The Charter for Compassion, a global movement that seeks to bring to life the principles articulated in the Charter for Compassion through concrete, practical action, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Awards, which will be presented at a prestigious Gala Banquet in Monterrey, Mexico, during the XIX World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. The awards, recognizing extraordinary contributions to humanity and the promotion of compassion, will be presented to two Nobel Peace Laureates, Kailash Satyarthi and Dr. Rigoberta Menchú Tum, along with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, renowned author of I Shall Not Hate. Additionally, two organizations dedicated to peace and youth empowerment, PeaceJam and Seeds of Peace, will also be honored.
The Gala Banquet, hosted by the Charter for Compassion along with its strategic partner, Encuentro Mundial de Valores, will be a highlight of the Summit, celebrating these remarkable individuals and organizations who have dedicated their lives to building a more compassionate, just, and peaceful world. Our theme for the banquet, Voices of Compassion: The Echoes of Change, reflects the power of planting seeds in order to build a more humane and compassionate world.
A Nobel Peace Laureate from India, Kailash Satyarthi has spent decades fighting against child labor and advocating for the rights of children around the world. His organization, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, has rescued tens of thousands of children from slavery, trafficking, and exploitation. Satyarthi’s relentless dedication to ending child labor has sparked global awareness and legislative action, making him a leading figure in the fight for children’s rights.
Rigoberta Menchú Tum, a Nobel Peace Laureate from Guatemala, is an indigenous activist who has tirelessly advocated for the rights of indigenous peoples and social justice. Her courageous efforts to bring international attention to the struggles of marginalized communities in Guatemala have made her a symbol of resistance and hope for oppressed peoples worldwide. Menchú Tum's work has not only raised awareness but has also contributed to the broader movement for human rights and dignity and was instrumental in the adoption of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A Palestinian physician and author of I Shall Not Hate, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is a beacon of hope and reconciliation. Despite experiencing personal tragedy, Dr. Abuelaish has devoted his life to promoting peace and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. His work as a doctor and peace activist embodies the spirit of forgiveness and the belief that love and compassion can overcome hatred and violence.
Founded to connect young people with Nobel Peace Laureates, PeaceJam empowers the next generation to become leaders for peace. Through mentorship and educational programs, PeaceJam inspires youth to engage in social justice work, fostering a global movement of young activists dedicated to creating positive change in their communities and the world.
Seeds of Peace is an organization that brings together young people from regions of conflict to engage in dialogue and build bridges of understanding. By fostering leadership, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, Seeds of Peace equips young leaders with the tools to navigate and resolve conflicts, promoting peace and reconciliation in some of the world’s most divided regions.
The 2024 Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Awards Gala Banquet promises to be an inspiring evening, bringing together global leaders, peace advocates, and compassionate individuals to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these honorees. This year's recipients join other exemplary proponents of compassion such as former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, environmentalist, Vandana Shiva, author of Caste, Isabel Wilkerson, September 11th Families for a Peaceful Tomorrow, and the Family Circle, to name a few. The work of this year's awardees continues to inspire us all to strive for a world where compassion and peace prevail everywhere.
