SIX global
business leaders have been chosen to receive the 2014 Oslo Business for Peace
Award, the highest global distinction for businessworthy accomplishments,
awarded to individual business leaders. This year’s honourees were announced
simultaneously by Business for Peace Foundation partners the International
Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
and the United Nations Global Compact.

A jury of Nobel peace and economics prize laureates selected this year’s recipients
following a worldwide nomination process with more than 100 candidates submitted
by chambers of commerce, ICC national committees as well as country offices
of UNDP and UN Global Compact.
Since the first award ceremony took place in 2009, a total of 31 award honourees
have been named, all inspirational and far-sighted exemplars of business at
its best. “The Business for Peace honourees are influential business leaders
who, through their achievements, contribute to a better understanding of social
and economic progress through showing how shared value can be created between
business and society,” said Per Leif Saxegaard, Chairman of the Business for
Peace Foundation.
“The recipients of the Oslo Business for Peace Award are exemplary leaders
who make significant efforts in responsible business conduct,” said ICC Secretary
General Jean-Guy Carrier.
“Since it was founded in 1919, ICC has believed in
this potential of the private sector to contribute to world peace, which is
why we continue to support the advancement of the Oslo Business for Peace Award.”
2014 honourees of the Oslo Business for Peace Award cover a broad range of
geographies and industries. They are:
+ Selima Ahmad (Bangladesh):
Ms Ahmad is the Vice Chair of the Nitol-Niloy Group. With her deep understanding
of the plight of women in a male dominated, poverty-afflicted society, she
focuses on developing entrepreneurial talent and organizing financial and marketing
resources to enable women to overcome hurdles and expand their business beyond
the micro threshold.
Ouided Bouchamaoui (Tunisia): Ms Bouchamaoui heads the Hedi Bouchamaoui Group
(HBG) and works to help Tunisia pull through its challenges by pushing for
national reconciliation, by protecting both enterprises and employment policy,
and assisting the urgent need to restore security. In Bouchamaoui’s opinion,
conditions fundamental for promoting social peace and prosperity.
Richard Branson (UK): Sir Richard Branson is the founder and owner of Virgin
Group. He uses his reputation to influence important issues also outside business
and is a signatory of the non-profit Global Zero campaign for the elimination
of nuclear weapons. He has taken a strong stand against climate change scepticism,
and took the initiative to create The Elders, a gathering of independent global
leaders working together for peace and human rights.
Marilyn Carlson Nelson (USA): Ms Carlson is the Chairman and former CEO of
Carlson. Her pace-setting approach to responsible business focuses on engaging
in dialogue with stakeholders on local causes and global issues. Across a range
of challenges her approach contributes to peace through the creation of shared
value. Notably, she is a strong advocate to eliminate the sexual exploitation
of children.
Kesha Kumari Damini (Nepal): Ms Damini is the leader of more than 60,000 micro
entrepreneurs. Though Ms Damini came from the most disadvantaged of Dalit communities
in Nepal, her leadership and success have inspired many to become entrepreneurs,
explore self-employment opportunities and overcome discrimination.
Adnan Kassar (Lebanon): Mr Kassar is Chairman of Fransabank, and has been a
driver of growth and development in Lebanon, in the absence of political stability
and security, for many decades. By motivating the private sector, his work
has contributed to the prosperity of the country and its attractiveness to
foreign investors, thus maintaining and securing the livelihood of Lebanese
people.
The Business for Peace Foundation was established in 2007 to identify and recognize
business people who ethically and responsibly show the way in creating economic
value that also creates value for society.
An award ceremony will take place on 15 May in Oslo at the Oslo City Hall,
with a full day’s programme of activities. The day will conclude with the celebration
of the 2014 honourees.
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