The United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) has named the Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad as the individual laureate of this year’s UN Population Award (UNPA).
Mamadou Tangara was recognized for his contribution to promoting peace, sustainable development and diplomacy, according to the UNFPA.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 1981, the award recognizes contributions in the fields of population and reproductive health.
The award committee, which made the selections, is chaired by Ion Jinga, the Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations, and is composed of representatives of nine other UN member states.
“The Award Committee noted that Mr. Tangara has long been committed to promoting peace, sustainable development and diplomacy. He was recognized for his leadership in conflict prevention and his understanding of the importance of the grass roots non-violent youth movement in the political uncertainty following the presidential election in 2016. As the Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the United Nations, his preventive diplomacy and commitment to non-violence in building peace in his country were also commended,” UNPA said in a statement.
The National Peace Hut Women of Liberia was also announced as the institutional laureate of the 2019 United Nations Population Award.
Founded in 2004, the National Peace Hut Women of Liberia helped women and former child soldiers become agents of change in their communities following the country’s civil war. The organization also provided safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence and rape, becoming a beacon of continued hope to the people of Liberia.
The award is scheduled to be presented at the United Nations on 20 June.
