The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize recognises visionary leaders reshaping global peace through education, poverty eradication, and environmental restoration.
The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, chaired by José Manuel Durão Barroso, has announced the recipients of the 2025 award, celebrating visionary leaders tackling global challenges. This year’s prize will be shared by Patrick Awuah Jr., Founder of Ashesi University; Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen; and Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. Additionally, the Founder’s Award will be presented to H.E. Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, for his lifelong dedication to peacebuilding and international solidarity.
Announcing the winners, Chairman Barroso stated, “The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize highlights leaders who have turned the ideals of peace into actionable and sustainable solutions.”
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Patrick Awuah Jr.: Transforming African Education
Patrick Awuah founded Ashesi University to redefine higher education in Africa, fostering ethical leadership and entrepreneurship. Over 90% of its graduates secure employment or launch ventures, with women comprising half of its alumni, advancing gender equity.
Hugh Evans: Driving Global Action Against Poverty
Through his organization Global Citizen, Hugh Evans has mobilized $43.6 billion in funding, impacting 1.3 billion lives. His advocacy has led to significant global policy changes addressing poverty, inequality, and climate crises.
Wanjira Mathai: Championing Environmental Restoration
Wanjira Mathai has pioneered the intersection of environmental restoration and economic empowerment. Her efforts include planting over 51 million trees and leading the AFR100 initiative to restore 100 million hectares of degraded African land by 2030.
Founder’s Award: Xanana Gusmão’s Peace Legacy
The Founder’s Award will honor Xanana Gusmão, a key leader in Timor-Leste’s independence, for advancing peace and fostering collaboration among fragile states through the g7+ initiative.
Award Ceremony Details
The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Ceremony will take place on April 11th, 2025, at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, honoring these extraordinary individuals with a $200,000 prize, medal, and plaque.
Through these laureates, the Sunhak Peace Prize continues to inspire global efforts for peace, justice, and sustainability.
