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Making the World Better for Future Generations

Amid AfDB exit, Adesina appointed advisor to World Food Prize Foundation

Vanguard 11.06.2025Amid AfDB exit, Adesina appointed advisor to World Food Prize FoundationThe World Food Prize Foundation has announced the appointment of the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina to its Council of Advisors.Its President, Mashal Husain, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York.Adesina, who serves out his second-term 10-year tenure at AfDB in September, was a 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.Husain said, “President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr Norman Borlaug-transforming bold ideas into tangible impact.“His lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation, sustainability and economic development across Africa makes him an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors.“We are honored to welcome him back to the Foundation in this new role.”The council of advisors, appointed by the foundation’s Board of Directors, include former Head’s of State and Government, Ministers, and leaders in food and agricultural science, education, research and policy.They provide the board and staffers with insights and advice on advancing the mission of the organisation and Dr Norman Borlaug’s vision for the World Food Prize Foundation.The statement quoted Adesina as expressing deep honour to be appointed to the Council.“I am deeply honoured to join the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.“Dr Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor, but a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my own journey.“As a Laureate, I carry his legacy with me, and I look forward to working with the Foundation to advance bold, science-driven solutions that uplift farmers, feed nations and transform our world, ”Adesina was quoted as saying.Adesina is an agriculture expert and a globally recognised Development Economist who received the 2017 World Food Prize for his more than two decades of leadership and progress.He served with the Rockefeller Foundation as Vice President, Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).He also served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nigeria from 2011 to 2015.Adesina has been at the forefront of galvanising political will to transform African agriculture through several initiatives.These initiatives helped to expand agricultural production, thwart corruption in the Nigerian fertilizer industry and exponentially increase the availability of credit for smallholder farmers across the African continent.In 2015, he was elected the President of the African Development Bank, the first Nigerian, serving 10 years and spearheading the “High 5” Agenda.The agenda was to light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.During his tenure, he oversaw major funding initiatives for infrastructure, agriculture and youth entrepreneurship across the continent.In 2013, he was named the Forbes African Person of the Year.Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation said “Dr Adesina has long been a trailblazer in global agriculture and economic development”.He added, “His leadership has reshaped the landscape of African agriculture, from fighting corruption to empowering farmers and fueling sustainable growth.“Sharing Dr. Borlaug’s conviction that food is a powerful tool for peace and progress, Dr. Adesina brings both deep expertise and a shared moral compass to the Council of Advisors.”Adesina has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and will finish his second and final term as President of AfDB in September, when he will start in his role on the Council.The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide.The Prize was founded by Dr Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his work that contributed to increases in agricultural outputs which was termed the Green Revolution.Since then, the prize has been awarded to 55 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue.The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.※ Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina is the laureate of the 3rd Sunhak Peace Prize. If you would like to learn more about his achievements in promoting peace, please click the link below for detailed information.→ http://sunhakpeaceprize.org/kr/laureates/laureates_view.php?idx=71

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6 August 2025
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: 25 years in 25 moments

