Four Freedoms Award

Four Freedoms Award
The Four Freedoms Award is a prestigious international honor inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic 1941 State of the Union address. In that speech, Roosevelt outlined four essential human rights—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear—as the necessary pillars for a peaceful and democratic world.Established in 1982 to mark the centennial of FDR’s birth, the awards are presented annually in an alternating cycle: in odd-numbered years, the Roosevelt Institute honors Americans in New York, and in even-numbered years, the Roosevelt Stichting honors non-Americans in Middelburg, Netherlands (the ancestral home of the Roosevelt family).The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose life’s work embodies these ideals.
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 119 | Volodymyr Zelensky & the Ukrainian People | Ukraine | 2026 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 118 | Isidora Uribe Silva | Chile | 2026 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 117 | Committee to Protect Journalists | United States | 2026 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 116 | Gisèle Pelicot | France | 2026 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 115 | Save Ukraine | Ukraine | 2024 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 114 | Bellingcat | Netherlands | 2024 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 113 | Zumretay Arkin | China | 2024 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 112 | Sônia Guajajara | Brazil | 2024 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 111 | Grace Forrest | Australia | 2024 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 110 | Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya | Belarus | 2022 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 109 | Mai Khoi Do Nguyen | Vietnam | 2022 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 108 | Lian Gogali | Indonesia | 2022 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 107 | Nice Nailantei Leng'ete | Kenya | 2022 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 106 | ÜniKuir | Turkey | 2022 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 105 | United Nations | International | 2020 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 104 | Maria Ressa | Philippines | 2020 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 103 | Religions for Peace | International | 2020 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 102 | Sander de Kramer | Netherlands | 2020 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 101 | Leoluca Orlando | Italy | 2020 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 100 | Christiana Figueres | Costa Rica | 2018 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 99 | Erol Önderoğlu | Turkey | 2018 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 98 | Paride Taban | South Sudan | 2018 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 97 | Emmanuel de Merode | Tunisia | 2018 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 96 | Urmila Chaudhary | Nepal | 2018 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 95 | Angela Merkel | Germany | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 94 | Mazen Darwish | Syria | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 93 | Dieudonné Nzapalainga | Central African Republic | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 92 | Omar Kobine Layama | Central African Republic | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 91 | Nicolas Guérékoyame-Gbangou | Central African Republic | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 90 | Dr. Denis Mukwege | DR Congo | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 89 | Human Rights Watch | United States | 2016 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 88 | Red Cross | Switzerland | 2014 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 87 | Maryam Durani | Afghanistan | 2014 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 86 | Prince El Hassan bin Talal | Jordan | 2014 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 85 | Hawa Abdi Diblaawe | Somalia | 2014 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 84 | Malala Yousafzai | Pakistan | 2014 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 83 | Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva | Brazil | 2012 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 82 | Al Jazeera | Qatar | 2012 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 81 | Patriarch Bartholomew I | Turkey | 2012 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 80 | Hussain al-Shahristani | Iraq | 2012 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 79 | Ela Bhatt | India | 2012 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 78 | European Court of Human Rights | International | 2010 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 77 | Novaya Gazeta | Russia | 2010 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 76 | Asma Jahangir | Pakistan | 2010 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 75 | Maurice Strong | Canada | 2010 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 74 | Gareth Evans | Australia | 2010 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 73 | Richard von Weizsäcker | Germany | 2008 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 72 | Lakhdar Brahimi | Algeria | 2008 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 71 | Karen Armstrong | United Kingdom | 2008 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 70 | Jan Egeland | Norway | 2008 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 69 | War Child | Netherlands | 2008 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 68 | Mohamed ElBaradei | Egypt | 2006 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 67 | Carlos Fuentes | Mexico | 2006 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 66 | Taizé Community | France | 2006 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 65 | Muhammad Yunus | Bangladesh | 2006 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 