We the Peoples 2026

The UN Foundation hosted its annual Global Leadership Awards on April 8, 2026 to recognize extraordinary individuals whose work embodies the values and purposes of the UN — to create a safer, healthier, and fairer world for everyone, everywhere.

The founders of the United Nations, uniting after years of great strife and suffering, believed in the power of cooperation to create a better world. They made a promise to future generations. And they saw limitless possibilities if ‘We the Peoples’ work together with common purpose.

Inspired by that faith, we honored courageous leaders who are making a difference.

PREVIOUS HONOREES have included government and world leaders, human rights champions, artists and activists, corporate leaders, and innovators.

PHOTO GALLERY

Ambassador Martin Kimani, CEO and President of the Africa Group, speaks at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, speaks at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

Teeks, award-winning Māori singer and songwriter, performs at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, UN Foundation Board Member, speaks at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

Renata Koch Alvarenga, Next Generation Planet Fellow and award-winning climate advocate, speaks at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

H.E. Eva Granados, State Secretary for International Cooperation of Spain, accepts the Champion for Global Change award on behalf of H.E. Pedro Sánchez.

Sigrid Kaag, UN Foundation Board Member, speaks at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

H.E. Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, speaks at the We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards.

Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Co-Chair of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, accepts the Global Change award.