Ban Ki-moon Honored With 2023 Diwali ‘Power of One’ Award At UN
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, along with three distinguished diplomats, was honored at the annual ‘Diwali Power of One Awards.’ This prestigious ceremony, often hailed as the ‘Oscars of Diplomacy,’ celebrated their selfless contributions to shaping a more perfect, peaceful, and secure world.
Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech, he commended the Diwali Foundation USA for its forward-thinking vision in illuminating vital light amid the challenges of our world.
The other distinguished awardees for the year 2023 included Ambassador Mirsada Colakovic, Ambassador Kim Sook, and Miroslav Lajcak. Their invaluable contributions were acknowledged at a special ceremony held at the UN Headquarters, marking their commitment to global peace and development.
Ban Ki-moon addressed the fractured state of the world, emphasizing the indispensability of the United Nations in times of crisis. Reflecting on the challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts, he urged collective efforts for a shared destiny of peace, sustainability, and prosperity.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, conveyed the significance of Diwali as more than just a festival. She encouraged the audience to remember that every small light, no matter how modest, can make a significant difference in dispelling shadows. Diwali, in this context, becomes a powerful symbol of peace and positive change.
Ranju Batra, the Chair of Diwali Foundation USA, emphasized that the Diwali stamp celebration transcends religious and national boundaries. She described the Power of One awardees as individuals who have demonstrated that one person can indeed make a significant difference.
Eminent Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra, serving as the moderator, emphasized the critical need to acknowledge excellence in diplomacy. He described the Power of One Awards as essential for honoring world-class diplomats who have positively changed the world.
Hailed as the ‘Oscars of Diplomacy,’ these awards aim to recognize former Permanent Representatives and high-level members of the UN who have selflessly worked towards creating a more perfect, peaceful, and secure world.
The 2023 Award ceremony was co-organized by the Diwali Foundation USA and the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. The event was also supported by the Permanent Missions of various countries, showcasing a global commitment to diplomatic excellence.
Established in 2017, the Diwali Foundation USA aims to promote a peaceful and consensus-based process for achieving societal good, aligning with the ideals enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The Power of One awards celebrate and highlight the crucial work done in a peaceful manner, especially within the United Nations.
The Foundation has previously honored individuals such as Lakshmi Puri, Matthew Rycroft, Kaha Imnadze, and Keisha McGuire. These distinguished individuals have made significant contributions to diplomacy, embodying the ideals of the Power of One awards.
Q: Which diplomats were honored alongside Ban Ki-moon at the 2023 Diwali Power of One Awards?
Answer: The other awardees were Ambassador Mirsada Colakovic, Ambassador Kim Sook, and Miroslav Lajcak.
Q: Who co-organized the 2023 Diwali Power of One Award ceremony along with the Diwali Foundation USA?
Answer: The Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations co-organized the ceremony.
Q. What is the significance of the Power of One Awards?
Answer: The Power of One Awards are essential in acknowledging excellence in diplomacy, especially at a time when diplomacy is on life support in today’s world.
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