Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been named the recipient of the 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Award. The award, presented by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, will be given to him in Seoul, South Korea.
Jonathan becomes the third person and the first African leader to win this category of the award. The previous recipients were former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
A statement from his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, confirmed the news and stated that the award ceremony will take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Seoul. Jonathan will be honoured alongside other winners at the event.
The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee noted that Jonathan is being recognized for his commitment to mediation and his efforts in promoting democracy across Africa. His leadership in peace initiatives can be seen in his work with organisations such as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), and the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP).
The Sunhak Peace Prize has two categories: the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Award and the Sunhak Peace Prize. These awards, given every two years, celebrate individuals and organisations that contribute to world peace and human development.
Jonathan will receive his award alongside three other laureates who were recently announced by José Manuel Durão Barroso, the Chair of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee and former President of the European Commission.
The other awardees include:
Patrick Awuah Jr., Founder and President of Ashesi University in Ghana.
Hugh Evans, Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen.
Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute.
The founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, Hak Ja Han Moon, who leads a global peace movement, noted in her pre-event speech that the lives of the laureates show how peace can be achieved through action and cultural change.
She stated: “Over the past decade, the Sunhak Peace Prize has identified and honoured individuals who have dedicated themselves to addressing urgent global challenges based on its three core values: respect for human rights, reconciliation of conflicts, and ecological conservation.”
The award, which was established in 2015, honours those who have made significant contributions in areas such as sustainable human development, conflict resolution, and environmental conservation.
