On October 16, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize Committee awarded the 2024 prize to former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, who is set to become the President of the European Council. This recognition honors his long-standing commitment to peace and development in countries around the world.
Michel Camdessus, the committee’s vice-chair and former president of the International Monetary Fund, commented, “We have decided to award this prize to Costa for his unwavering dedication to the advancement of peace and development during his distinguished political career.”
Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, emphasized the importance of strong political leaders committed to building lasting peace in today’s challenging global landscape. “Costa has consistently been an advocate for dialogue and multilateralism, and I am genuinely pleased that the committee has recognized his efforts,” she stated.
The committee also commended the Afro-Ecuadorian Social Development Foundation for its significant contributions to promoting the rights of Afro-descendants in Ecuador and throughout Latin America, highlighting its successes in fostering recognition and respect for these communities.
Details regarding the time and location of the 2024 UNESCO Peace Prize award ceremony will be announced soon.
Established in 1989, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize aims to recognize individuals, institutions, and public or private groups that have made notable contributions to promoting, seeking, protecting, or maintaining peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and UNESCO’s founding principles. Notable past recipients include Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, Angela Merkel, and Jimmy Carter.
