Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is this year’s laureate of the Lech Walesa Award
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is this year’s laureate of the Lech Walesa Award. The former president of Brazil will be awarded the prize in recognition of his efforts to achieve peaceful cooperation and understanding between nations, especially for strengthening the role of developing countries in the world affairs, and for his contribution to reduce the social inequality.
“This award, more than a personal acknowledgment, is also a tribute to the Brazilian people, which in the last eights years have performed, in a peaceful and democratic way, an economic and social revolution” – wrote President Lula da Silva in his letter to the Award Committee.
“We were both involved in workers unions, although we come from different ideological backgrounds. We had an opportunity to change our countries. I’m glad we will meet in Poland.” - says Lech Walesa about this years laureate.
The Lech Walesa Award consists of a financial equivalent for USD 100,000 to support the activities of the laureate, a diploma and a statuette. The Exclusive Partner of the Lech Walesa Award is PKO Bank Polski.
“We feel honored, that also this year we can be a Partner of the Lech Walesa Award. An award which supports those who who have the courage to fight for a peaceful development of the world and throught their actions create chances for political and social changes. Cooperation with the Foundation, which symbolizes solidarity with those in need of support is especially important for us.” – says Zbigniew Jagiello, President of the Board of PKO Bank Polski.
„The Award bestowed to Lula da Silva is an expression of solidarity with those who fight for better tomorrow. President da Silva implemented the peaceful reforms in his country, reduced social inequalities, and has also played an outstanding role as a spokesperson for the developing countries abroad, as well as contributed to solve conflicts between the nations” – said Piotr Gulczyński, president of the Lech Walesa Institute.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be presented the Award in Gdansk on September 29, 2011.