64 | Aung San Suu Kyi | Myanmar | 2006 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 63 | Kofi Annan | Ghana | 2004 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 62 | Lennart Meri | Estonia | 2004 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 61 | Sari Nusseibeh | Palestine | 2004 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 60 | Marguerite Barankitse | Burundi | 2004 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 59 | Max Kohnstamm | Netherlands | 2004 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 58 | Anton E. Rupert | South Africa | 2004 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 57 | Nelson Mandela | South Africa | 2002 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 56 | Radio Free Europe | Czechia | 2002 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 55 | Nasr Abu Zayd | Egypt | 2002 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 54 | Gro Harlem Brundtland | Norway | 2002 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 53 | Ernesto Zedillo | Mexico | 2002 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 52 | Martti Ahtisaari | Finland | 2000 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 51 | Bronis?aw Geremek | Poland | 2000 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 50 | Cicely Saunders | United Kingdom | 2000 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 49 | M. S. Swaminathan | India | 2000 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 48 | Louise Arbour | Canada | 2000 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 47 | Mary Robinson | Ireland | 1998 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 46 | CNN | United States | 1998 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 45 | Desmond Tutu | South Africa | 1998 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 44 | Stéphane Hessel | France | 1998 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 43 | Free the children | International | 1998 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 42 | Juan Carlos I of Spain | Spain | 1996 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 41 | John Hume | United Kingdom | 1996 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 40 | Lord Runcie | United Kingdom | 1996 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 39 | Doctors Without Borders | Switzerland | 1996 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 38 | Shimon Peres | Israel | 1996 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 37 | Ruud Lubbers | Netherlands | 1995 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 36 | Dalai Lama | Tibet | 1994 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 35 | Marion Dönhoff | Germany | 1994 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 34 | Gerhart M. Riegner | Germany | 1994 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 33 | Sadako Ogata | Japan | 1994 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 32 | Zdravko Grebo | Bosnia | 1994 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 31 | Javier Pérez de Cuéllar | Peru | 1992 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 30 | Mstislav Rostropovich | Russia | 1992 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 29 | Terry Waite | United Kingdom | 1992 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 28 | Jan Tinbergen | Netherlands | 1992 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 27 | Lord Carrington | England | 1992 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 26 | Václav Havel | Czechia | 1990 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 25 | Jacques Delors | France | 1990 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 24 | Andrei Sakharov | Russia | 1990 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 23 | László T?kés | Romania | 1990 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 22 | Emile van Lennep | Netherlands | 1990 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 21 | Simon Wiesenthal | Austria | 1990 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 20 | Helmut Schmidt | Germany | 1988 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 19 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf | Liberia | 1988 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 18 | Teddy Kollek | Israel | 1988 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 17 | Halfdan T. Mahler | Denmark | 1988 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 16 | Armand Hammer | United States | 1988 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 15 | Alessandro Pertini | Italy | 1986 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 14 | El País | Spain | 1986 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 13 | Bernardus Alfrink | Netherlands | 1986 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 12 | Bradford Morse | United States | 1986 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 11 | Olof Palme | Sweden | 1986 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 10 | Harold Macmillan | United Kingdom | 1984 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 9 | Amnesty International | Netherlands | 1984 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 8 | Werner Leich | Germany | 1984 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| Christiann F. Beyers Naudé | South Africa | 1984 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | ||
| 7 | Liv Ullmann | Norway | 1984 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 6 | Brian Urquhart | United Kingdom | 1984 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 5 | Princess Juliana | Netherlands | 1982 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 4 | Max van der Stoel | Netherlands | 1982 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 3 | Willem A. Visser 't Hooft | Netherlands | 1982 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 2 | H. Johannes Witteveen | Netherlands | 1982 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. | |
| 1 | J. Herman van Roijen | Netherlands | 1982 | upholding freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear. |

