a more inclusive and equitable world. The Deputy Minister challenged women across all sectors to unite across borders, cultures, and professions to create a future where women can dream, achieve, and lead. She called for collective action to advance gender-sensitive policies and to mentor and support emerging generations of women leaders. The event featured a high-level panel discussion under the theme, 'From Resolution to Reality,' during which seasoned diplomats and emerging professionals shared their personal journeys, experiences, challenges, and successes in diplomatic service. The dialogue offered valuable insights into translating international commitments on gender equality into tangible outcomes. The celebration drew participants from across the Liberian government, civil society, academia, diplomatic missions, and international development partners demonstrating strong, multi-sectoral support for advancing the role of women in diplomacy. As Liberia continues to build on its legacy of women's leadership, the 2025 International Women in Diplomacy celebration served as a resounding reminder of the nation's unwavering commitment to gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive global governance. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee, activists and close friends, are working on a picture book
NEW YORK -- Two giants of the women's rights movement, Gloria Steinem and Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, have teamed up for a picture book with the mission of inspiring young people to change the world. 'Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All' will be published next February, Scholastic Inc. announced Wednesday. Illustrated by Kah Yangni, it draws upon the close bond between Steinem and Gbowee, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Libya. 'I am so proud to collaborate with my longtime friend and sister activist Leymah Gbowee,' Steinem said in a statement. ''Rise, Girl, Rise' is for anyone who cares deeply about being part of a promising future.' Gbowee said in a statement that 'Gloria Steinem and I have traveled many roads together, physically, and through our individual actions. This special book is our gift to the trailblazers of tomorrow, who are finding power and joy in their friendships today.'
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee, activists and close friends, are working on a picture book
Two giants of the women's rights movement, Gloria Steinem and Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, have teamed up for a picture book with the mission of inspiring young people to change the world. 'Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All' will be published next February, Scholastic Inc. announced Wednesday. Illustrated by Kah Yangni, it draws upon the close bond between Steinem and Gbowee, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Libya. 'I am so proud to collaborate with my longtime friend and sister activist Leymah Gbowee,' Steinem said in a statement. ''Rise, Girl, Rise' is for anyone who cares deeply about being part of a promising future.' Gbowee said in a statement that 'Gloria Steinem and I have traveled many roads together, physically, and through our individual actions. This special book is our gift to the trailblazers of tomorrow, who are finding power and joy in their friendships today.'
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee, activists and close friends, are working on a picture book
NEW YORK (AP) — Two giants of the women's rights movement, Gloria Steinem and Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, have teamed up for a picture book with the mission of inspiring young people to change the world. 'Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All' will be published next February, Scholastic Inc. announced Wednesday. Illustrated by Kah Yangni, it draws upon the close bond between Steinem and Gbowee, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Libya. 'I am so proud to collaborate with my longtime friend and sister activist Leymah Gbowee,' Steinem said in a statement. ''Rise, Girl, Rise' is for anyone who cares deeply about being part of a promising future.' Gbowee said in a statement that 'Gloria Steinem and I have traveled many roads together, physically, and through our individual actions. This special book is our gift to the trailblazers of tomorrow, who are finding power and joy in their friendships today.'
