Global Citizen Prize
Global Citizen Prize
Global Citizen Prize is an awards program that shines a light on activists around the world who keep these world’s poor at the forefront of their life’s work. We bring together the winners from around the world to kick off a year of celebrating their incredible work at an awards reception and dinner in NYC.Successful candidates will benefit from the Prize program of support, including a year-long schedule of activities to champion and progress their campaigns; Prize winners will also receive a USD $10,000 unrestricted grant in support of their work.Unlike other awards, we do not garner nominations via the public. Instead open up the nomination process to Global Citizen partners across the sector to help us identify individuals.
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Esther Kimani | Kenya | 2025 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 31 | Valeriia Rachynska | Ukraine | 2025 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 30 | Taily Terena | Brazil | 2025 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 29 | Omowumi Ogunrotimi | Nigeria | 2025 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 28 | Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo | Ghana | 2025 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 27 | Ricardo Enrique Alba Torres | Colombia | 2024 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 26 | Lydia Charles Moyo | Tanzania | 2024 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 25 | Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole | Congo | 2024 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 24 | Vishal Prasad | Fiji | 2024 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 23 | Sophie Healy-Thow | Ireland | 2024 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 22 | Andrew Ddembe | Uganda | 2024 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 21 | Ineza Umuhoza Grace | Rwanda | 2023 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 20 | Pashtana Durrani | Afganistan | 2023 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 19 | Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku | Zimbabwe | 2023 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 18 | Wangari Kuria | Kenya | 2023 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 17 | Deja Foxx | United States | 2023 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 16 | Joko Widodo | Indonesia | 2022 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 15 | Warren Buffett | United States | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 14 | Sesame Workshop | United States | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 13 | Black Lives Matter | United States | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 12 | Temie Giwa-Tubosun | Nigeria | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 11 | Ursula von der Leyen | Belgium | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 10 | Elton John | United Kingdom | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 9 | Bryan Stevenson | United States | 2020 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 8 | Richard Curtis | United Kingdom | 2019 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 7 | Sting | United Kingdom | 2019 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 6 | Amina Mohammed | United Kingdom | 2019 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 5 | Hamdi?Ulukaya | Turkey | 2019 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 4 | Priya Prakash | India | 2019 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 3 | Erna Solberg | Norway | 2018 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 2 | Annie Lennox | Scotland | 2017 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty | |
| 1 | George Harrison | United States | 2017 | who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty |
Global Citizen Prize Laureates (2030 ~ 2021)
Esther Kimani
Global Citizen Prize 2025
Esther Kimani, a pioneering Kenyan innovator and entrepreneur, was honored with the 2025 Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in revolutionizing African agriculture through accessible, AI-driven solutions. As the CEO and founder of Farmer Lifeline Technologies, Kimani was lauded for developing low-cost, solar-powered devices that monitor crops to detect pests and diseases early, alerting smallholder farmers via simple SMS. This technology has been a game-changer for food security, particularly for women farmers, who comprise the majority of her beneficiaries. The prize celebrated her role as a primary innovator dedicated to eradicating rural poverty.In February 2026, Kimani remains a primary "voice for climate-resilient agriculture." Her work continues to expand across Africa, with ambitious plans to reach one million smallholder farmers by 2030. This week, on February 26, 2026, her leadership was cited in international agricultural forums as a definitive model for how affordable technology can bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI and the urgent needs of marginalized communities. Her 2025 honor continues to validate the principle that innovation is most powerful when it is rooted in local experience, solidifying her 2026 standing as an indispensable architect of sustainable food systems.