Four Freedoms Award Laureates (2028 ~ 2026)

Volodymyr Zelensky
Four Freedoms Award 2026
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine were named the recipients of the 2026 International Four Freedoms Award. This prestigious honor, announced in January 2026, recognizes their "deeply inspiring" and courageous resistance against the full-scale Russian invasion that began four years ago. The Roosevelt Foundation highlighted that the struggle led by Zelenskyy is not only for Ukraine's sovereignty but for the survival of democracy, international law, and the fundamental freedoms of all people. By defending their homes and their right to self-determination, the Ukrainian people have become a global symbol of resilience against "the rule of the strongest."The award ceremony is scheduled for April 16, 2026, in Middelburg, the Netherlands. Chairman Hugo de Jonge emphasized that this recognition celebrates the perseverance of all Ukrainians who have endured the devastating toll of war, from living without heat during winter to facing constant threats of violence. Zelenskyy, who famously declined offers to evacuate at the start of the war, continues to be lauded for his ability to unite the international community in support of the "Four Freedoms." His leadership, paired with the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian citizenry, serves as a modern testament to Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision of a world where everyone, everywhere, can live without fear.

Isidora Uribe Silva
Four Freedoms Award 2026
Isidora Uribe Silva, a young Chilean social activist, was honored with the 2026 Freedom from Want Award for her dedicated work in creating a more inclusive and accessible world. Born with cerebral palsy, Uribe Silva began her activism at age thirteen after experiencing firsthand the systemic barriers and bullying that many people with disabilities face. She initially developed a parking app to help people find accessible spaces, which blossomed into the "Encuentra tu Lugar" (Find Your Place) Foundation. This non-profit organization works from a human-rights-based perspective to empower individuals, strengthen youth leadership, and push for concrete transformations in education and social participation.Recognized by the United Nations as one of the 17 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals in 2022, Uribe Silva’s influence has continued to grow. In 2026, she is celebrated for her tireless advocacy at the intersection of disability rights and gender equality, serving as a member of the UN Women’s International Network of 100 Leaders. Her work emphasizes that disability is not a weakness but a natural part of human diversity that requires respect and structural change. Through her foundation and global speaking engagements, she has become a powerful voice for the "forgotten," proving that inclusion is not a favor, but a fundamental human right.

Committee to Protect Journalists
Four Freedoms Award 2026
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) was honored with the 2026 Freedom of Speech Award, a distinction that recognizes its forty-year legacy as a global guardian of the press. The Roosevelt Foundation selected the organization for its tireless defense of media workers who face life-threatening risks to deliver the truth. As an independent, non-profit entity, CPJ was lauded for its proactive role in documenting press freedom violations, advising on diplomatic efforts, and providing direct emergency assistance—including medical and legal aid—to journalists targeted by repressive regimes or caught in the crosshairs of conflict.In 2026, the award serves as a somber acknowledgment of the escalating dangers facing the profession. CPJ’s recent data highlights a harrowing reality: over 120 journalists were killed in 2025, and hundreds remain imprisoned worldwide. The organization has been particularly vocal regarding the crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, where reporters face unprecedented levels of deliberate violence. By mobilizing an international network of correspondents to hold power to account, CPJ ensures that the "Freedom of Speech" remains more than a concept; it is a protected right for those who risk everything to maintain an informed and democratic society.
View More

Gisèle Pelicot
Four Freedoms Award 2026
Gisèle Pelicot, a French feminist icon, was honored with the 2026 Freedom from Fear Award by the Roosevelt Foundation in the Netherlands. She gained international recognition for her extraordinary courage during a high-profile mass-rape trial in 2024. After discovering that she had been drugged and abused for years, Pelicot waived her right to anonymity and insisted on a public trial to raise awareness about drug-facilitated sexual assault. The jury for the Four Freedoms Awards recognized her for challenging societal taboos and empowering victims to tell their stories, effectively shifting the "responsibility and shame" from the survivors to the perpetrators.Beyond this recognition, Pelicot was awarded the 2025 Freedom Prize by the Normandy for Peace initiative, an honor chosen by over 10,000 young people worldwide. In 2025, she was also appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour on Bastille Day. By 2026, her impact has solidified her status as a global symbol of resilience and a catalyst for legal and cultural reform regarding consent. The Four Freedoms medal is scheduled to be presented to her on April 16, 2026, in Middelburg, celebrating her "will and determination" to ensure that victims of violence can speak out without fear.