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance06.24.2025Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: 25 years in 25 moments 2023: Gavi reaches a billion childrenIn 2023, Gavi reached another milestone: more than 1 billion children vaccinated through routine programmes since the organisation was founded in 2000, with more than 18.8 million deaths averted as a result. By preventing illness and deaths, vaccines were estimated to have saved countries more than US$ 250 billion over the same period. 2023: Gavi-supported countries break vaccine investment recordsGavi’s model is designed to encourage sustainability and sovereignty for countries, with governments paying more towards their vaccine programmes as their wealth increases. In 2023, Gavi\'s partner countries set a new record for co-financing, contributing US$ 200 million in one year for the first time. 2024: Gavi supports the world’s first malaria vaccine introductionOn 22 January 2024, Cameroon made history by launching the world’s first routine malaria vaccination programme, with Gavi support. By the end of 2024, some 17 African countries were offering malaria vaccines through their routine childhood immunisation programmes, with more than 12 million vaccine doses delivered to these countries. 2024: African vaccine manufacturing gets a boostThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on vaccine imports from other countries, with many countries in Africa having to wait longer for vaccines to become available because of a lack of local manufacturing capacity. In June 2024, Gavi launched a financing instrument called the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), which will make up to US$ 1.2 billion available over ten years to accelerate the expansion of commercially viable vaccine manufacturing in Africa. 2024: Gavi goes solarAs Gavi reaches its 25th birthday, it faces evolving challenges – including the worsening impact of climate change, which continues to increase the burden of disease in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Backed by Gavi funding, the Health Facility Solar Electrification (HFSE) initiative was launched in October 2024, with the goal of building climate-resilient health systems, while also boosting vaccine storage capacity. It will equip more than 1,000 health facilities across Ethiopia, Pakistan, Uganda and Zambia with solar panels to power essential cold chain equipment and other medical devices. 2024: Four new vaccines join the Gavi portfolioWhen Gavi started, it provided support for vaccines against six infectious diseases. By 2022 that number had grown to 19, and in June 2024, Gavi added preventive Ebola, routine multivalent meningitis, human rabies and hepatitis B birth dose to its portfolio of supported vaccines.The Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is the recipient of the 5th Sunhak Peace Prize. To learn more about Gavi’s contributions to peace through global immunization efforts, please click the link below for detailed information.→ http://sunhakpeaceprize.org/kr/laureates/laureates_view.php?idx=565

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6 August 2025
Goodluck Jonathan appointed as United Nations Special Envoy for global crisis

Financial Africa08.01.2025Goodluck Jonathan appointed as United Nations Special Envoy for global crisisFormer Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been appointed to the position of United Nations Special Envoy for the global crisis. This historic appointment is supported by the five permanent members of the Security Council (United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia). The Nigerian will thus make history by becoming the first African to hold this…...Goodluck Jonathan is a recipient of the Founder\'s Special Prize of the Sunhak Peace Prize. If you would like to learn more about his achievements in promoting peace, please click the link below for detailed information.→ http://www.sunhakpeaceprize.org/kr/laureates/laureates_view.php?idx=1018

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6 August 2025
Kenya’s President Ruto awards African Development Bank’s Adesina highest national honour

(Source: African Development Bank)Kenya’s President H.E. William Samoei Ruto has conferred the country’s highest honour, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart CGH, on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.Dr Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of the honour that was established in 1967 and first awarded to Kenya’s founding father and former President, H.E. Jomo Kenyatta. Others include globally renowned leaders such as former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Kenya’s subsequent Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr Ruto.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina receives the prestigious honor of the Chief of the Order of Golden Heart from Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto. During a colourful investiture ceremony at Nairobi’s State House, President Ruto praised Dr Adesina’s distinguished service, commitment, and passion for the economic development of Kenya and Africa.President Ruto congratulated Adesina and told him, “You are amazing. You are a great leader. You deserve this honour and investiture.” The two leaders share a warm relationship that dates back 20 years when Adesina lived and worked in Kenya for the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA. At that time Ruto was Kenya’s Minister for Agriculture. Both recalled how they worked together to provide subsidies to farmers despite opposition at the time from some donors and global financial institutions.President Ruto said under his presidency he has continued with the same policy of offering subsidies to farmers, leading to an increase in the country’s food production. “Our maize production increased from 40 million to 70 million bags last year. Our sales from tea, generated more than 220 billion shillings [approximately $1.7 billion], the highest ever earnings.” “I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto told Adesina who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Grace Yemisi Adesina. “I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto told Adesina who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Grace Yemisi Adesina. In its citation, the Kenya government recognized Adesina as a distinguished economist and a global development leader.The Bank’s support for the private sector in Kenya includes over $700 million in lines of credit to more than eight commercial banks.President Ruto said the Bank’s support to the country’s mortgage sector has boosted the government’s national housing programme, with 150,000 houses under construction, generating jobs for 260, 000 youth.“Dr Adesina transformed the African Development Bank into a globally recognized institution for financial innovation and development impact and under his leadership, the Bank’s general capital grew from $93 billion to $318 billion.” Speaking about Kenya’s high youth unemployment, Adesina pointed to several youth riots that shook the country last year.In addition to providing $309 million for eight on-going projects targeting skills development, Adesina said the Bank is preparing for Board approval, financial support for the establishment of a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank of Kenya. “This will be a stand-alone financial institution, that will be 100 percent dedicated to providing technical assistance, debt and equity financing for youth businesses in Kenya.”

