By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Gusi Peace Prize International, an award-giving body which recognizes individuals and groups who have contributed to global peace and progress, has chosen Qatar as regional headquarters.
The announcement came during a press conference held at Crowne Plaza Doha yesterday to reveal the nominees from the Mena region.
“We want to announce that the Gusi Peace Prize has selected Qatar as regional headquarters because Qatar has become a wellspring of political, social and economic stability It has also contributed to peace efforts in Middle East and Africa,” said Ali Hamad Efaifa, who is the first Qatari laureate recognized for his contribution to “Poverty alleviation and job creation.”
He said he was honoured to receive the prize last year and hopes to have more leading figures from the region to get nominated and awarded the prize.
“We need more public figures from the region to receive this award as a gesture of support for their vital role in the promotion of stability in various fields because our region needs stability,” said Efaifa.
Barry Gusi, Chairman of the board, said Qatar was chosen to be the regional headquarters of the prize because of its good reputation in the international community and its continuous contribution to providing peaceful solutions to problems around the world.
Of the 70 nominees this year, two come from the MENA region, namely Emirati businessman Abdullah Mohammad Mullah (Economic Development) and Sheikh Abdullah Al Badri (Social Services), who established a university and helped improve the lives of people in Sudan.
A five-day festival will be held in Manila, Philippines this year to be attended by the laureates who will be recognized during the awards ceremony on November 25.
The 2017 edition of the award, Efaifa said, is expected to witness nominations from four Arab countries including Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan.
Based in the Philippines, Gusi Peace Prize was established in 2002 as a charitable institution whose main aim is to give proper recognition through conferment of awards of excellence to groups and individuals around the world who have contributed to the attainment of peace, progress and respect for human life and dignity.
Since it was launched, the award has honoured more than 200 figures, among them are 17 former presidents. Apart from Efaifa, past laureates from the GCC include Saad Nahar Al Baddah Al Mutairi (Saudi Arabia, Human Rights of Overseas Workers and Anti-Corruption Advocacy), Bandar Bin Sultan (Saudi Arabia, Statesmanship & Academe) and Hissah bint Saad Abdulad Salem Al Sabah (Kuwait, Women’s Rights).
The Peninsula