Four Freedoms Award Laureates (2024 ~ 2022)

Save Ukraine
Four Freedoms Award 2024
Save Ukraine, a prominent humanitarian organization, was honored with the 2024 International Four Freedoms Award. Founded by Mykola Kuleba, the former Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights, the NGO was recognized for its heroic efforts in rescuing the most vulnerable citizens from war zones. Specifically, the Roosevelt Foundation lauded the organization for its high-stakes missions to return Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia or occupied territories. During the ceremony in Middelburg, Kuleba was accompanied by rescued children who now serve as ambassadors for the thousands still missing, highlighting the organization's role in combatting what it describes as a systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity.By 2026, Save Ukraine has expanded its mission to include long-term rehabilitation through its network of "Hope and Healing Centers." These centers provide psychological support, medical care, and legal assistance to families traumatized by the conflict. Having successfully returned over 500 children and evacuated more than 160,000 people from the frontlines, the organization now leads international efforts to establish a legal framework for the repatriation of all displaced minors. Their work serves as a global benchmark for protecting the "Freedom from Fear" by ensuring that the smallest victims of war are not forgotten by the international community.

Bellingcat
Four Freedoms Award 2024
Bellingcat, the international investigative journalism collective, was honored with the 2024 Freedom of Speech Award. Founder Eliot Higgins accepted the medal on behalf of the organization, which was recognized for its pioneering use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) to separate fact from fiction. In an era of widespread disinformation, the Roosevelt Foundation praised Bellingcat for its transparent, "citizen detective" approach to uncovering the truth behind international conflicts. By analyzing social media, satellite imagery, and leaked databases, the collective has provided definitive evidence on major global events, from the downing of flight MH17 to the identification of state-sponsored poisoning teams.In 2026, Bellingcat has significantly expanded its operations, notably "zooming in with a forensic lens" on the United States. Recent investigations have utilized a database of social media footage to document and verify tactics used during immigration raids and civil protests in dozens of American cities. Furthermore, their Global Harm Monitoring project continues to geolocate thousands of incidents of civilian harm in Ukraine, providing an evidentiary foundation for future legal accountability. Through its ongoing workshops and the open-source Atlos verification tool, Bellingcat remains a critical guardian of shared reality, empowering both professionals and volunteers to hold powerful actors accountable through verifiable data.

Zumretay Arkin
Four Freedoms Award 2024
Zumretay Arkin, a Canadian-Uyghur human rights activist, was honored with the 2024 Freedom of Worship Award for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the Uyghur people. Born in Ürümqi, she moved to Canada as a child and eventually became a leading voice at the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), where she serves as Vice President and Chair of the Women’s Committee. The Roosevelt Foundation recognized her for drawing international attention to the systemic suppression of religious and cultural identity in East Turkistan, particularly the mass internment and persecution of Muslim minorities. Arkin was praised for giving a "voice to the voiceless" by documenting rights violations and supporting Uyghur refugees globally.In 2026, Arkin remains a central figure in the global fight against "transnational repression." She continues to challenge the Chinese government’s efforts to silence activists abroad, recently sharing personal accounts of being monitored even within United Nations premises. Her work currently focuses on holding global corporations accountable for forced labor in supply chains and advocating for the protection of Uyghur women and children. Through high-level forums like the 2026 Geneva Summit and the IRF Summit, she persists in her mission to ensure that the Uyghur genocide remains a priority for the international community, emphasizing that true freedom of worship cannot exist without transparency and accountability.
View More

Sonia Guajajara
Four Freedoms Award 2024
Sônia Guajajara, a prominent activist and politician, was honored with the 2024 Freedom from Want Award for her lifelong dedication to the rights of Indigenous peoples and environmental protection. Born in the Araribóia Indigenous Land in Maranhão, she rose to national prominence as an executive coordinator for the Articulation of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB). The Roosevelt Foundation recognized her for fighting against the "shrinking habitat" caused by deforestation and eviction, emphasizing that environmental policy is inseparable from the struggle for Indigenous rights.In 2023, Guajajara made history as Brazil's first-ever Minister for Indigenous Peoples, a position she continues to hold in 2026. Her leadership has focused on land demarcation, combating illegal mining, and addressing the climate emergency. By 2026, she has significantly expanded Indigenous representation in global climate policy, notably through the "Peoples' Circle" initiative at COP30. Her work remains a testament to the idea that Indigenous knowledge is a vital solution to global biodiversity and climate crises.

