Ex-Nigerian President Honored for His Global Mediation Efforts
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been awarded the 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize, a globally recognized honor celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to world peace, democracy, and human development.
Jonathan is now the first African leader and only the third recipient of this prestigious category, following in the footsteps of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The award, presented biennially by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, acknowledges individuals whose work aligns with conflict resolution, sustainable human development, and global peace-building efforts.
The Grand Ceremony in Seoul
The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize award ceremony is scheduled for April 11, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea. Jonathan will receive his award alongside three other distinguished recipients, each recognized for their contributions to global progress:
Other 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Laureates:
✅ Patrick Awuah Jr. – Founder and President of Ashesi University, Ghana, recognized for his groundbreaking work in higher education and leadership development in Africa.
✅ Hugh Evans – Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, honored for his tireless activism in poverty eradication and social justice worldwide.
✅ Wanjira Mathai – Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute, awarded for her outstanding efforts in climate action and environmental conservation.
According to Hak Ja Han Moon, the founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, this year’s honorees exemplify how peace is achieved through practical efforts, advocacy, and cultural transformation.
“The Sunhak Peace Prize has, for over a decade, honored individuals who have tackled the world’s most pressing challenges while upholding the core values of human rights, conflict reconciliation, and ecological preservation,” she stated.
Why Goodluck Jonathan Was Chosen for This Award
Since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan has transformed into one of Africa’s most respected peace envoys and democracy advocates. His contributions to conflict resolution, election mediation, and democratic governance have been widely recognized.
His impact is especially evident through his leadership in:
🔹 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF): Advocating for democracy, human security, and good governance in Africa.
🔹 West African Elders Forum (WAEF): Engaging in high-level peace talks and electoral mediation to ensure stability in West Africa.
🔹 International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP): Facilitating diplomatic resolutions in politically unstable regions.
Jonathan’s mediation efforts have been instrumental in resolving political crises in The Gambia, Mali, and South Sudan, earning him widespread respect as a statesman and conflict resolution expert.
Notable Past Winners of the Sunhak Peace Prize
Over the years, the Sunhak Peace Prize has celebrated influential leaders and organizations dedicated to global peace and progress. Some notable past recipients include:
✔️ Macky Sall – Former President of Senegal, honored for strengthening regional stability and democracy.
✔️ Akinwumi Adesina – President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), recognized for poverty alleviation and economic development in Africa.
✔️ Dame Sarah Catherine Gilbert – Co-developer of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, awarded for her contributions to global health security.
✔️ GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance – Celebrated for its efforts in making vaccines accessible to millions worldwide.
What This Means for Nigeria and Africa
Jonathan’s recognition is not just a personal achievement but a historic milestone for Nigeria and the African continent. As the first African leader to receive the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize, this award:
🌍 Elevates Nigeria’s global influence in diplomacy and conflict resolution.
🌍 Highlights Africa’s contributions to peace-building and governance.
🌍 Encourages future leaders to prioritize democracy, transparency, and human rights.
What’s Next for Goodluck Jonathan?
With this international recognition, Jonathan is expected to expand his mediation efforts and strengthen democracy advocacy through his foundation. The award also solidifies his role as a leading figure in African diplomacy, potentially opening doors for more high-profile peace negotiations.
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As the world watches, Jonathan’s legacy in peace-building and democratic leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
The prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize is not just an award—it is a global endorsement of leadership that fosters peace, democracy, and human progress.
