WOSM awarded the Calouste Gulbenkian International Prize

We are pleased to inform you that the World Organization of the Scout Movement has been awarded the Calouste Gulbenkian International Prize by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Portugal ( http://www.gulbenkian.pt). The prize was also awarded this year to the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation.

The Calouste Gulbenkian International Prize distinguishes an individual or institution whose thoughts or actions make a decisive contribution to and have significant impact on understanding, defending or fostering the universal values of the human condition, with particular reference to the following:

• respect for difference and inter-cultural, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue;
• respect for biodiversity and defense of the environment in man’s relationship with nature.

The Prize this year was specifically in relation to respect for difference and inter-cultural, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue.

Secretary General Luc Panissod liaised with World Scout Committee member João Armando Gonçalves, who is from Portugal, on this matter and both of them attended the public ceremony that took place on 20 July 2011 in Lisbon where the prize was presented to WOSM.

We can be proud that the more than 100 years activities of our Movement at the service of the non-formal education of young people to become autonomous and responsible citizens of their communities, respectful of universal values of the human condition, of nature and environment and eager to contribute to creating a better world where peace will prevail are so recognized.

Image 2: From Left to right: Emilio Rui Vilar, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation - Mr Jorge Sampaio, former President of the Republic of Portugal, Chairperson of the Jury for the International Prize - Luc Panissod, Secretary General WOSM