Grace Forrest
Four Freedoms Award 2024
Grace Forrest, an Australian anti-slavery advocate and founding director of Walk Free, was honored with the 2024 Freedom from Fear Award. She is the first Australian woman to receive a Four Freedoms Award, recognized for her decade-long commitment to eradicating modern slavery. Her work was sparked by her teenage experience volunteering at a rescue home in Nepal, where she witnessed the systemic commodification of children. Under her leadership, Walk Free developed the Global Slavery Index, the world’s most comprehensive dataset on forced labor and forced marriage, which has become a vital tool for governments and corporations to identify and mitigate exploitation within global supply chains.In 2026, Forrest remains a central figure in the global human rights movement, serving as a Commissioner on the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Her recent efforts focus on the "invisible" nature of exploitation in conflict zones and the fashion industry, where she advocates for mandatory transparency and legislative reform. By partnering with organizations like the United Nations and the International Labor Organization, she continues to amplify the voices of survivors and challenge the social norms that allow modern slavery to persist. Her work emphasizes that "freedom from fear" is unattainable as long as 50 million people remain trapped in extreme exploitation.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Four Freedoms Award 2022
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, was honored with the 2022 International Four Freedoms Award. She was recognized for her role as the "face of peaceful resistance" against the oppressive regime in Belarus. Originally an English teacher, Tsikhanouskaya entered the political arena in 2020 after her husband was arrested for his presidential aspirations. Widely acknowledged by independent observers as the winner of the 2020 presidential election, she united a democratic coalition and inspired unprecedented protests. In her 2022 acceptance speech in Middelburg, she emphasized that "solidarity and humanity are our superpowers" and dedicated the award to those fighting for freedom in Belarus and beyond.In 2026, Tsikhanouskaya remains a central figure in international diplomacy as the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus. Operating in exile—having recently relocated her office to Warsaw for security reasons—she continues to advocate for the release of over 1,200 political prisoners and the establishment of free and fair elections. She has maintained a strong stance of solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing that the struggles of both nations for democracy are inseparable. Her leadership in 2026 continues to focus on gathering global support to ensure that the cause of a democratic Belarus remains a priority on the world stage.

Đỗ Nguyễn Mai Khôi
Four Freedoms Award 2022
Đỗ Nguyễn Mai Khôi, a Vietnamese singer-songwriter and activist, was honored with the 2022 Freedom of Speech Award. Once a celebrated pop star in Vietnam, she sacrificed her mainstream career to protest government censorship and advocate for democratic reforms. Her activism gained international attention in 2016 when she nominated herself as an independent candidate for the National Assembly—a move that led to her music being banned, police harassment, and eventual exile. The Roosevelt Foundation recognized her for using her art to defend social justice and for her relentless commitment to the right of every individual to express their truth.Now living in the United States, Khôi continues to speak truth to power through her multimedia stage show, "Bad Activist." In 2026, she remains a prominent voice against digital censorship, frequently criticizing major tech platforms for complying with restrictive internet laws in Vietnam. Her recent work, including a performance at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York, combines avant-garde jazz and traditional Vietnamese music to tell her story of dissent. Through her performances and leadership within organizations like the International Free Expression Project, she continues to advocate for the liberation of political prisoners and the protection of artistic freedom worldwide.

Lian Gogali
Four Freedoms Award 2022
Lian Gogali, an Indonesian researcher and peace activist, was honored with the 2022 Freedom of Worship Award for her courageous commitment to interfaith dialogue. Following the violent communal conflicts in Poso, Central Sulawesi, between 1998 and 2001, Gogali dedicated herself to uncovering the "politics of memory" regarding the impact of the violence on women and children. Her research challenged the prevailing media narrative that the conflict was purely religious, revealing instead that women from different backgrounds—Muslim, Christian, and Hindu—had frequently risked their lives to help one another.In 2009, she founded the Mosintuwu Institute, which began on the veranda of her home. The institute’s signature program, the Women’s School (Sekolah Perempuan), brings together former religious opponents to foster healing and trust. By 2026, her work has expanded to dozens of villages, training over 500 women as "village reformers" who advocate for civic rights and social justice. Gogali also established the Sophia Library, a mobile initiative that brings children from religiously demarcated communities together through shared learning. Her recent efforts have evolved to include environmental advocacy, such as protecting Lake Poso and promoting "climate justice" by helping villages develop sustainable, nature-rooted prosperity.

