Annan Awarded for Leadership on Sustainable Development

28/12/2005

UN secretary-general Kofi Annan has been given one of the most prestigious environmental awards the Zayed Prize. The citation noted his personal leadership on sustainable development. The 1360 scientists whose research contributed to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment were also honoured as were activists from Trinidad and Indonesia. The winners of the prize which honours former UAE President Sheikh Zayed share $1m (�564000); previous awards have gone to Jimmy Carter and the BBC. Mr Annan's prize for Global Leadership on the Environment nets him $500000. One person has done more than most to catalyse political and public opinion to an understanding that the environment is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development said the jury in its citation. That person is Mr Kofi Annan. Jury chair Klaus Toepfer executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme added: When you look at the overall global impact on politics business and civil society of Mr Annan's environment and sustainable development-related initiatives we came to the conclusion that he is deservedly the global winner.