The Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize is intended to honour living individuals and active public or private bodies or institutions that have made a significant contribution to promoting, seeking, safeguarding or maintaining peace, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitution of UNESCO.
The Prize was established in 1989 by a resolution supported by 120 countries and adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 25th session. It is in line with the philosophy of UNESCO’s founders who, in the preamble to the Organization’s Constitution, solemnly declare that: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”
In establishing this Prize, the General Conference of UNESCO wanted to reaffirm its commitment to peace and dialogue between cultures and civilizations. It desired to endow itself with a significant instrument so as to encourage and honour all those who contribute to bringing about a world of greater mutual support and human fellowship.
The Jury
In order to implement the resolution instituting the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize the Director-General called on international public figures who are reputed for their action on behalf of peace in the fields in which they have pursued their careers. Among them are statesmen, scholars, jurists, diplomats and human rights activists who have distinguished themselves through their attachment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Constitution of UNESCO and who have agreed to give the Prize the benefit of their knowledge and prestige.
Michel Camdessus
Born in 1933, he was Director of the Treasury, Governor of the Banque de France, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. read more
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
24th president of Liberia and first woman elected head of state in Africa.
Nobel Peace Prize winner 2011 read more
Her Royal Higness Princess Sumaya Bint El Hassan
Designated in 2017 UNESCO Special Envoy for Science for Peace. read more
Muhammad Yunus
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, father of social business and microcredit, founder of more than 50 other companies in Bangladesh. read more
Francois Hollande
Magistrate at the Court of Auditors, he was elected deputy in 1988. Candidate of the PS, he was elected head of state in 2012. read more
Forest Whitaker
American actor, producer and director. read more
The Laureates since 1991
Cardinal Roger EtchegarayPresident Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
Laureate 2003
MultimEdia
Former mayor of Lampedusa continues her fight for migrants
2017 Award Ceremony of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Prize