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete
Four Freedoms Award
Nice Nailantei Leng’ete, a courageous Kenyan human rights activist, was honored with the 2022 Freedom from Want Award. At just eight years old, she escaped female genital mutilation (FGM) by hiding in a tree, a practice that was then a mandatory rite of passage in her Maasai community. This act of resistance eventually led her to a life of advocacy, where she successfully negotiated with village elders to replace "the cut" with Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP). These ceremonies maintain the cultural celebration of womanhood while replacing physical harm with a "blessing of the books," ensuring that girls can remain in school and avoid early childhood marriage.Leng’ete’s leadership is historic; she was the first woman in Maasai history to be bestowed with the "Black Talking Stick" (esiere), a traditional symbol of authority usually reserved for male elders. Through her work with Amref Health Africa and her own Nice Place Foundation, she has saved an estimated 17,000 girls from FGM. In 2026, her foundation continues to serve as a leadership training center and safe haven in Kajiado, Kenya, providing education, coding classes, and business planning to empower young women. Her journey from a "bad example" to a global icon, including being named one of TIME's 100 most influential people, demonstrates her commitment to ending harmful practices through community dialogue and love.

ÜniKuir
Four Freedoms Award 2022
ÜniKuir, a Turkish LGBTQ+ rights organization, was honored with the 2022 Freedom from Fear Award. Founded in 2020 by activists Melike Balkan and Özgür Gür, the organization was born out of the peaceful resistance at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara. It marked a historic milestone as the first LGBTQ+ organization to receive a Four Freedoms Award. The Roosevelt Foundation recognized ÜniKuir for its tireless struggle to ensure that all individuals can live as equals, free from the pervasive fear of discrimination, judicial harassment, and persecution based on their gender identity or sexual orientation in Turkey.The organization’s work is vital in a landscape where LGBTQ+ events are frequently banned and activists face criminalization. ÜniKuir provides legal guidance, psychological counseling, and advocacy, while connecting a national network of university student solidarity groups. Even as they face ongoing legal challenges—including the founders' own high-profile trial for organizing a 2019 Pride march—they remain a beacon of hope for pluralism. By 2026, ÜniKuir continues to lead the fight for "campus equality," documenting rights violations and empowering the next generation of activists to reclaim their fundamental right to assembly and expression.

Four Freedoms Award Laureates (2020 ~ 2018)

United Nations
Four Freedoms Award 2020
The United Nations was honored with the 2020 International Four Freedoms Award, a prestigious recognition that underscored the organization’s 75-year legacy as the primary guardian of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s vision. The Roosevelt Foundation presented the award to acknowledge the UN’s tireless dedication to international peace, security, and the universal promotion of human rights. As the "main architect" of the global order, the UN was celebrated for enshrining the four freedoms—speech, worship, want, and fear—into the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, transforming a wartime ideal into an enduring framework for international law.In 2026, the United Nations continues to navigate what Secretary-General António Guterres describes as the "biggest international tests" since its founding. From coordinating massive humanitarian relief in conflict zones like Sudan and Ukraine to spearheading global climate pacts and sustainable development goals, the UN remains the central platform for collective action. The award serves as a reminder that the mission to protect fundamental freedoms is a "constant work in progress," especially as the organization now tackles 21st-century challenges such as digital disinformation, AI governance, and the intensifying planetary emergency.

Maria Ressa
Four Freedoms Award 2020
Maria Ressa, a fearless Filipino-American journalist and CEO of the news outlet Rappler, was honored with the 2020 Freedom of Speech Award. This recognition celebrated her unwavering dedication to investigative journalism and her courage in exposing human rights violations and government corruption in the Philippines. Ressa’s work is particularly noted for documenting the deadly reality of the "war on drugs" and for being one of the first global voices to warn about the weaponization of social media to spread disinformation and manipulate public discourse. Despite facing persistent legal harassment, arrests, and death threats, she has remained committed to holding power to account and protecting the integrity of facts.Following her Four Freedoms recognition, Ressa’s global influence reached a pinnacle when she was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. In 2026, she continues her mission at the intersection of technology and democracy, currently serving as a Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia University’s Institute of Global Politics. Her latest work focuses on the existential threat that unregulated artificial intelligence and surveillance capitalism pose to democratic institutions. Through her ongoing leadership at Rappler and her advocacy for a "shared reality" based on truth, Ressa remains a central figure in the fight to ensure that journalism survives in an era of algorithmic amplification and political polarization.

