UN FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES MARIA RESSA, WINNER OF THE 2021 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

United Nations Foundation President and CEO Elizabeth Cousens issued the following statement congratulating Maria Ressa for being jointly awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize: 

“On behalf of the UN Foundation, I am thrilled to congratulate Maria Ressa on winning the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. It is a well-deserved honor for one of the world’s bravest and fiercest defenders of press freedom.

“When making the announcement, the Norwegian Nobel Committee rightly affirmed that freedom of expression is fundamental to healthy democracy and enduring peace. By awarding the Prize to two journalists who speak truth to power at great personal risk, the Committee sent a strong signal about the absolute importance of preserving press freedoms.

“The UN Foundation is honored to have worked closely with Maria over the years, including through our +SocialGood community where she is an Advisor and Connector Emeritus. Everyone who has crossed paths with Maria at the Foundation has been awed by her unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental values and freedoms and her selfless pursuit of the truth. It is with true joy and immense pride that I congratulate her on this most prestigious honor.”