The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation today announced that Handicap International, the largest non-governmental organization providing assistance and advocacy for people with disabilities, will receive the 2011 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million. The Hilton Foundation presents the annual award, the world’s largest humanitarian prize, to an organization that is doing extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering. Handicap International was selected for the 2011 Prize by a prestigious independent international jury.
Formed in 1982 by two French doctors to help Cambodians seriously injured by landmines, Handicap International now provides crucial assistance to acutely vulnerable people around the world including those disabled from natural disasters, injury, armed conflict, disease and poverty. It currently manages 300 projects in 60 countries and has become a major first responder for persons with disabilities in emergency situations.
The 2011 Hilton Prize will be formally presented at a special ceremony at the Global Philanthropy Forum’s 10th annual conference on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood City, California. Michelle Bachelet, the first Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, will be the keynote speaker for the prize dinner. Ms. Bachelet most recently served as President of Chile from 2006 to 2010.
Special events are planned in Geneva, Lyon and Washington, D.C. to honor Handicap International and its selection as the 2011 Hilton Prize recipient.
www.handicap-international.org
