Barbados PM among awardees as Women sweep UN’s 2021 ‘Champions of the Earth’ awards
(United Nations News) A Caribbean-based prime minister, a scientist, a group of indigenous women, and an entrepreneur were announced on Tuesday as this year’s winners of the United Nations’ Champions of the Earth awards.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the all-female Champions were chosen for their impact and leadership in advancing bold action on behalf of people and the planet.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados was honoured in the Policy Leadership category for her “powerful voice” for a sustainable world coming from the global south, consistently raising the alarm about the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States.
“These Champions of the Earth inspire, defend, mobilise and act to tackle the greatest environmental challenges of our time, including ecosystem protection and restoration”, the agency said in a statement.
The Champions of the Earth award is UN’s highest environmental honour.
This year’s award recognises laureates in four categories: Inspiration and Action, Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation.
For the 2021 prizes, UNEP received a record number of nominations from all over the world.
The agency’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen, said the winners’ profiles “demonstrate that all of us can contribute.”
Read more at: United Nations News
Source: CARICOM TODAY