2011 Americas Award Laureates

The Americas Award is an initiative of UNITAR’s training center for the Western Hemisphere- CIFAL Atlanta, to support and recognize government authorities from the Americas in their efforts to promote economic development and to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The 2011 Americas Award was presented in special ceremony on October 6th in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in the framework of the Americas Competitiveness Forum V,  over 500 leaders from the 34 nations in the Americas, including Heads of State, cabinet members, business executives, trade delegates, academics, and representatives from the region’s public and private competitiveness councils, non-governmental and international organizations attended the ceremony.

The Americas Award is given in each of the eight areas of action of the MDGs. A Lifetime Achievement Award is also presented to pay tribute to a distinguished individual whose outstanding work has promoted socio-economic development in the region.

Laureates of the 2011 Americas Award:

Americas award for excellence in public service and lifetime achievement

His Excellency Dr. Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic

As President of the Republic throughout the period of 1996-2000, Dr. Fernandez Reyna has developed a dynamic foreign policy, strengthening ties with the Dominican and Central American countries of CARICOM and integrating the nation to the Rio Group and to ACP countries (countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions).

In social terms, Dr. Fernández redirected the public investment towards social spending, education and public health. His administration gave special attention to the most vulnerable populations through food programs.

After the completion of his administration in 2000, Dr. Fernandez continued his contributions to the nations development and Latin America, this time as president of Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the study of issues vital to the country, its international context, the development of innovative approaches and design of public policies.

In 2004, President Fernandez was sworn in for a second term. The signing of a Stand By Arrangement with the IMF to restore fiscal discipline, expenditure control, the creation of new jobs, and macroeconomic stability, the countries active presence in regional forums; the signing of trade agreements; and promoting primary and higher education are tangible achievements of the quadrennium 2004-2008, which served as support for his re-election with 54 percent of the vote in the elections of May 16, 2008.

The international leadership of Dr. Fernandez has recently been recognized by the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon during 66th General Assembly of the UN, for its support in the reconstruction of Haiti and for its initiative to promote a Global Pact Against Financial Speculation in future markets for food and oil.

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Honorable Mr. Alejandro Char, Mayor of Barranquilla, Colombia

For the implementation of “The ten principles in the fight to combat poverty and inequalities in the District of Barranquilla, Colombia”. This comprehensive strategy to combat poverty includes specific actions to improve educational quality and access to health services through innovative mechanisms. Also there have been implemented comprehensive programs of nutrition, improving the urban areas and the environment, income generation, and attention to populations in physical risk.

Achieve universal primary education

Honorable Mr. Jose Fernando Gonzalez, Under Secretary of Basic Education, Secretary of Public Education of Mexico, Mexico

The “Digital Abilities for All” program is a comprehensive model that provides tools, services and training to the classroom and elementary schools to promote both the development of digital skills in teachers and students, and the effective use of technology information and communication in different educational processes.

Promote gender equality and empower women

Her Excellency Mrs. Vanda Pignato, First Lady, Presidential Secretary of Social Inclusion, Republic of El Salvador

The “City Woman” program contributes to the achievement, respect and guarantee of the rights of women, resulting in improving the lives of Salvadoran women through the facilitation of social services offered and coordinated into a logical system of operation for comprehensive care centers, strategically located throughout the country, known as City Women Centers (CSW).

Improve maternal health

Honorable Mrs. Sonia Castro González, Minister of Health, Republic of Nicaragua

The “Maternity Homes” program guarantee access to health services for pregnant women mainly from the rural sector. The substantial increase in the number of pregnant women receiving medical care through maternity homes is one of the principal strategies that have contributed in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality.

Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

Honorable Mr. Stephen A. Lashley, Minister for Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Barbados

The Government of Barbados remains committed to fighting HIV / AIDS through the National Commission on HIV / AIDS coordinated under the Ministry. They have implemented policies of prevention, access to care and treatment and policies to prevent mother to child transmission. In addition, campaigns to mobilize private sector resources and academic institutions for coordinated action to prevent and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.

Ensure environmental sustainability

Honorable Mr. Omar Angel Perotti, Mayor of Rafaela, Argentina

The “Rafaela + Sustainable” program drives a city committed to caring for the environment and natural resources, promotes a development model that takes into account local cleaner production, reduction, reuse and recycling of materials and waste, energy efficiency and facilitates the incorporation of more responsible consumption patterns, taking into account that in these processes the role of the local government is key as an actor to articulate and integrate the environmental aspect in the design of public policies.

Honorable Mr. Nelton Miguel Friedrich, Director, Binational Itaipu, Brazil

The “Growing Water” program integrates environmental conservation activities and preservation of natural resources benefiting more than 1 million people in 29 cities of Brazil and Paraguay. It also promotes a model of integrated natural resource management that is led by the community. The program is an initiative of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant, the largest in the world in terms of power generation.

Promote economic development and partnerships

Honorable Mr. Daniel Olesker, Minister of Social Development, Republic of Uruguay

The “Uruguay Works” program creates local economic development projects that aim to generate employment and develop past work skills of program participants. It also facilitates access to public services and community integrated care in the areas of health, domestic violence, and addictive behaviors, among others. The biggest beneficiaries are women and girls, reaching groups experiencing greater difficulty of entering the formal labor market.

Honorable Mr. Jose Aurichio, Mayor, Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil

The “São Caetano Learn More” program is a strategy that helps improve the quality of education through integration of innovative technologies in schools, while providing training for teachers to develop their skills and abilities to perform better. This program is part of a comprehensive strategy “Education 2020″ which involves the community working approximately 10 goals for improving the quality of local public schools, a better quality of life, and promoting economic and social development.