Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been named the distinguished recipient of the 2025 Founders’ Sunhak Peace Award, a recognition presented by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea.
Jonathan’s selection marks a historic moment as he becomes the first African leader to ever receive this esteemed honor, joining the ranks of renowned figures like former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The award ceremony, the sixth edition of this prestigious event, will take place in Seoul on April 11, 2025, where Dr. Jonathan will stand alongside other remarkable global figures celebrated for their contributions to peace and development.
The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee lauded Jonathan for his tireless dedication to peace, democracy, and conflict resolution across Africa. Known for his commitment to fostering stability through dialogue and diplomacy, he has made significant strides in peacebuilding through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), and the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP). His work has consistently prioritized fostering unity, preventing conflicts, and strengthening democratic processes.
The Founders’ Sunhak Peace Award, one of the two prestigious categories awarded biennially, honors individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to global peace and human well-being.
Noteworthy recipients of the Sunhak Peace Prize, the second category of the award, include former Senegalese President Macky Sall, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Dame Sarah Catherine Gilbert, co-developer of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as the GAVI Vaccine Alliance.
In addition to Jonathan, three other exceptional individuals will receive accolades at the ceremony. These include Patrick Awuah Jr., the founder of Ashesi University in Ghana; Hugh Evans, Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen; and Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute.
The recognition of these individuals underscores the Sunhak Peace Prize’s focus on those whose efforts are shaping a brighter future for the world.
Hak Ja Han Moon, founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, remarked that the lives of the laureates exemplify how peace can be achieved through unwavering action and transformative cultural change. “The Sunhak Peace Prize has always celebrated those who dedicate themselves to resolving global challenges, grounded in the principles of human rights, reconciliation, and environmental stewardship,” she said.
Since its inception in 2015, the Sunhak Peace Prize has become a beacon of hope, honoring individuals and organizations that champion sustainable human development, conflict resolution, and ecological conservation.
The recognition of Jonathan’s legacy further solidifies his place among global leaders striving to build a peaceful and prosperous world for future generations.