Religions For Peace
Four Freedoms Award 2020
Religions for Peace International was honored with the 2020 Freedom of Worship Award in recognition of its five-decade-long commitment to interreligious cooperation and global peacebuilding. As the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, the organization was praised for its ability to build bridges between faith communities to reduce hostility in conflict zones. The Roosevelt Foundation specifically highlighted the alliance's role in speaking up for those most in need and its efforts to counter the misuse of religion as a tool for violence and hate. During the 2021 virtual ceremony, Secretary General Prof. Azza Karam accepted the medal, calling on all faiths to "stand together" rather than apart.Continuing its mission into 2026, the organization remains at the forefront of humanitarian and diplomatic action. It has recently focused on its Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund, which supports grassroots projects across 38 countries, including significant aid efforts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. In October 2025, Religions for Peace convened a major summit in Sarajevo to renew the global movement for ending wars and upholding international law. Additionally, through its Global Women of Faith Network, it has pioneered initiatives to combat tech-facilitated gender-based violence and advance climate justice, proving that interfaith consensus is a vital catalyst for "shared sacred flourishing" and the protection of human rights everywhere.
View More

Sander de Kramer
Four Freedoms Award 2020
Sander de Kramer, a Dutch journalist and social activist, was honored with the 2020 Freedom from Want Award for his innovative and tireless humanitarian work. After traveling to Sierra Leone in 2007 and witnessing the "diamond children"—orphans forced into dangerous slave labor in mines for pennies—he co-founded the Sunday Foundation. His mission was simple yet profound: to rescue these children from exploitation and provide them with a future through education. By 2026, his foundation has built over 50 schools, offering free education, uniforms, and meals to thousands of underprivileged children, while also supporting war widows and people with disabilities through micro-credit and vocational training.His impact has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Leveraging the platform provided by the Four Freedoms Award, de Kramer launched a massive campaign that delivered nearly 30 trucks of heaters and several hospital generators to war victims. Known affectionately in Sierra Leone as "Chief Ouwe Dibbes," a title reflecting his status as an honorary tribal chief, he continues to champion the rights of the "forgotten" across the globe. His work remains a testament to the idea that one individual’s "stubborn optimism" can dismantle systemic poverty and restore dignity to entire communities.

Leoluca Orlando
Four Freedoms Award 2020
Leoluca Orlando, the former Mayor of Palermo, Italy, was honored with the 2020 Freedom from Fear Award. He was recognized for his decades-long struggle against the Mafia and his commitment to transforming Palermo from a city defined by organized crime into a "city of hope." Orlando gained international acclaim for breaking the culture of silence (omertà) and dismantling entrenched criminal networks. His leadership focused on restoring civic dignity and ensuring that no citizen remained invisible, regardless of their background or status.Beyond his fight against the Mafia, Orlando was celebrated for his humanitarian stance on global migration. He famously advocated for the "humane treatment of refugees," treating international mobility as an inalienable human right. Under his administration, Palermo became a symbol of hospitality, with initiatives like the "Charter of Palermo" promoting the integration of newcomers into the city's cultural and economic fabric. Even as he faced personal security risks for his work, Orlando maintained that security is not achieved through fear, but through the care and solidarity of the entire community.

Christiana Figueres
Four Freedoms Award 2018
Christiana Figueres, a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was honored with the 2018 International Four Freedoms Award. She was recognized for her pivotal role as the chief architect of the 2015 Paris Agreement, where she successfully united 195 sovereign nations to commit to a collaborative path for limiting global warming. Her leadership is celebrated for "stubborn optimism" and a collaborative brand of diplomacy that brought together governments, corporations, activists, and faith communities to address the existential threat of climate change.Since receiving the award, Figueres has continued to accelerate global climate action. She co-founded Global Optimism, a purpose-driven enterprise, and co-hosts the influential podcast Outrage + Optimism. In 2026, she remains a prominent voice in international climate policy, recently urging nations to set ambitious emission-cutting targets to stay within the $1.5\text{°C}$ threshold. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between scientific necessity and political will, emphasizing that the decarbonization of the global economy is an irreversible and essential journey for future generations.

