The Unification Church’s Sunhak Peace Prize 2019 Awarded to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Waris Dirie
By Gwen
Posted Oct 26, 2026 at 11:11 AM
The Sunhak Peace Prize 2019 ceremony took place on February 9, 2019, at the Jamsil Lotte Hotel World in Seoul. The event was organized by the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, a body associated with the Unification Church. The ceremony honored two recipients for their contributions to global peace and human development.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, was recognized for his efforts in promoting economic growth and agricultural innovation in Africa. His work has contributed to food security and improved living conditions for millions in poverty-stricken regions. Waris Dirie, a prominent advocate against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), was honored for her relentless efforts to end the practice and protect the rights of girls and women worldwide.
Each laureate received a prize of $500,000, along with a medal and plaque. The awards were presented by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, and Dr. Il Sik Hong, the committee chair. The event attracted over 1,000 attendees, including political leaders, business figures, and representatives from various sectors.
Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, delivered a congratulatory address, highlighting the laureates’ commitment to human rights and development. Dr. Adesina emphasized the importance of addressing hunger as a prerequisite for global peace, while Waris Dirie reaffirmed her dedication to eradicating FGM and advancing women’s rights.
Dr. Il Sik Hong underscored the vision of “One Family Under God” and the theme of human rights and development in Africa. He noted that true peace can only be achieved when everyone’s rights are protected, and the laureates’ efforts represent a step toward a more just and peaceful world.
The Sunhak Peace Prize aims to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to peace and human development for future generations. The 2019 recipients exemplify the values of justice, mercy, and service that align with Micah 6:8.
Source: Read the original report
Gwen
Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.