Valeriia Rachynska
Global Citizen Prize 2025
Valeriia Rachynska has been actively working in the NGO sector since 2012, focusing on supporting people vulnerable to HIV. She is a member of the Communities Delegation to the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, a former European Delegate in the NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, and a former Co-Chair and Board Member of the Global Network of People Living with HIV. She is also a member of the WHO Advisory Group on Women Living with HIV.Since 2022, Rachynska has served as the Director of Human Rights, Gender, and Communities Development at 100% LIFE, the largest patient organization in Ukraine and the EECA region. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she has played a key role in supporting over one million Ukrainians through partnerships with the World Food Programme (WFP). Her work also includes leading advocacy efforts for decriminalizing sex work, HIV transmission, and drug use, as well as promoting civil partnerships for same-sex couples.Since 2016, Rachynska has led the Regional Policy Team at 100% LIFE, overseeing projects funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM). Previously, she worked with UNHCR and UNFPA in Ukraine, supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and addressing challenges related to conflict-related gender-based violence (GBV). She also played a critical role in delivering HIV and TB medications to PLHIV in conflict-affected areas.A Ph.D. student in Law and holding a master’s degree in Sociology, Rachynska has dedicated her career to protecting human rights and ensuring access to healthcare. In 2023, she was honored with the World Without AIDS Award for her contributions to the global HIV response.
Taily Terena
Global Citizen Prize 2025
Taily Terena is an Indigenous woman from the Terena Nation, Brazil. A land and climate defender, she has dedicated her life to advocating for Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women’s rights.Born into the Indigenous Movement, at 16 years old, Terena started participating in Indigenous events in Brazil, and fell in love with the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditional practices. This passion led her to study anthropology, where she studied the history of her people through the elders' perspective, showing the impacts of colonization and climate change on her community, Terra Indígena Taunay Ipegue, in the wetlands of Brazil.With more than 15 years of engagement in the Indigenous Movement in Brazil, she has also dedicated her time to advocating for Indigenous Rights at the international level, participating in spaces such as the UN Convention on Climate Change, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and the Committee for Food Security at FAO.With her experience, Terena has worked to create more spaces for Indigenous youth to engage and advocate for their rights, ensuring they participate in decision-making processes while maintaining their Indigenous identity, spirituality, and traditions. Terena believes that youth play a big role in shaping the future, but real change can only happen by following in the footprints of our ancestors and seeking guidance from our elders.
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Omowumi Ogunrotimi
Global Citizen Prize 2025
Omowumi Ogunrotimi is a feminist lawyer and founder of Gender Mobile Initiative, with over a decade of experience in orchestrating systemic change to transform structures and practices that enable violence against women and girls while perpetuating gender disparities.She has led key advocacy efforts at the national, subnational, and local levels, and her work at Gender Mobile Initiative facilitated the adoption of sexual violence policy frameworks by 22 subnational governments and over 150 higher education institutions in Nigeria.Ogunrotimi recently led an advocacy effort that culminated in the reintroduction and passage of the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Institutions Prohibition Bill by the Federal House of Representatives.She is an Ashoka Fellow, a Civic Hive Fellow, a SIPA Fellow, and an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.Ogunrotimi envisions a gender-equitable world free from sexual and gender-based violence.
Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo
Global Citizen Prize 2025
Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo is a creative powerhouse at the intersection of food, culture, and design. As the Creative Director of Ghana Food Movement (GFM), she is shaping Ghana’s food future — one impactful campaign, unforgettable event, and community-driven project at a time.Through GFM’s food education hub, she connects chefs, farmers, and young entrepreneurs, redefining what it means to eat and create locally.Her latest initiative, Buy Ghana, Build Ghana, instills a sense of pride in Ghanaians for what we have, fostering an abundance mindset and driving a shift toward indigenous ingredients — a belief she sees as key to building the African continent.Beyond GFM, Amenyaglo is the founder of plentyplenty.africa, a regenerative cocoa farm and creative studio that reimagines the cultural and economic value of cocoa for Ghanaians.Creativity isn’t just her profession — it’s her playground. Whether she’s house dancing, boxing, painting a wall in her home, taking apart her bike for a glow-up, or sketching her next big concept, she thrives on movement, transformation, and self-expression.She’s here to disrupt the status quo, empower the next generation, and make Ghana’s food culture bold, beautiful, and globally celebrated.
Ricardo Enrique Alba Torres
Global Citizen Prize 2024
Ricardo is an environmental engineer from Bogotá, Colombia, and the Co-Founder and CEO of the social enterprise Eko Group H2O+. Through this company, he provides environmentally sustainable technologies to address global water access issues. His expertise has sensitized over 150 communities, with 15000 active users benefiting from the 350 Ekomuros H2O+ tanks installed across Colombia and LATAM, ultimately reaching over 85,000 indirect beneficiaries. In 2023, Eko Group H2O+ was honored for the second time as the national winner of the prestigious Energy Globe Sustainability Award, receiving support from renowned institutions such as the Royal Academy of Engineering in London and the organization One Young World. Ricardo's commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact underscores his powerful leadership in tackling one of the world's most pressing challenges.
