Generations prize goes to former Irish leader
Former Irish President Mary Robinson has been honoured at a congress in Zurich for her work in improving the well-being of future generations.
She was awarded the Prix des Générations, an accolade given by St Gallen University’s World Demographic Association to an international personality who has made an outstanding contribution on behalf of future generations.
The award was presented during the association’s 4th World Ageing & Generations Congress in Zurich on Saturday. It has a value of SFr50,000 ($45,400).
Previous winners have included former Czech Republic President Vàclav Havel and United Nations special ambassador against female mutilation Waris Dirie.
It also honours Robinson’s fight for the protection of human rights and for Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, an initiative she started for promoting dialogue on ethical global values.
She served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002 and is currently a member of the Elders, a group of former world leaders and influential figures who give advice on tackling some of the world’s toughest problems.
“The jury considers Mary Robinson a spokesperson for, and an exemplar of, the highest kind of moral behaviour and thus a role model for future generations,” said the association.
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