WASHINGTON – The Atlantic Council on May 7 will present its Distinguished Leadership Awards to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Britain’s Prince Harry, Unilever CEO Paul Polman, the Enlisted Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces, and world renowned violin virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter. “
The Atlantic Council is proud to recognize the tremendous contributions of these very special honorees,” said Atlantic Council Chairman Senator Chuck Hagel.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will receive the Distinguished International Leadership Award for his success in mobilizing international leaders around global challenges—ranging from nuclear nonproliferation, terrorism, revolution, economic upheaval, and climate change—and for his efforts to prepare the United Nations for a rapidly changing global landscape.
“I thank the Atlantic Council for this recognition and I look forward to joining the many other dignitaries who will be attending the Council’s 50th Anniversary dinner. The Council and the United Nations are close partners,” said Secretary-General Ban. “I welcome the opportunity to share my thoughts about the global agenda and to discuss how the Council and the United Nations can continue to work together. “
Prince Harry will accept the Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award in recognition of the work of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry that supports servicemen and women. Prince Harry will accept the award on behalf of his brother, The Duke of Cambridge, and their joint work through the Foundation. The Foundation helps rehabilitate wounded servicemen and women and reintegrate them back into civilian life.
Unilever CEO Paul Polman will be honored with the Distinguished Business Leadership Award for promoting what he calls “conscious capitalism.” He is leading a revolution in the way global companies think about their role as good stewards of the environment, society, and their consumers’ wellbeing.
The Enlisted Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces will receive the Distinguished Military Leadership Award for their selfless service in helping make a better world. Accepting the award on behalf of all enlisted soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, and coast guardsman will be Marine Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Violin virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter will receive the Distinguished Artistic Leadership Award for her many contributions to world understanding and for her encouragement of top young musical talents through the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation. A four-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Mutter has been hailed worldwide as the “greatest living violinist,” and will perform.
The evening will be hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, hosts of Morning Joe, MSNBC, and all honorees will give remarks. Honorees will be introduced by former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and Colin Powell, Senator Chuck Hagel, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah and Sir Andre Previn.
As the premier international awards event in Washington, D.C., the Annual Awards Dinner brings together leaders from the United States, Europe and around the world. Former and current administration officials, members of Congress, heads of state, ambassadors, and influential business leaders of global companies gather each year to salute the honorees.
For the past half century, the Atlantic Council has been a preeminent, nonpartisan institution devoted to promoting transatlantic cooperation on matters of global concern, including a broad spectrum of modern global challenges ranging from violent extremism to financial instability and from NATO’s future to energy security.
Only credentialed and accredited media will be permitted to attend. For additional details and to request press accreditation, please contact Taleen Ananian at press@acus.org.