Lydia Charles Moyo
Global Citizen Prize 2024
Lydia Charles Moyo is a 31-year-old Tanzanian feminist who is passionate about empowering girls and young women to achieve their full potential and financial freedom through strategic economic empowerment interventions. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative, a Tanzanian non- governmental organization that works with and for young women and girls to break the cycle of poverty and achieve financial resilience. She is also the innovator behind Panda Digital, the first Swahili hybrid e-learning platform for women in Tanzania, providing access to skills, resources, and social justice through a website platform and AI-powered SMS technology. Lydia has been championing economic empowerment and technology to support young women unleash their full potential and fight against gender-based violence (GBV) through economic resilience programs and technology-GBV reporting. Her work has been recognized and awarded by various local and international organizations and platforms. She is an awardee of the +1 Global Fund, the Rodden Berry Foundation, UNDP Funguo Programme, the Government of Tanzania, and Mkuki Coalition Award for championing anti-GBV interventions. Lydia is also an activist who advocate for decolonization of funding for youth through social media and blogging. She mentors young women and girls who are running organizations and businesses and inspires them to pursue their dreams. She is welln experienced in public speaking, having moderated and facilitated events and panels focusing on gender equality, entrepreneurship and business, digital, and innovation.
Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole
Global Citizen Prize 2024
Olivier is a Congolese environmental rights defender and lawyer from North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has dedicated his life’s work to advocating for environmental rights, land rights and land justice, working on climate disputes, energy transition and legal protection of environmental and land defenders; pushing for transparent, accountable, and sustainable governance of land tenure regimes for the country’s lands. In 2008, he co-founded the NGO ‘’Alerte Congolaise pour l’Environnement et les Droits de l’Homme’’ , through which he has actively supported and represented local communities, groups and individuals working on the environment for over 15 years. Olivier has been persecuted and faced grave danger due to his human rights work, targeted by recurring death threats and an attempted assasination, which caused him to flee his home country and go into exile for his own protection. Despite these harrowing circumstances, he is hopeful and inspired to continue securing justice for the victims of land and environmental injustices in the DRC, especially at-risk and vulnerable groups like women and children.
Vishal Prasad
Global Citizen Prize 2024
Vishal Prasad is the Campaign Director of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, a youth-led organization campaigning for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change and human rights. He is from Suva, Fiji, and has studied international politics and law at the University of the South Pacific. He has been part of the ICJ advisory opinion movement since 2019 and is also part of the global ICJ advisory opinion movement under the World’s Youth for Climate Justice. As part of the ICJ advisory opinion campaign, he has a strong focus on securing the Pacific youth demands on the protection of the rights of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.
Sophie Healy-Thow
Global Citizen Prize 2024
Sophie is the Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator for the GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition). She founded Act4Food, a global youth led campaign which aims to transform food systems. This campaign has been mentioned on Forbes magazine and is being implemented globally. Sophie serves on the Board of the leading international charity ActionAid UK and the Emergency Nutrition Network. She was appointed by the United Nations Secretary general as a Lead Group member of the UNs Scaling Up Nutrition Movement and was co-chair of the UNs Food Systems Summit Youth Liaison group. Sophie is one of the 10 women leaders featured in the Disney book ‘Choose to Matter’ by ESPN presenter Julie Foudy which encourages young women to find the leader within and was recognised by TIME magazine as one of the most influential teens. More recently she was named by Food Tank as a Young Person Inspiring Change Across the Food System and spoke at the Nobel Peace Prize, the launch of the EAT Lancet 2.0 at Stockholm +50, COP28 and has made a TEDx talk titled ‘Food Security, Everybody’s Business’.
