ISTANBUL – A prize honouring outstanding contributions to European philanthropy was awarded on Saturday to Mr. Diego Hidalgo Schnur, founder of the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE), as well as many other organisations committed to development, democracy and human rights around the world. The award was made in the presence of over 600 members of the European Foundation Community.
The 2008 Raymond Georis Prize for Innovative Philanthropy was presented at the 19thh Annual General Assembly of the European Foundation Centre. The Prize was launched four years ago by the Network of European Foundations’ Mercator Fund, and aims to reward innovative high-impact European initiatives that illustrate European leadership on global and social issues.
“Throughout his long and illustrious career, Diego Hidalgo has dedicated himself to helping others,” said Mr. Raymond Georis, the Prize’s namesake and a member of the Selection Committee, which was chaired by Mr. Javier Solana, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union and President of the Madariaga European Foundation. The Selection Committee also comprised Mr. Gerry Salole, Chief Executive of the European Foundation Centre, and Ms. Norine MacDonald QC, President of the Mercator Fund.
“His immense personal generosity and exceptional vision have enabled him to realise his social entrepreneurial skills to achieve enormous success with countless projects and initiatives,” said Ms. MacDonald. “Mr. Hidalgo’s life has been largely occupied with the pursuit to improve the future of the most marginalised, and his efforts to improve humanitarian action and development have made a huge impact, not only across Europe but also the rest of the world.”
The award aims to underline the important role that the European philanthropic community plays in promoting peace, security and development. The Prize’s goal is to annually recognise the innovative work of successive generations which have followed in the footsteps of Mr. Georis. The Mercator Fund’s main objective is to deal with matters related to Europe’s role in global social issues.
“The main aim of the Prize is to reward individuals or organisations that really make a difference to people’s lives,” said Ms. MacDonald. “This year’s jury felt that Mr Hidalgo’s unique ability to convert dreams and idealistic hopes into concrete results that have a positive impact on the lives of so many epitomised the very spirit of the Prize.”
Ms Norine MacDonald QC's speech at the Award Ceremony of the 2008 Raymond Georis Prize for Innovative Philanthropy in Europe
For further information
Mr Julian Mattocks
The Mercator Fund
Email:
Tel: +33 1 49 96 63 70
