 In an announcement after a meeting in London, the award’s steering committee said an international jury would be selected to give out the award which is in honour of Mr. Rafik Hariri, the late Prime Minister of Lebanon, for his achievements in the reconstruction of his country following its protracted civil war.
During the meeting, UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka and Mr. Mohammed Hariri, representing the Rafik Hariri Foundation and its President Mrs. Nazek Rafiki Hariri, endorsed the award process and action plan. “The Late Rafik Hariri was indeed, a global model for peace, harmony and reconstruction, a shining example of how individual engagement in reconstructing a country from war and conflict can make the difference. His vision and achievements continue to have great impact for the region and the world. UN- HABITAT is pleased to be associated with this Award” said Dr. Tibaijuka at the Steering Committee’s meeting. According to the committee, the award will include a substantial monetary component and shall be awarded every two years to individuals or institutions around the world. Specifically, the award focuses on - leadership, statesmanship and good governance; construction and reconstruction of settlements and communities as well as human resources development and benevolent activities in combating urban poverty; and implementation of the Habitat Agenda. The award ceremony will be followed by a Rafik Hariri Memorial Lecture to be given by an outstanding international personality familiar with Mr. Hariri’s life and achievements. The Steering Committee also endorsed the appointment of Mr. Fadi Fawaz as Senior Award Co-ordinator at the Rafik Hariri Foundation in Beirut while his counterpart at UN-HABITAT is Mr. Anantha Krishnan. The call for nominations for the award will soon be open and for more information please see UN-HABITAT and RHF websites.
|