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24 March 2025
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style hal...

(Source:MSN)FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a half-time show inspired by American football\'s Super Bowl. The tournament - which will be the biggest in World Cup history as will feature 48 national teams, instead of 32 - will conclude at New Jersey\'s 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium on July 19.Writing on Instagram on Wednesday morning, Infantino said that \'a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world\' will take place after the first 45 minutes of the game. Infantino also revealed that British pop rock band Coldplay would be collaborating with FIFA to help attract and select the musical performers.It is not currently clear whether the half-time interval will be elongated to accommodate the show.Infantino\'s message read: \'It was my pleasure to speak with friends and colleagues attending the FIFA World Cup 26: FIFA Commercial & Media Partners Convention in Dallas, where we discussed some very exciting plans for the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026. I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world. We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final. These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City. My thanks of course to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and his incredible team, for helping us put together these amazing shows. I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalise the list of artists who will perform during the half time show, as well as at Times Square.\'

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12 March 2025
African Union Summit: African Development Bank President Highlights a Decade of Economic Transfor...

(Source: African Development Bank Group)African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, delivered a compelling farewell address to Heads of State and Government at the 38th African Union Summit, highlighting a decade of remarkable achievements by the Bank in driving Africa’s economic transformation. Adesina’s participation at the august continental gathering in Addis Ababa ended on a high note as African leaders considered and endorsed four Bank-led initiatives including the drive to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, measuring Africa’s green wealth as part of its GDP, an innovative facility to provide Africa with a financial buffer and a roadmap for the continent to achieve inclusive growth and rapid sustainable development.Adesina, who is also the Chairman of the Group’s Boards of Directors, underscored the impact of the Bank’s High 5s Agenda—Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa—which has impacted more than half a billion lives across the continent.“It has been an unprecedented partnership to advance the goal of the African Union towards achieving Agenda 2063: the Africa we want,” said Adesina who in February 2022, became the first president of the Bank Group to address the AU Summit.During the final day of the assembly, several African governments and AU officials paid tribute to Dr. Adesina for his exceptional leadership of the Bank and strong global advocacy for Africa, He ends his tenure as the Bank Group’s president on 1st September 2025.African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who is also the Chairman of the Group’s Boards of Directors, underscored the impact of the Bank’s operations, which have impacted more than half a billion lives over the past decade.Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of the African Development Bank, Dr. Adesina said the Bank has transformed 515 million lives, including 231 million women, over the past decade:127 million people gained access to better services in terms of health.61 million people gained access to clean water.33 million people benefited from improved sanitation.46 million people gained access to ICT services, and25 million people gained access to electricity.With a strong focus on job creation, the Bank has trained 1.7 million youth in digital skills and is rolling out Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks to drive youth-led economic growth. “Our goal is simple: create youth-based wealth across Africa,” Adesina reiterated.Additionally, the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative has provided $2.5 billion in financing to over 24,000 women-owned businesses, said Adesina.“The African Development Bank accelerated food production in Africa. Over 101 million people became food secure. We mobilized $72 billion to implement the food and agriculture delivery compacts across the continent,” said Dr. Adesina.Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, making it the largest multilateral financier of African infrastructure.The Bank has also prioritized healthcare, committing $3 billion in quality healthcare infrastructure and another $3 billion for pharmaceutical development, including establishing the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation.Under Adesina’s presidency, the Bank achieved its largest-ever capital increase, growing from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion currently. The most recent replenishment of the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, raised a record $8.9 billion for Africa’s 37 low-income countries, setting the stage for a target of $25 billion for its upcoming 17th replenishment.The Africa Investment Forum, a joint effort with eight other partner institutions, has also mobilized over $200 billion in investment commitments, reinforcing Africa as a leading investment destination.The Africa Investment Forum, a joint effort with eight other partner institutions, has mobilized over $200 billion in infrastructure investment commitments. (Picture: Africa Investment Forum Founding Partners and other officials during the Opening Session of the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days, Rabat, 4 December 2024.)As he bade farewell, the outgoing Bank chief expressed gratitude to the African Heads of State, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and the people of Africa for their unwavering support.“As today will be my final attendance of the AU Summit as President of the African Development Bank, I would like to use this opportunity to immensely thank your Excellencies Heads of State and Government for your extraordinary support over the past ten years. I am very grateful for your always being there for the African Development Bank—your Bank. I am very grateful for your kindness, friendship, and partnership as we forged global alliances to advance the continent’s interest around the world,” he said.

