UNEP Evolves
its Annual Awards to Spotlight Transformational Leaders
in Environmental Policy, Business, Civil Society and Science
& Technology
Nairobi/World, 7 November 2008 - Whether
it be combating climate change or stemming the accelerating
loss of biodiversity or promoting sustainable agriculture
and recycling - some people and organizations are making
a real and landscape-shifting difference.
They may be Presidents, politicians,
economists, scientists or philosophers or perhaps musicians,
artists, actors, religious or civic figures operating
on the global, national or local stage.
They may be community leaders, business
leaders or youth leaders who are triggering a transformation
aimed at bringing forward tomorrow's world today by turning
their societies into beacons of fundamental and sustainable
change.
Whomever and wherever they are UNEP
wants to know and looks forward to award the brightest
and the best as a 2009 Champion of the Earth.
With the new four categories, UNEP aims
to highlight the urgency of cooperation between all players
and all sectors of society to achieve a global Green Economy:
one that reflects the real needs and aspirations of six
billion rising to nine billion people by 2050.
Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General
and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), said: "We are looking for real
and inspirational champions - people and organizations
who are not fazed by what can sometimes seem to be insuperable
challenges. Individuals and organizations who refuse to
accept the status quo."
"The world is facing multiple crises
but also huge opportunities to move to a more resource-efficient,
more intelligently-managed planet. There are those who
have been working for decades and others who have are
just now stepping up to the bar," he said.
"So we want to learn about these outstanding and
catalytic candidates from Asia and the Pacific, West Asia
and Europe to Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean
and North America. Who is your Champion of the Earth 2009?"
said Mr Steiner.
The 2009 award ceremony will take place
in parallel to the annual Global Business Summit for the
Environment (B4E), co-hosted by UNEP and the United Nations
Global Compact in Paris, France, next April.
The Summit, attended by international
business leaders and policy makers, will highlight the
most urgent environmental challenges facing the world
and discuss business-driven solutions for mitigating and
adapting to climate change.
Notes to Editors
Background on the Champions of the Earth
prize and previous laureates, including biographies and
photographs, is available from http://www.unep.org/champions/
or from UNEP DCPI at championsoftheearth@unep.org.
No monetary reward is attached to the
prize. Each laureate receives a trophy designed especially
for the occasion with environmentally friendly materials.
UNEP invites nominations from individuals
who have made a significant contribution globally, regionally
and beyond, to the protection and sustainable management
of the environment and natural resources. Deadline for
receipt of nominations is on 1 December 2008. Candidates
are judged by a senior UNEP panel.
Nick Nuttall, UNEP Spokesperson
Lucita Jasmin, Head of Special Events
