Peace Laureates 2019 - 2023

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Mr. Martin Maciak

Mr. Martin Maciak works in ethical and high integrity banking at Bank of China and HSBC among others, has instilled a great sense of stability and prosperity in Asia. For over 13 years, the changes he has brought have lifted the level of performance of banking executives and made banking more humane and profitable for everyday people. Untold numbers of lives have found prosperity and peace through Mr Martin Maciak’s business leadership.

PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC

Mr Augusto Nogueira

We commend his lifetime commitment to public health and assisting those afflicted with drug addiction. His work stands tall on advocating changes to drug policy law to allow implementation of needle syringe programs and the methadone and the ARTM community centre in Macau. Mr Augusto Nogueira’s project “Hold on to Hope”, a cafe and art gallery vocational training that improves social reintegration for those coming off drugs and his tireless contributions to various committees of The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

UNITED KINGDOM

Dr Patricia

We commend Dr Patricia’s lifetime commitment to empowering youth and the public with new ways to imagine the arts. From her work as Head of Pedagogy at an Oxford college to Conservatoire President to CEO of The Croft and Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company, she has been a force of good for humanity—carrying this passion worldwide, and receiving a British Citizen Award for exceptional contribution to society and as an inspiration to other British Citizens.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Dr. Harley Seyedin

Dr. Harley Seyedin’s outstanding contributions to economic peace between China and the United States have been commended with a 2017 Nobel Business for Peace Award from the Nobel Committee in Oslo, and by President Obama with a Thomas Jefferson “Peace Through Commerce Medal” in 2013.Dr. Seyedin continues to loyally serve the Chinese people as a good friend as the President of American Chamber of Commerce of South China.

UNITED KINGDOM

Mr. Kevin “Kit” Thompson, OBE

Kevin “Kit” Thompson, OBE has been duly recognized by her majesty Queen Elizabeth as a member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, served with grace as Founding Principal Birmingham Conservatoire (now Royal Birmingham Conservatoire), worked tirelessly as Director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and lead with passion as the Founding Master of the Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) of the University of Macau, among many achievements in the UK and Southern China. Indeed, his lifetime of actions, deeds and expertise are desperately needed to heal humanity and move forward for a brighter day.

SWEDEN

MR. Anders Nelsson

From coming to Changsha, Hunan as a baby boy to playing in young bands around Hong Kong to igniting the pop music community of Hong Kong for more than 50 years, Anders Nelsson’s songs, albums, radio and television career continue to inspire us. He was one of the founder-directors of the Composers & Authors Society of Hong Kong (CASH), the Music Publishers Association (MPA) and worked with EMI Records and BMG as Managing Director to better promote beautiful music. The love and compassion Mr Anders Nelsson have shown to the people of China and the world for over half a century is inspiration for us all.

THE PHILIPPINES

MR. Sherwin Gatchalian

The landmark Affordable Higher Education For All Act and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s lifetime commitment to education is something that he should be applauded for. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also labored with love for the enactment of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Law in 2016. His work for the Recoverable System Loss Act, Energy Virtual One Stop Shop Act, and Philippines Innovation also stand as examples of his support for the people. As a mayor, congressional representative and now Senator, his contributions to peace through education and politics is highly commendable

THE PHILIPPINES

Mrs. Soccoro Ramos

Promoting literacy and the love of books for over half a century is the beautiful legacy of Mrs. Soccoro Ramos. Since she was 19 years old she and her husband have run the National Bookstore of the Philippines. From a little sari-sari shop along Avenida Rizal to a national wide chain now, her work to bring the best books is truly a public service to lasting peace. In 2017, she launched the National Bookstore College for increasing access to higher education. Without great books and education, we can lose our humanity in this social media driven world—keeping the flame of literacy alive and well is something we warmly cherish and toast.

THE PHILIPPINES

Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr

Supporting the dreams of small business owners here in the Philippines is a passion for Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. He has dedicated the operational prowess of his business empire to aiding the economy through entrepreneur and job creation, celebrating historic and honest deals as the Chairman of the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Chairman of the Export and Industry Bank. Moreover, he strengthens small and medium enterprises as the Chairman of EIB Realty and Development Corporation. As the Founding Director of the Manila Exposition Complex dubbed “The World Trade Center of the Philippines” his work is helping businesses across all spectrums, creating opportunity for a proud, peaceful, and prosperous Philippines.

THE PHILIPPINES

Sir Fernando "Sonny" Belmonte Jr.

Sir Fernando "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., KGCR, has dedicated his life to the public service of the peoples of the Philippines, particularly his beloved Quezon City. He spent nearly a decade as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives before becoming Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines for more than six years. He subsequently served as the Mayor of Quezon City for a decade and was hailed as the Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines. He also served as President and CEO of the Philippine Airlines which was then wholly owned by the Philippine government. Indeed, one might say his legacy took Philippines public service to new heights—with the sky no limits.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Ms Shohreh Solati

Her career of enchanting the world with glorious singing is appreciated and commended. From Shohreh Solati’s early days singing in the 1970s in Iran to her new life rebuilt in New York, Los Angeles and beyond after, she has empowered and inspired with songs in beautiful Farsi and the heritage of Iran. Her master hit Zan is among many songs that have provided cohesion and community for overseas Iranians and Iranians at home, and to engage the world.

REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

Ms Sinem Yildirim

Ms Sinem Yildirim's career as an Accomplished columnist and journalist in the field of contributing unique commentaries on human experience in arts, media, identity and community. In our eyes, she is an exemplary person of the world to emulate.

THE PHILIPPINES

Mr Adelio Cruz

We took notice of Honourable Adelio Cruz‘s Outstanding Contributions in his various diplomatic positions held in foreign countries especially his two-year duty in war-stricken Libya for the rescue and repatriations of about 5,800 distressed Filipinos as well as other nationalities at that time. By blending his creative governance and active participations in all his assignments have created a unique model for the world to emulate.

REPUBLIC OF INDIA

Dr Alok Sharma

Dr Alok Sharma, for his untiring efforts, working for people’s amelioration and for his decades of self-sacrificing services to humanity and peace. He has provided humankind with hope, dignity and reduced suffering. He has helped numerous underprivileged people and contributed immensely in medical research particularly in Stem Cell Therapy and Neurosurgical advancement. Dr Alok Sharma has been bestowed with the highest honour in his native country, India and overseas, the Bharat Gaurav award for Distinguished Services to the Nation.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Professor Hurley Meyers

Professor Hurley Meyers’ over three decades commitment to medical advancements and education across the world is applaudable. From receiving the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Master Teacher Award and Golden Apple Teaching Award, to authoring more than 50 abstracts and articles experimental hypertension, coronary heart disease, vascular smooth muscle function, and health promotion, Dr Myers is truly distinguished in our eyes. Additionally, his work with the American Heart Association and implementing medical education across China is inspiring.

BELGIUM

Dr. Koen Gustaaf A

Economist and China scholar Dr. Koen Gustaaf A. De Ridder is currently the Director of the Confucius Institute in Brussels and Director of UNIZO. He is bridging peace between China, Belgium and Europe. In his capacity as the former Flanders Investment & Trade office, The Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, and the Belgium-China Association, as well as historical research into China, his cultural and economic contributions to peace are commendable.

THE PHILIPPINES

Dr. Francisco T. Duque III

As the Secretary of Health of the Philippines, Dr. Francisco T. Duque III is leading a revolutionary Universal Healthcare law signed into law in January by President Rodrigo Duterte. His own work creating the “Formula One For Health” prioritizes strategic financing for healthcare advancement. He moved the passage of the historic legislation of the Universally Accessible, Affordable Quality Medicine Act of 2008, and the Food and Drug Administration Law of 2008. This work is heroic and live-saving in the Philippines and serves as a global example of medical peace.

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Dr. Ji Jiafu

Dr. Ji Jiafu’s contributions to medical advances in China are nothing short of historic. As the President of the Peking University Cancer Hospital, Professor Jiafu is internationally recognized for his surgical expertise of gastric cancer. He has standardized surgical procedures and the development of chemotherapy for gastric cancer in China, training thousands of surgeons across the nation. He carries a deep love for his doctor mentors in the United Kingdom, his close colleagues, students and patients in China, and the medical education profession globally. He is a true champion in the battle against cancer.

UNITED KINGDOM

Mr. Mark Clayton

From the United Kingdom, Mark Clayton has been hosting the community spirited “Come Together Community” concert and fundraiser in the coastal Chinese city of Zhuhai for the past 7-years. Arriving in Guangdong province in 2005, he has used his entrepreneurial vigor as an accountant and CFO to raise funds for students, orphans, and autistic children in Zhuhai. His “Come Together Concert” has brought together music lovers from all over the Greater Bay Area and beyond to enjoy local and international musicians spreading peace, love and community.

IRAN 

Professor Ahmad Sheibani Nia

As an orthodontist at the Dental School of Azad, Professor Ahmad Sheibani Nia works tirelessly for dental health for all humanity. He has invented patents for the diagnosis of and treatment of dentofacial deformities. With this dental technology, he has donated his efforts to fixing the teeth and dental deformities of orphans and the poor in Iran free of charge. This is truly inspirational work.

THE PHILIPPINES

Sir Reghis M. Romero II

Sir Reghis M. Romero II KGCR has dedicated his life to alleviating poverty in the Philippines for decades. From turning around the Smokey Mountain poverty situation to a property success to infrastructure projects for the Philippine Army Officers' Quarters & Hospital to numerous public housing. His deeds and actions speak volumes. This is why the people of the Philippines heroically refer to him by many warm monikers: “Wonder Boy of Pampanga” and “Most Outstanding Kapampangan for Business with Civic Consciousness.” His work as the Supreme Archivist and appointment as Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal is duly noted and applauded too.