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12 March 2025
Kigali and Lagos, Are You Ready to Earn Tickets to Move Afrika?

(Source : Global Citizen)We’re excited to announce that EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, John Legend will headline the 2025 edition of Move Afrika. “I’m honored and excited to perform in Kigali and Lagos as part of the Move Afrika tour — an initiative that not only brings unforgettable shows, but also creates entrepreneurship and job opportunities, empowering young people to engage with Africa’s growing music and creative industries,” said John Legend. “Africa has always been a global cultural powerhouse, and it’s an honor to be part of the future of live music on the continent.”.Yes, you read that right — John Legend is joining the Move Afrika tour, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! This year, Move Afrika is turning up the energy, expanding from East to West Africa with stops in Rwanda and Nigeria. The first stop? The iconic BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on February 21, before heading to the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria at The Palms on February 25, 2025. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of music, impact, and unity across the continent!“We’re thrilled to have John Legend, our longtime Global Citizen Ambassador and friend headline Move Afrika, as we expand the tour from Rwanda to Nigeria,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen. “As Move Afrika grows year over year, our goal is to equip and inspire Africa’s dynamic, young population to participate in the live music and creative industries, while investing in its future with lasting infrastructure that will mean the continent no longer needs to be excluded from the international touring circuit.”We see you clicking your feet, ready to turn up. But before you lace up those kicks, here are some important things you need to know!What is Move Afrika?Move Afrika is Global Citizen’s initiative to create job and entrepreneurship opportunities, and enhance health systems for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of live music events. This first-of-its-kind music touring circuit brings together the hottest African and international artists.You might be wondering why we’re doing this. These electrifying events are more than just shows — they’re a catalyst to drive transformative investments and change. By engaging local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, we’re driving investments into local communities and creating opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development. But here’s where you come in: together, we can inspire government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens to take action. Whether it’s through posting, tweeting, messaging, voting or signing, every action counts in driving the change the world urgently needs.

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3 February 2025
AfDB President Adesina receives ‘African of the Decade Award’

(Source : The Independent)This prestigious award, presented by Rakesh Wahi, Chairman of the ABN Group, is given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on Africa’s socio-economic development. The citation, read by CNBC Africa’s Editor-in-Chief Godfrey Mutizwa, praised Dr. Adesina for his ethical leadership and innovative solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges, particularly through the AfDB’s High 5 strategic priorities. These priorities—lighting up and powering Africa, integrating the continent, and improving the quality of life for Africans—have defined his tenure.As Dr. Adesina approaches the end of his 10-year tenure as President of the AfDB in 2025, he has played a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s development landscape. Under his leadership, the AfDB has attracted global investments and improved the lives of millions. Notably, the bank’s projects have provided electricity to 18 million people, enhanced agricultural technology for 14 million farmers, and expanded access to finance, transportation, and sanitation for millions.His leadership in collaboration with the World Bank to provide electricity to 300 million Africans has further solidified his legacy. Additionally, as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Adesina played a crucial role in revolutionizing the country\'s agricultural sector by implementing an innovative electronic wallet system for farmers.During his presidency, the AfDB maintained its AAA rating for five consecutive years, committed $7.6 billion to support low-income countries, and launched a $3 billion COVID-19 social bond. These achievements underscore his dedication to Africa’s growth and resilience.Dr. Adesina expressed his gratitude and dedicated the award to the people of Africa, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the continent. He stated, \"It was no mistake that God made me African, and I will do everything I can for Africa until my last breath.\"

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3 February 2025
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon becomes first Korean to receive Mongolia's highest medal,...

