Press release

António Costa designated 2024 winner of the UNESCO - Félix Houphou?t-Boigny Prize

The Jury of the UNESCO - Félix Houphou?t-Boigny Peace Prize has designated Mr António Luís Santos da Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal and future President of the European Council, as the 2024 laureate for his steadfast commitment to peace and developing countries. The jury also praised the Ecuadorian AZ?CAR Foundation for its work to promote the rights of Afro-descendants.
PR 2024 Félix Houphou?t-Boigny

We have decided to award this Prize to Prime Minister António Luís Santos da Costa, for his life’s work and for the constancy with which he has maintained, in his role a leading political figure, a commitment to peace and the promotion of developing countries.

Michel CamdessusVice-President of the Jury and former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

In a fragmented world facing immense challenges, we need political leaders who are committed to building lasting peace. I am delighted that the jury has chosen António Luís Santos da Costa, who has always distinguished himself as a great defender of dialogue and multilateralism.

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

The jury also decided to award an ‘honourable mention’ to the Fundación de Desarrollo Social Afroecuatoriana AZ?CAR, for its work in promoting recognition and respect for the rights of Afro-descendants, not only in Ecuador, where it is based, but also throughout Latin America.

The date and venue of the 2024 Prize ceremony will be announced shortly.

 

Félix Houphou?t-Boigny - UNESCO Peace Prize

The Prize is intended to honour living individuals and active public or private bodies or institutions that have made a significant contribution to promoting, seeking, safeguarding or maintaining peace, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitution of UNESCO. World-renowned individuals including Nelson Mandela and Frederik W. De Klerk, Angela Merkel and Jimmy Carter have been awarded this prize.

Members of the International Jury

  • Michel Camdessus, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (France)

  • Santiago Gamboa-Samper, writer, journalist and diplomat (Colombia)

  • Denis Mukwege, gynaecologist, Nobel Peace Prize 2018 (Democratic Republic of Congo)

  • Thomas Pesquet, astronaut, FAO Goodwill Ambassador (France)

  • Ms Hayat Sindi, biotechnology researcher, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (Saudi Arabia)

  • Mr Forest Whitaker, Actor, producer and director, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (United States)

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: 

Press contact

Monia Adjiwanou
Monia
Adjiwanou
Press officer (Heritage, Culture in Emergencies, Priority Africa)

Phone: +33145680459

António Costa designated 2024 winner of the UNESCO - Félix Houphou?t-Boigny Prize