THE 2024 HONOUREES
THE HEALER: MARY ROBINSON
A caretaker who soothes pain and repairs damage. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, co-founder and Chair of The Elders or founder of Project Dandelion. Presented by Uganda activist and UNICEF Ambassador Vanessa Nakate
Mary Robinson’s work has taken place against the backdrop of some of the most fractious political and geo-political crises to date. Yet, her leadership is based on active hope. This honor is our way of thanking Mary the Magnificent (as we are apt to call her) for her passionate advocacy for gender equality, women’s participation in peace- building, human dignity and climate justice. The Healer award pays tribute to Mary Robinson’s ground-breaking work in championing human rights, in demanding that rich nations commit to significant loss and damage funding to help climate vulnerable countries deal with the worst impacts of the climate crisis and the way that her work, over and over again, has helped to heal the divides that so often tear communities apart.
THE MESSENGER: KALPONA AKTER
An exemplary communicator and listener who amplifies truth in a way that changes the game for others. Kalpona Akter, Founder and Executive Director, Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity (BCWS) As the founder and executive director of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity (BCWS), Kalpona Akter campaigns for worker safety, fair wages and the right to labour unions. Presented by singer, songwriter, humanitarian and founder of The Circle NGO, Annie Lennox
Kalpona’s work and journey - from sweatshop child worker at the age of 12 to internationally renowned labour rights activist, represents one of the most extraordinary stories of heroic activism on the planet. Few people have listened, lived and understood the 21st century experience of being a garment worker in the international fashion supply chain, and acted to change the game, in the way that Kalpona has. In this critical moment where garment workers who make our clothes are unable to afford to eat, this award acknowledges her phenomenal courage and leadership in summoning the attention of international organisations and holding brands accountable.
THE VISIONARY: ANGAANGAQ ANGAKKORSUAQ
An innovative thinker who can see the path to a better world. Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, Greenland environmentalist and keeper of the ancient Shamanic traditions Qilaut (the wind drum). His dedication to climate protection, indigenous matters and healing has taken him to more than 70 countries around the world to lecture, conduct seminars and ceremonies. Presenter: Trudie Styler, actor, film producer, director, human rights activist, environmentalist, organic farmer, winemaker and UNICEF Ambassador
The context for awarding Angaangaq with the Visionary honor could not be more urgent or more poignant, with the Artic warming four times faster than scientists predicted. In his words ‘We can’t plant ice - when it’s gone it’s gone. But we can protect it’. It is that vision and commitment to help us realise our part in healing the planet, that we acknowledge him with The Visionary award. Angangaaq is an exemplary guardian of our global commons, and with his guidance, and dedicated organisation Ice Wisdom, he helps us build a relationship with nature and guide people to see the beauty in the natural world.
THE REBEL: JOHN LEGEND
A courageous provocateur who challenges the status quo. John Legend, EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum singer-songwriter who has garnered 12 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award, among others. Presenter: Shaka Senghor, is a distinguished author, with his memoir, "Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison," achieving recognition on the New York Times and The Washington Post Best Seller Lists.
As if being an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) wasn’t enough of a fulltime role, musician John Legend is a tireless social justice campaigner, an activator and an instigator, who never looks away and never wishes away trouble. John Legend is awarded for two decades of initiatives and a lifetime of caring and working at a grassroots level, often on the issues that others overlook. In particular, we are paying tribute to his work on criminal justice reform where he strikes at the heart of racism and inequality.
THE FUTURIST: BOBI WINE AND BARBIE KYAGULANYI
A brave pioneer who foresees a brighter future and actively builds the path through decisive action and transformative change. Ugandan presidential candidate, Bobi Wine, and his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi. Presenter: Rupi Kaur, is a poet, artist and performer and #1 New York Times bestselling author
The Green Carpet Fashion awards were designed to provoke us to ask the type of fundamental questions that must always come before huge change. One of these questions is when will we fully step up? How far will we go to stop hatred, brutality, ecological collapse, corruption and inequality? Our Futurists honorees both asked themselves and answered those questions some time ago. They are leading the world in an example of what it means to step up. Bobi and Barbie are the Living embodiment of the leaders we need, and the leaders we deserve. At a time when human rights are under attack across the globe, through them we see a way forward. Their documentary entitled, “Bobi Wine, the People’s President” is nominated for best documentary feature at the Oscars this Sunday.
THE GCFA CHANGE MAKER: DONATELLA VERSACE
Presenter: Jennifer Coolidge and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
The 2024 Game Changer Honor is awarded to Donatella Versace in recognition of her service and allyship to the global LGBTQ+ community. Donatella Versace’s steadfast activism has embedded LGBTQ+ rights into fashion and culture, helping to solidify the civil rights of gay and transgender people. As an ambassador for Stonewall, longtime patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Co-Chair of The Rocket Fund, a campaign to raise $125M to help the Elton John AIDS Foundation to end AIDS by 2030, Donatella Versace takes every opportunity to defend hard won rights and continually finds ways to fight discrimination and hatred. Rooted in Donatella’s belief in tolerance and understanding, she has been a tireless messenger of bringing awareness and understanding of embracing diversity as good and positive.
THE SAGE: U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
An educator who people turn to for all kinds of wisdom and experience to help them navigate difficulty and complexity Recipient: U.N. Secretary General António Guterres. Presenter: Vanessa Nakate
The GCFAs award U.N. Secretary General António Guterres with The Sage honor in acknowledgement of his courage, clarity of message and unwavering work on environmental and social justice. From relentlessly speaking out on climate change and urging countries to phase out fossil fuels – his voice resonates strongly, loudly and clearly, always maintaining his humanity. Guterres is able to cut through complexity and technocratic detail to appeal to our essential decency. Even in darkest times he encourages us to stay with our work, to act on climate and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In times of uncertainty or difficulty, people naturally turn to Sages for guidance and support, knowing that their wisdom and insight can help illuminate the path forward. We honor UN Secretary General António Guterres for his visionary leadership, compassion, and dedication to promoting peace, justice, and human dignity on a global scale. His tireless efforts to address the world's most pressing challenges have had a profound impact and continue to inspire others to work towards a more sustainable future.