UN FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES GLOBAL LEADERS AS CHAMPIONS FOR GLOBAL CHANGE

The United Nations Foundation announced today the recipients of its annual We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards in New York City, recognizing extraordinary individuals who embody the spirit and principles of the United Nations and its founding Charter.

For 2026, His Excellency Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President of the Government of Spain; and Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Co-Chair of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, were awarded the top honor of Champion for Global Change.

“At a moment of historic disruption and change, we salute global leaders who have shown determination and resolve in the pursuit of a safer and fairer world,” said Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation. “Our honorees in 2026 remind us all that global leadership requires imagination, perseverance, and conviction. Whether in the face of opportunity or setback, these leaders show what is possible when we combine efforts and unite our strength.”

This year’s honorees were awarded for their dedication to a more peaceful, prosperous, and fairer world.

Champion for Global Change Award

• H.E. Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain
  In recognition of his leadership on global issues, including climate change, gender equality, and social justice, and his commitment to an international order that lifts all peoples and countries. Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation, presented the marquee award.

• Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Co-Chair of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
  In recognition of her courageous work to protect freedom of information, independent media, and democratic accountability and justice — including the innovative, responsible use of technology in defense of truth over disinformation. H.E. Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, presented the marquee award.

Other hallmarks of the awards event included:

• Remarks by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, on the global humanitarian imperative.
• Reflections by President and CEO of The Africa Center, Ambassador Martin Kimani, and Next Generation Planet Fellow and award-winning climate advocate, Renata Koch Alvarenga, on the past and future of the United Nations.
• Remarks by Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General.
• Remarks by Sigrid Kaag, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the Netherlands.
• Special performance by award-winning Māori singer and songwriter, Teeks.

The 2026 We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards were held at Gotham Hall in New York City before an audience of UN, diplomatic, New York City, business, philanthropy, civil society, media, and youth leaders.

Photos, quotes, and videos will be made available upon request. Please reach out to [email protected] to access to the press kit.

About The UN Foundation
For 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. An independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org.