An international training center for government authorities and civil society leaders.

2012 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 2012 Americas Award was presented in a special ceremony on October 25th in Cali, Colombia in the framework of the Americas Competitiveness Forum VI, with 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 in attendance.

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 2012 Americas Award:

Americas award for excellence in public service and lifetime achievement

Mr. Walter Bastian,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, United States Department of Commerce

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Honorable Mr. Guillermo Ferrufino, Minister of Social Development, Panama

Achieve universal primary education

Honorable Mr. Leonardo Garnier Rimolo, Minister of Public Education, Costa Rica

Honorable Mr. Harald Beyer Burgos, Minister of Education, Chile