The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation yesterday presented the 2011 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million to Handicap International, the largest non-governmental organization providing assistance and advocacy for people with disabilities. 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.
The 2011 Hilton Prize was formally presented at a special ceremony at the Global Philanthropy Forum’s 10th annual conference at the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood City, California. Michelle Bachelet, the first Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, delivered the keynote for the prize dinner. Ms. Bachelet most recently served as President of Chile from 2006 to 2010.
Former President George H. W. Bush delivered a special video message congratulating Handicap International. Thirteen years ago, President Bush helped present the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to Doctors Without Borders.
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.
Congratulations to Handicap International!
