— The 2024 honorees are: Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; TIME, accepted by Jessica Sibley, Chief Executive Officer; Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist; Angélique Kidjo, Grammy-Winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; Louise Mabulo, Founder of the Cacao Project; and UN Emergency First Responders, accepted by team members from United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
— Champion for Global Change: Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand In recognition of her trailblazing and empathetic leadership, commitment to championing the rights of women, and fostering of unity and peace. Elizabeth Cousens, UN Foundation President and CEO, presented the marquee award.
— Goal 17 Innovation in Partnership Award: TIME. In recognition of TIME's commitment to journalistic integrity for over a century, earning a reputation across the globe as a consistent and unflinching source of truth, debate, and critical thinking. Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon and UN Foundation Board Member, presented the award, which was accepted by Jessica Sibley, Chief Executive Officer of TIME.
— Unite our Strength Award: Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist. In recognition of her advocacy for education and equity, and her unparalleled ability to move people to change through the power of her words. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, presented the inaugural award.
— SDG Vanguard Awards
Angélique Kidjo, Grammy-Award-winning Singer-Songwriter, and International UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. sIn recognition of her defense of children's rights globally, her fearless and unwavering support of girls and young women across Africa, and her commitment to using her platform and voice for good. Inés Yábar, Lead of the UN Foundation's Next Generation Fellows program, presented the award.
Louise Mabulo, Founder of the Cacao Project: In recognition of her impactful advocacy and support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change in the Philippines and beyond through sustainable, resilient agricultural practices. Marc-André Blanchard, Executive Vice-President and Head of CDPQ Global and Global Head of Sustainability, CDPQ, and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, United Nations Foundation, presented the award.
— Each year, the UN Foundation has honored the compassion, courage, and determination of UN frontline workers with the UN Heroes Award. This year's honor went to UN Emergency First Responders. In recognition of their brave and selfless work to save others when disasters strike, the UN Heroes Award was presented to team members from UN OCHA's United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford and UN Foundation Board Member, presented the award.