Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa was named winner of the UNESCO-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Prize in Search of Peace 2024, on 16 October.
Established in 1989 to reward figures who have worked for peace, the UNESCO-HP Peace Prize culminates Costa's efforts in favor of international dialogue and multilateralism, both in Portugal and on the international scene.
The jury, chaired by Michel Camdessus, former managing director of the International Monetary Fund, praised the “steadfastness” with which António Costa championed peace and support for developing countries throughout his career. “In a fragmented world facing enormous challenges, we need leaders committed to building lasting peace.”For her part, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, announced.
As Prime Minister, António Costa not only helped stabilize Portugal economically and socially, but also provided significant support to developing countries, especially Portuguese-speaking countries. At the international level, he has played an active role in promoting South-South cooperation and is committed to human rights, especially in discussions on the management of migration crises. ” António Costa has always stood out as a great advocate of dialogue and pluralism » Azoulay insisted.
This award assumes greater importance because it represents a pivotal stage in the career of the former lawyer turned statesman, who is now preparing to take over the reins of the European Council.
This honour, whose history is closely linked to the memory of Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the first President of Côte d'Ivoire and a key figure in the struggle for peace in Africa, is part of an established tradition of recognizing peacebuilders. Antonio Costa joins figures such as Nelson Mandela, Angela Merkel and Jimmy Carter, who have previously been rewarded for their peace efforts.
Earlier this month, the appointment of Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d'Ivoire, as “Protector” of the UNESCO-Félix Houphouet-Boigny Prize adds a new dimension to this distinction. He succeeds the late Henri Conan Bidier in this position.
The head of state of Ivory Coast, who played a crucial role in national reconciliation after the post-election crisis in 2011, is also deeply committed to peace in West Africa, an unstable region. This role of protector gives Ouattara an important responsibility, not only at the national level, but also on the world stage.
Since his arrival as president in 2011, Ouattara has made national reconciliation and regional stability his priorities, through political and economic reforms. Today, Ivory Coast is often cited as a model in a region plagued by growing security crises, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.
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