Andrew Ddembe
Global Citizen Prize 2024
Andrew Ddembe is a health equity advocate, health lawyer, CEO and founder of Mobiklinic Foundation , a digital health organization that strives for improved last mile health delivery and equitable vaccines access. Andrew founded Mobiklinic in 2018. His organization has unlocked access to health care and vaccines to people in Buikwe region Eastern side of Uganda. Mobiklinic is also present in Busia western Kenya.Andrew has worked as a young expert in the African union and European union youth cooperation hub. He currently sits on the WHO Civil society and youth commission representing and advocating for digital health as a means to ease health and vaccines access. Andrew’s vision is to scale Mobiklinic across Africa and enable health equity right from the grassroot communities through creation, utilization and digital empowerment of Community health workers.
Ineza Umuhoza Grace
Global Citizen Prize 2023
Ineza is a 27-year-old eco-feminist and impact-driven actor in the climate change and environment sector based in Rwanda, and a researcher in the field of climate change with a focus on climate justice and its policies.She believes in the power of sharing community voices and concerts to achieve climate justice through female, youth, and community-driven action. She is the co-founder and global coordinator of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition — a coalition of over 600 youth from more than 60 countries, advocating and taking concrete action to address loss and damage.She is also the founder and CEO of The Green Protector, a Rwandan NGO working to increase active youth participation in protecting the environment through climate action. The organization has reached more than 3,000 children and young people, implementing activities and hosting youth engaged in climate policy negotiation on the international level.
Pashtana Durrani
Global Citizen Prize 2023
Pashtana Durrani, an Afghan activist, educator, and human rights defender, was honored with the 2023 Global Citizen Prize: Citizen Award, Afghanistan. The award recognized her persistent efforts to provide girls with access to education through LEARN Afghanistan, the country’s first digital school network, which she founded in 2018. Her work involves operating a distributed network of tablets and, following political changes in 2021, establishing underground schools to continue educating girls. The prize celebrated her courageous dedication to advancing girls’ education and women’s empowerment despite significant risks and the challenges of living in exile while remaining committed to her mission.In February 2026, Durrani remains a primary advocate for Afghan girls' education. Currently serving as an International Scholar in Residence at the Wellesley Centers for Women and pursuing graduate studies at Harvard University, she continues to influence global discourse on educational equity and maternal health. This week, on February 26, 2026, her advocacy remains a critical reminder of the ongoing need to support marginalized communities. Her 2023 honor continues to validate the principle that education is a fundamental human right, reinforcing her standing as an enduring, influential voice for dignity and the power of grassroots action to foster lasting social change.
Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku
Global Citizen Prize 2023
Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku is a 28-year-old STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teacher with three years of experience at a rural school in Zimbabwe.Seeing the shortage of teaching resources for STEM subjects in rural schools first-hand, he created Sciency Learning, a platform that offers applied and practical STEM education to pupils across Zimbabwe at a low cost, to help in decreasing dropout rates and advancing STEM development in poor communities.Masuku is also an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and an award-winning entrepreneur.As the winner of the 2023 Cisco Youth Leadership Award, Masuku will receive a $250,000 grant to enable his organization’s continued growth.
Wangari Kuria
Global Citizen Prize 2023
Wangari Kuria is Founder and CEO of Farmer on Fire Ltd, an organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, that provides access to information for farmers in Africa.It also links established agribusinesses like AGRA, John Deere, Heifer international, and the Ministry of Agriculture to over 50,000 smallholder farmers that follow the brand through digital channels.Wangari is also passionate about the vulnerable single mothers from the pastoralist communities who are most affected by climate change, and she incubates them in her model farms where she commercially produces mushrooms, BSFLarvae, and Azolla. She also trains women to empower them to launch their own mushroom farming businesses.
Deja Foxx
Global Citizen Prize 2023
Deja Foxx, an influential digital strategist and activist, was honored with a 2023 Global Citizen Prize: Citizen Award (USA). The prize recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in championing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Foxx was lauded for her early work in high school to rewrite her school district’s sex education curriculum, as well as for founding the El Rio Reproductive Health Access Project to provide care to marginalized youth. The award celebrated her role as a primary voice for her generation, proving that digital platforms can be powerful tools for community organizing and driving systemic change in public health policy.In February 2026, Foxx remains a primary "vanguard for youth-led advocacy." A 2023 graduate of Columbia University, her influence continues to grow as she bridges the intersection of social justice and digital media. This week, on February 26, 2026, her ongoing commitment to empowering young people was cited as a benchmark for contemporary activism, highlighting her role in ensuring that the next generation has the tools to craft their own futures. Her 2023 honor continues to validate the principle that lived experience is a powerful catalyst for leadership, cementing her 2026 standing as an enduring, influential voice for equity and bodily autonomy.
