The Gusi Peace Prize, often regarded as the “Asian Nobel Peace Prize,” celebrated its 37th year with a grand awards ceremony held last November 27 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. This year, 17 distinguished laureates from 14 countries were recognized for their exceptional contributions to peace, human rights, science, business, and the arts. The event further solidified its legacy as a global platform celebrating excellence and inspiring change.
The laureates of this year’s Gusi Peace Prize are the following: Prof. Ilham Rahimov (Azerbaijan), Prof. Toshko Krastev (Bulgaria), Yannick Amar (Gabon), Karm Quban (Honduras), Phillip King (China), Vikram Viswanath (India), Fukushiro Nukaga (Japan), Dr. Florentino Martinez Contreras (Mexico), Senator Douye Diri (Nigeria), Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad (Pakistan), Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Saud (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Abdullah Al-Othaim (Saudi Arabia), Peter Elijah Wong (Singapore), Dr. Margarita Cabañas (Spain), Alberto Coto (Spain), Dr. Hampson Srivatanakul (Thailand), Dr. Richard Kaszynski (United States of America), Rep. Samuel S. Verzosa Jr. (Philippines), and Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa (Philippines).
Among the honorees during the event were Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Saud and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Othaim, two influential Saudi Arabian businessmen and philanthropists. Sheikh Khalid’s innovative real estate and infrastructure projects in Makkah have transformed urban development while preserving cultural heritage. On the other hand, Sheikh Abdullah, the founder of Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets, was celebrated for revolutionizing Saudi Arabia’s retail sector and leading impactful philanthropic initiatives that improved countless lives.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition of businesswoman and philanthropist Anna Donita S. Tapay, the National Ambassador for the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP). Tapay’s unwavering dedication to uplifting underprivileged communities aligns with the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation’s mission. Her initiatives have left an indelible mark, not only in the Philippines but globally, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving peace and progress.
The ceremony was presided over by Ambassador Barry Gusi, the chairman of the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation continues its mission to champion global peace, human rights, and goodwill. Chairman Gusi’s vision has made the Gusi Peace Prize one of the most prestigious platforms for recognizing changemakers worldwide. By celebrating extraordinary individuals and fostering collaboration among nations, the foundation reaffirms its role as a beacon of peace and a catalyst for transformative change worldwide.
