United Nations Champions of the Earth 2011: And The Winners Are….
Geschreven op 1-9-2010 - Erik van Erne. Geplaatst in Agenda, Klimaat
11 May 2011: The 2011 Champions of the Earth, the United Nations’ flagship environmental award, seeks to recognize some of the best and brightest individuals – those who take action through visionary thinking, unwavering dedication and action towards global green growth.
Champions of the Earth awards inspirational leaders, thinkers and – most importantly – doers, who have shown determination, resourcefulness and enduring commitment towards a better, cleaner and more prosperous future. This year’s laureates were selected in the following categories:
Policy Leadership - President Felipe Calderon (Mexico) for commitment to lead international efforts to combat climate change
Science & Innovation - Dr. Olga Speranskaya (Russia) for successfully mobilizing civil society in eliminating obsolete pesticides and toxic chemicals in the former Soviet region.
Entrepreneurial Vision - BROAD Group / Mr. Zhang Yue (China) for business leadership on energy efficiency and sustainable production.
Inspiration & Action - Mr. Louis Palmer (Switzerland) for raising global awareness of the need for renewable energy and sustainable transport and Ms. Angélique Kidjo (Benin) for advocacy on social equity and women empowerment in support of sustainable development
Each laureate received a $40,000 cash prize and a commemorative trophy at an Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner held on 10 May 2011.
1 September 2010: Search begins for the 2011 Champions of the Earth. Nominations are now officially open for the 2011 Champions of the Earth, the United Nations’ flagship environmental award. The award seeks to recognise the achievements of inspirational leaders, thinkers and, most importantly, ‘doers’ who have shown determination and enduring commitment towards achieving a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.
Previous winners of the award range from Prime Ministers and Presidents to scientists, NGO leaders and photographers. Members of the public from across the world can nominate their own environmental heroes for the prize. Nominations will be accepted until 31 October 2010. UNEP will select a laureate for each of the following categories: Policy Leadership, Science and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Vision and Inspiration and Action. Each laureate will receive a US$40,000 cash prize and a commemorative trophy at an Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner to be held on 10 May 2011 in New York.
Last year’s Champions of the Earth make for a diverse and inspiring cast list.
They include Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana and a passionate advocate for his country’s rainforests and His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Maldives and a well-known international climate change campaigner. Prince Mostapha Zaher - Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency - received the award for his advocacy on sustainability and Japanese scientist Dr. Taro Takahashi was honoured for his research into how carbon cycles through oceans, land and atmosphere. One of China’s most popular actresses, Zhou Xun received a 2010 Champion award for her promotion of green living, while American venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, also known as Silicon Valley’s ‘Mr. Green’, was recognised for his work in investing in renewable energies.
The need for responsibility and leadership has never been greater. Leaders from the business world, civil society and governments are needed to build today’s new Green Economy and inspire others across the world to follow in their footsteps. Nominate your Champion of the Earth now!
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