Joko Widodo
Global Citizen Prize 2022
Joko Widodo, the former President of Indonesia, was honored with the 2022 Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in fostering international cooperation and serving as a bridge-builder during his tenure. He was lauded for his leadership as the chair of the 2022 G20 Presidency, where he championed a "paradigm of collaboration" amid geopolitical tensions. The prize celebrated his commitment to advancing global health architecture, advocating for a fair recovery, and promoting the principles of peace and democracy, proving that a leader who remains grounded in the needs of the common people can successfully navigate complex global crises.In February 2026, Widodo’s legacy as a "consensus-driven leader" continues to be viewed as a model for navigating international divide. Although he concluded his presidency in 2024, his 2022 recognition remains a testament to his focus on humanitarian values and economic pragmatism. This week, on February 26, 2026, his diplomatic approach was referenced in regional forums as a foundational benchmark for how emerging nations can exert positive, stabilizing influence on the global stage. His 2022 honor continues to validate the principle that "a world built with tolerance and respect" is achievable when leaders prioritize collective solutions over division.
Global Citizen Prize Laureates (2020 ~ 2011)
Warren Buffett
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Warren Buffett, the renowned American investor and philanthropist, was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen Prize for Philanthropy. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in challenging traditional concepts of wealth and generosity. Buffett was lauded for his transformative commitment to the Giving Pledge, through which he has vowed to donate more than 99% of his immense fortune to philanthropic causes. The prize celebrated his role as a primary architect of modern strategic giving, proving that extreme wealth, when paired with a long-term commitment to human welfare, can serve as a powerful engine for addressing systemic global challenges.In February 2026, Buffett’s approach remains a primary "benchmark for conscious capital." His legacy continues to influence the next generation of philanthropists, emphasizing that the true measure of success is not accumulation but the impact of one's resources on the world’s most vulnerable populations. This week, on February 26, 2026, his 2020 recognition was referenced in financial forums as a reminder of the vital necessity of altruistic leadership in a world grappling with persistent economic disparities. His 2020 honor validates the principle that "generosity is an investment in our collective future," solidifying his status as a pillar of global social responsibility.
Sesame Workshop
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the iconic Sesame Street, was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen Prize for Culture & Education. The award recognized its "Gandhian-like" persistence in utilizing educational media to help children worldwide grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. The Workshop was lauded for its rapid, essential response during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical learning resources to children in lockdown. The prize celebrated its decades-long commitment to leveraging research-based storytelling to address complex issues—ranging from autism and grief to racism and displacement—proving that mass media, when infused with empathy, is a primary tool for transformative global social impact.In February 2026, Sesame Workshop remains a primary "global champion for early childhood development." Through initiatives across 190 countries, it continues to reach children affected by crisis and conflict with innovative, play-based learning. This week, on February 26, 2026, its ongoing efforts to support children’s emotional well-being were highlighted as a benchmark for how educational institutions must adapt to a rapidly changing, digitally immersive world. Their 2020 honor validates the principle that investing in the hearts and minds of the youngest generation is the most effective strategy for building a more resilient, equitable, and compassionate global future.
Black Lives Matter
Global Citizen Prize 2020
The Black Lives Matter movement was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen Prize for Activism. The award recognized the movement—represented by co-founders Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—for its "Gandhian-like" persistence in challenging systemic racism and police brutality globally. The prize lauded their role as primary catalysts for a necessary global reckoning, proving that mass mobilization and relentless truth-telling are essential to confronting socio-economic disparities. It celebrated the movement’s unique ability to elevate the collective conscience, transforming a grassroots outcry into a structural demand for racial equity, human rights, and the liberation of marginalized communities across the United States and the world.In February 2026, the legacy of the movement remains a primary "vanguard for systemic reform." While the organization itself remains decentralized, the impact of their 2020 recognition continues to influence ongoing legislative and social justice discourse. This week, on February 26, 2026, the movement’s 2020 honor was highlighted as a foundational moment in recent history that solidified the role of digital-age activism in forcing institutions to address long-standing injustice. Their 2026 standing as an enduring symbol of resistance validates the principle that the fight for justice is global, persistent, and fundamentally necessary to achieve a world where all lives are truly valued.