DongA2024.11.04(Source : DongA)The Mongolian Presidential Office announced on the 2nd (local time) that it had awarded former Secretary-General Ban the Order of Chinggis Khan at the Mongolian Pride Day ceremony held at the government building in Ulaanbaatar. The day also marked the 862nd anniversary of the birth of Genghis Khan.The Order of Chinggis Khan is awarded to domestic and foreign politicians and social activists who have contributed to global prosperity and peace, the development of Mongolia’s foreign relations, and enhancing its international reputation. Ban is the first Korean to receive this award. He is the second foreigner to receive the award, following American Mongolian scholar Weatherford. The Mongolian Presidential Office explained the background of the award, saying, “Former Secretary-General Ban played a key role in promoting high-level ‘strategic partnership’ cooperation between Mongolia and Korea, and laid the foundation for strengthening relations between the two countries.”Mongolian President Khurelsukh said at the award ceremony, “It is very rare for a foreigner to receive our country’s highest national decoration,” adding, “Selecting Ban as the recipient of the Order of Genghis Khan is an expression of our high respect for his achievements in uniting the international community.” He continued, “I express my deepest gratitude for his contributions to expanding and strengthening cooperation between Mongolia and the United Nations, and supporting Mongolia’s social and economic development.”In 2006, Ban accompanied former President Roh Moo-hyun on his state visit to Mongolia as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. With Roh’s visit, the two countries upgraded their mutually complementary cooperative relationship established in 1999 to a good-neighborly, friendly, and cooperative partnership. Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also visited Mongolia as UN Secretary-General in 2009. The Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, which he founded, has supported the Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue in cooperation with Stanford University in the United States since 2022, and hosted the Mongolia Future Strategy Forum in Seoul and Mongolia last year and this year.

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21 January 2025
Ban Ki-moon, Forum in Seoul sheds light on future global challenges

Nate2024.11.22(Source : Nate)SEOUL, November 22 (AJP) - The annual conference hosted by the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) was held in central Seoul on Friday, bringing together political and business leaders from across Asia.Participants discussed diverse global challenges under the theme of \"Towards a Shared Future\" at the conference, chaired by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.Also on the agenda were artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and the roles of women and youth in shaping the future.

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21 January 2025
Speech Delivered by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman, Boards of Directors, “Meas...

Afdb13.11.2024(source : Afdb) Today, several African countries are giving away their vast amounts of land to carbon credits. While this may generate some short-term financing, it needs to be understood that Africa is a carbon price taker and therefore is short-changed. While the price of carbon in Europe is high and could be as high as $200 per ton because of the strict EU Emission Trading Standards, carbon price in Africa could be as low as $3 to $10 per ton.The proper valuation of Africa’s green wealth will increase access to financial flows, in part because credit ratings agencies will be able to incorporate the true value of overall asset class, which in turn could improve countries’ risk profile.Therefore, it is time for Africa’s green environmental assets to be properly priced to allow the continent to turn its massive green assets into wealth, through their inclusion in “green’ GDP for Africa. This will raise massive financial resources for the continent, spur greater green investments and provide better policies for the greening of African economies for sustainable development. The significantly higher revenues that Africa will generate from the proper valuation of its carbon sinks and environmental services will also allow it to be able to service its debts, assuring debt sustainability.

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21 January 2025
Sarah Gilbert, UCL Prize Lecture: “It’s a very exciting time to be a vaccinologist”

UCL NEWS2024.11.14(Source:UCL NEWS)Leading UK scientist Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, whose research team designed and developed one of the principal Covid-19 vaccines, helping save millions of lives, has delivered the 2024 UCL Prize Lecture in Life and Medical Sciences.It was launched in 1997 with previous recipients including Sir Demis Hassabis, founder of Google DeepMind and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry 2024, Lord Patrick Vallance, former UK Chief Scientific Adviser, and Professor Jennifer Douda, pioneer of CRISPR gene editing, and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry 2020.

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21 January 2025

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Sunhak Peace Prize

Future generations refer not only to our own physical descendants
but also to all future generations to come.

Since all decisions made by the current generation will either positively
or negatively affect them, we must take responsibility for our actions.