Erol Önderoğlu
Four Freedoms Award 2018
Erol Önderoğlu is a Turkish-French journalist and a prominent advocate for press freedom, honored with the Freedom of Speech Award in 2018. Since 1996, he has served as the Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and has been a long-time editor and coordinator for the independent news agency Bianet. His work is primarily focused on monitoring the judicial harassment of journalists and documenting violations of press freedom. By 2018, he had authored over 4,600 articles and reports objectively detailing the legal challenges faced by his colleagues, aiming to increase the visibility of those struggling for a pluralistic society.Önderoğlu’s commitment to free expression has often placed him at personal risk. In 2016, he was arrested and imprisoned for 10 days after participating in a solidarity campaign for the newspaper Özgür Gündem. Despite ongoing judicial pressure and a series of trials and retrials—including an acquittal in 2019 that was later overturned—he has continued his work into 2026. Most recently, he has been vocal in demanding justice for murdered colleagues and continues to compile the BİA Media Monitoring Database Reports, which remain a critical resource for tracking the state of journalism and freedom of expression in the region.

Paride Taban
Four Freedoms Award 2018
Bishop Paride Taban, a revered South Sudanese prelate, was honored with the Freedom of Worship Award in 2018 for his lifelong commitment to reconciliation and religious harmony. Born in 1936, he served as the first Bishop of Torit and became a pivotal figure in South Sudan’s struggle for independence and peace. Taban was recognized for his "bottomless reserves of patience" and his unique ability to bridge divides between warring ethnic and religious groups. His philosophy centered on the idea that peace is lived through action, not just preached, earning him the respect of leaders across all sides of the fractured nation.His most enduring legacy is the Holy Trinity Peace Village in Kuron, which he founded in 2005. This intentional community allows people from diverse ethnic backgrounds to live, work, and study together, serving as a symbolic model for peaceful cohabitation in a war-torn region. Despite facing imprisonment and exile during his career, Taban remained a steadfast advocate for non-violence until his passing on November 1, 2023. Posthumously, his work continues to inspire global humanitarian efforts, recently evidenced by his recognition as the 2023 Opus Prize Laureate.

Emmanuel de Merode
Four Freedoms Award 2018
Emmanuel de Merode, a Belgian conservationist and anthropologist, was honored with the Freedom from Want Award in 2018 on behalf of the Virunga Alliance. As the Director of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2008, he has transformed the park from a conflict zone into a pillar of regional stability. His "Virunga Alliance" model focuses on green economic development, using the park’s natural resources to provide renewable energy, clean water, and sustainable jobs for over four million people living nearby. By proving that conservation can drive prosperity, de Merode has provided a viable alternative to the illegal resource extraction that often fuels armed conflict in the region.De Merode’s work is characterized by immense personal risk and deep commitment to the rule of law. Leading a team of hundreds of Congolese rangers, he has navigated over a decade of civil war and even survived a 2014 assassination attempt linked to his efforts to prevent illegal oil exploration. His efforts have not only helped save the critically endangered mountain gorilla population but have also built schools and infrastructure that address the fundamental needs of local communities. Currently, he is involved in scaling these successes through the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor, which aims to create the world’s largest protected tropical forest reserve while maintaining a focus on community-centered energy and dignity.

Urmila Chaudhary
Four Freedoms Award 2018
Urmila Chaudhary is a prominent Nepalese human rights activist and a former domestic slave under the Kamlari system, a form of bonded labor. Sold into servitude at the age of six, she endured 11 years of exploitation and abuse while working for wealthy families in Kathmandu. After being rescued at age 17 by the Nepal Youth Foundation, she dedicated her life to eradicating child slavery and advocating for the rights of marginalized girls. Her leadership was instrumental in the 2013 official abolition of the Kamlari system in Nepal.In recognition of her extraordinary courage, Chaudhary was honored with the Freedom from Fear Award in 2018, part of the prestigious Four Freedoms Awards. This honor celebrated her unwavering commitment to ending child slavery and her advocacy for girls' right to education. More recently, in October 2024, she was named a Global Anti-Racism Champion by the U.S. Department of State. Currently pursuing a law degree, she continues to fight for legal justice and the rehabilitation of freed slaves through the Freed Kamlari Development Forum, which she co-founded.