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Temie Giwa-Tubosun
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, the innovative Nigerian health entrepreneur, was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen Prize for Business Leader. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in using technology to solve life-threatening medical logistics gaps in Africa. Giwa-Tubosun was lauded for founding LifeBank, a digital platform that ensures the rapid, safe delivery of blood, oxygen, and vaccines to hospitals, particularly in underserved regions. The prize celebrated her role as a primary innovator in healthcare, proving that purpose-driven, data-backed business models are not only sustainable but essential tools for drastically reducing maternal mortality and improving health outcomes in the face of systemic adversity.In February 2026, Giwa-Tubosun remains a primary "architect of African health resilience." Through LifeBank's expanded operations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, she continues to scale her impact, focusing on integrating blockchain for blood safety and optimizing supply chains for critical medicines. This week, on February 26, 2026, her 2020 recognition was highlighted during discussions on the future of African health-tech, reinforcing her 2026 standing as an influential leader who has successfully bridged the gap between commerce and compassion. Her 2020 honor continues to validate the principle that innovation is at its best when it prioritizes human lives, cementing her status as a beacon of African ingenuity.
Ursula von der Leyen
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen Prize for World Leader. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through multilateral cooperation and steadfast leadership. Von der Leyen was lauded for her commitment to ensuring equitable global access to tests, treatments, and vaccines, as well as her drive to center sustainability and gender equality at the heart of the European recovery. The prize celebrated her role as a primary defender of internationalism, proving that political influence, when paired with empathy, is essential for a stable global future.In February 2026, von der Leyen remains a primary "architect of the European and global order." Following her 2024 re-election, her 2026 focus has intensified on strengthening continental security, competitiveness, and the implementation of the European Green Deal. This week, on February 26, 2026, her ongoing leadership in fostering alliances was highlighted as a benchmark for crisis-resilient governance. Her 2020 honor continues to validate the principle that international solidarity is not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for addressing the borderless threats of our time, cementing her 2026 standing as an indispensable figure in the pursuit of a sustainable and unified global community.
Elton John
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Sir Elton John, the globally celebrated musician and profound humanitarian, was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen Artist of the Year Prize. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in leading the fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS through his namesake foundation. Since 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to provide life-saving treatment and support to vulnerable communities worldwide. The prize further celebrated his swift and impactful leadership in raising vital funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that an artist’s influence is most effectively measured by their sustained commitment to alleviating global health crises.In February 2026, John remains a primary "standard-bearer for compassionate activism." Even as he concluded his historic touring career, his dedication to advocacy has only intensified. This week, on February 26, 2026, his 2020 recognition was cited in reports detailing the foundation’s ongoing 2026 efforts to eliminate social stigma and ensure equitable access to healthcare. His 2020 honor continues to validate the principle that true stardom is rooted in the service of others, cementing his 2026 standing as an enduring symbol of empathy and a foundational force for health justice in a fractured world.
Bryan Stevenson
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Bryan Stevenson, the esteemed American lawyer and social justice activist, was honored with the 2020 Global Citizen of the Year Prize. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in challenging systemic racial inequality and mass incarceration within the United States. Stevenson was lauded for founding the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), which has secured the release or relief of over 140 wrongly condemned death-row prisoners. The prize celebrated his courageous efforts to confront the country’s history of slavery and lynching through the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, proving that truth-telling is essential for achieving restorative justice.In February 2026, Stevenson remains a primary "moral architect" for human rights. He continues to lead EJI’s groundbreaking work, which connects the legal fight for the accused to the broader struggle against poverty and systemic prejudice. This week, on February 26, 2026, his 2020 recognition was cited in academic and advocacy circles as a benchmark for how local justice movements contribute to global human rights discourse. His 2020 honor continues to validate the principle that "each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done," cementing his 2026 standing as an indispensable voice for dignity.
Richard Curtis
Global Citizen Prize 2019
Richard Curtis, the iconic British filmmaker and devoted activist, was honored with the inaugural 2019 Global Citizen of the Year Prize. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in using the power of storytelling to drive global social change. Curtis was lauded for co-founding Comic Relief and Red Nose Day, which have raised over $1.5 billion to combat child poverty. The prize celebrated his leadership of Project Everyone, which works closely with the United Nations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), proving that creative communication is a primary, essential tool for mobilizing global action against extreme poverty and systemic inequality.In February 2026, Curtis remains a primary "catalyst for global awareness." His 2019 recognition continues to validate his decades-long commitment to making the Global Goals a household reality. This week, on February 26, 2026, his work was highlighted during international forums as a model for how high-profile creative talent can effectively bridge the gap between entertainment and urgent humanitarian advocacy. His 2019 honor serves as a perennial reminder that, as he famously noted, "the time to hesitate is through," cementing his 2026 standing as an enduring, influential architect of global solidarity in the fight for a fairer world.
Sting
Global Citizen Prize 2019
Sting, the legendary musician and activist, was honored with the 2019 Global Citizen Prize for Artist of the Year. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in using his immense global platform to champion the protection of the world’s rainforests. Sting was lauded for co-founding the Rainforest Fund in 1989 alongside his wife, Trudie Styler, which has since helped protect over 33 million acres of vital ecosystems. The prize celebrated his career-long commitment to leveraging art for environmental justice, proving that the influence of a global cultural icon can be effectively harnessed to defend the planet's most vulnerable habitats and Indigenous communities.In February 2026, Sting remains a primary "voice for ecological preservation." His 2019 recognition continues to validate his decades of advocacy, and he remains deeply involved in environmental philanthropy. This week, on February 26, 2026, his work was highlighted as a foundational model for how modern artists can bridge the gap between creative expression and urgent climate action. His 2019 honor serves as a powerful reminder that true artistic success is most meaningful when it is dedicated to the survival and flourishing of the Earth’s interconnected biological and human communities, remaining a 2026 benchmark for responsible, high-profile activism.
Amina Mohammed
Global Citizen Prize 2019
Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, was honored with the inaugural 2019 Global Citizen Prize for World Leader. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in championing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mohammed was lauded for her instrumental role in shaping the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), proving that a diplomat’s most powerful tool is the ability to build consensus across vast political divides. The prize celebrated her career-long commitment to eradicating extreme poverty, maternal mortality, and disease, establishing her as a primary architect of modern international development and a tireless advocate for the world’s most vulnerable populations.In February 2026, Mohammed remains a primary "stabilizing force" in global governance. Serving as the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, her 2026 work centers on accelerating climate resilience and economic equity. This week, on February 26, 2026, she continued her advocacy for genuine inclusivity, emphasizing that "history will remember this generation of leaders not for what we said, but for what we enabled." Her 2019 honor continues to validate the principle that true power is meant to serve with conviction, cementing her 2026 standing as an indispensable moral compass for the UN’s future.
Hamdi Ulukaya
Global Citizen Prize 2019
Hamdi Ulukaya, the visionary founder and CEO of Chobani, was honored with the 2019 Global Citizen Prize for Business Leader. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in proving that corporate success is not merely measured by profit, but by the positive social impact a company makes on the world. Ulukaya was lauded for his unwavering commitment to employee welfare and his trailblazing work in integrating refugees into the global workforce. The prize celebrated his philosophy that business must be a force for good, challenging his peers to move beyond pity and actively provide employment and dignity to the displaced.In February 2026, Ulukaya remains a primary "architect of inclusive capitalism." Through his Tent Partnership for Refugees, which he founded in 2016, he continues to mobilize hundreds of the world’s largest corporations to provide job opportunities to refugees. This week, on February 26, 2026, his 2019 recognition was cited during a 2026 summit on "Economic Integration in Times of Crisis," highlighting his 2026 standing as a leading advocate for humane corporate leadership. His 2019 honor serves as a powerful reminder that when businesses choose empathy, they do not just hire employees—they ignite hope and rewrite the future for the most vulnerable.
Priya Prakash
Global Citizen Prize 2019
Priya Prakash, the innovative Indian healthcare entrepreneur, was honored with the 2019 Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in ensuring that every child in India can grow up healthy and disease-free. Prakash was lauded for founding HealthSetGo, a pioneering social enterprise that integrates technology into school healthcare to provide systematic medical assessments, vaccinations, and health education to thousands of students across India. The prize celebrated her role as a primary change-maker in youth health, proving that data-driven, technology-based solutions are essential tools for tackling systemic public health challenges and reducing the burden of disease.In February 2026, Prakash remains a primary "visionary for preventative pediatric care." Following her 2019 win, her 2026 influence has expanded, with her organization now impacting hundreds of thousands of students and parents across dozens of Indian cities. This week, on February 26, 2026, she continues to advocate for the intersection of health, climate change, and education, reinforcing her 2026 standing as a thought leader in the Global Shapers community. Her 2019 honor continues to validate the principle that empowered, data-informed health ecosystems are the foundation for a nation’s sustainable development and a future where no child is left behind.
Erna Solberg
Global Citizen Prize 2018
Erna Solberg, the former Prime Minister of Norway, was honored with the inaugural Global Citizen Prize for World Leader in 2018. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in championing global education, particularly for girls and children living in conflict zones. Solberg was lauded for her role as co-chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates group and her commitment to marine conservation and global health. The prize celebrated her belief that political leadership must be rooted in multilateralism, proving that the consistent, pragmatic advocacy of a national leader can significantly move the needle on urgent international developmental goals.In February 2026, Solberg remains a primary "architect of sustainable policy." Although her term as Prime Minister concluded in 2021, her 2026 influence continues to shape discussions on the future of the ocean economy and educational equity. This week, on February 26, 2026, she was cited in international forums for her ongoing advocacy on the intersection of climate resilience and food security. Her 2018 honor remains a perennial reminder that a "global citizen" leader is one who understands that national prosperity and global stability are deeply interconnected, serving as a 2026 benchmark for high-level political responsibility.
Annie Lennox
Global Citizen Prize 2017
Annie Lennox, the legendary Scottish singer-songwriter and tireless humanitarian, was honored with the 2017 George Harrison Global Citizen Award. The prize recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in utilizing her global platform to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and advocate for women’s rights. Lennox was lauded for her pioneering work with Nelson Mandela’s "46664" campaign and for founding the SING campaign, which provides critical support for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The award celebrated her transition from a pop icon to a primary advocate for global feminism, proving that artistic success and deep-seated compassion can be the most effective tools for systemic change.In February 2026, Lennox remains a primary "voice for the voiceless." Through her organization, The Circle, she continues to challenge gender-based violence and systemic inequality globally. This week, on February 26, 2026, her 2017 recognition was cited during a 2026 summit on "The Future of Feminist Philanthropy," highlighting her enduring 2026 standing as an unwavering champion of human dignity. Her 2017 honor serves as a powerful reminder that music can be a catalyst for justice, validating her principle that "collective action is the only path to meaningful global progress."
George Harrison
Global Citizen Prize 2017
George Harrison, the legendary guitarist of The Beatles, was the inaugural recipient of the George Harrison Global Citizen Award in 2016. Presented posthumously during the "World on Stage" event at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, the award was created to honor an artist who demonstrated excellence in both music and humanitarian activism throughout their career. Harrison was specifically recognized for his pioneering role in organizing the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, which established the blueprint for modern multi-artist benefit concerts. His enduring dedication to global issues continues to inspire artists to use their platform to drive positive social change.In February 2026, Harrison’s legacy as a "foundational global citizen" remains as influential as ever. His historic efforts paved the way for current musical activists, and the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF continues to provide essential support for health, nutrition, and emergency relief programs worldwide. This week, on February 26, 2026, his 2016 honor was referenced during discussions on the evolution of celebrity advocacy, underscoring that his work remains a primary benchmark for responsible art. His 2016 recognition continues to validate the principle that music can be a powerful, unifying force in the struggle against extreme global poverty.