Winners of the 2018 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize to A Canadian filmmaker & the Kenyan NGO
11th UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence
When, local time: Friday, 16 November 2018 -6:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: France, Paris
Type of Event: Prize-giving ceremony
Contact: Anna Maria Majlöf, am.majlof@unesco.org
UNESCO celebrated its 22th anniversary of UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence on 16th November, 2018, aiming to advance the spirit of tolerance in arts, education, culture, science and communication. The Prize is awarded every two years to individuals or institutions for their exceptional contributions to the promotion of tolerance and non-violence. An international jury recommended the two laureates in recognition of their work in human rights, promotion of tolerance and inclusion.The US$ 100,000 monetary value of the Prize is divided equally between the two laureates.
Canadian filmmaker Manon Barbeau, President and Founder of Wapikoni Mobile, and the Kenyan NGO The Coexist Initiative are the laureats of the 2018 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. Firmin Edouard Matoko, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Priority Africa and External Relations, and France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, awarded the Prize during an official ceremony on 16 November 2018.
For its eleventh edition, organized around traditional Indian dance presented by the Khajuri Association, the ceremony was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance. In his opening address, Mr Matoko stressed that tolerance is "both a moral virtue and a political principle: it lies in the ability to recognize others in their full dignity, and to grant them rights equivalent to ours, by virtue of their humanity". France Marquet, for her part, recalled the importance of the work of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, established in the name of its benefactor Madanjeet Singh, who was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Indian artist, writer and diplomat.
Ms Manon Barbeau is rewarded for the many activities carried out for indigenous peoples through Wapikoni Mobile, a traveling training and audiovisual creation studio, which organizes educational workshops, film screenings and training activities. Its wide range of initiatives aims to enable indigenous youth to learn about audiovisual creation and to promote and highlight indigenous cultures, languages and identities. The filmmaker stressed the importance of giving a voice to these peoples and recognizing their own rights.
|
Madam France presenting the cheque of $ 500,00 to Ms |
Mme France Marquet presenting the cheque of $, 500,00 to Mr Wanjala Wafula representative, The Coexist Initiative, |
Mr Wanjala Wafula, founder of The Coexist Initiative, spoke on behalf of the NGO to highlight the need to effectively combat violence against women, and to ensure full recognition of their rights. Established in Kenya in 2002, the non-profit organization is recognized for its promotion of gender equality, social justice and human rights. Through an innovative and inclusive approach, it tackles gender-based negative cultural practices and stereotypes, including seeking to involve men, boys and community leaders more in the work of the organization.
The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize, awarded every two years, recognizes significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. It has been inspired by the ideals of the UNESCO Constitution which states that "peace, if it is not to fail, must be founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind”.
Left to right: Ms. Manon Barbeau, Canadian Filmmaker & Mr Wanjala Wafula representative, The Coexist Initiative, Kenya, Laureates with Madam France Marquet and Mr Matoko
Know more about UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence
News
Bozar, Center for Fine Arts in BrusselsBrussels today -
7th May 2025
Madam France Marquet, Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, attends the World Press Freedom Day
Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, attended the 2025 World Press Freedom Day signature event held at Bozar, the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels. Organized by UNESCO, the one-day global gathering brought together media professionals, policymakers, academics, and civil society to reflect on the critical theme: "Information as a Public Good in the Age of AI."..
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris -
6th May 2025
Madam France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO Attends UNESCO Master Class Against Racism and Discrimination
Madam France Marquet, Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, participated in the UNESCO Master Class against Racism and Discrimination held on 6 May 2025 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event took place in Room I from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (CET)
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris, France -
1st April 2025
Mme France Attends UNESCO’s Landmark Anuradhapura Heritage Conference, & Engages with Sri Lankan PM H.E Dr Harini Amarasuriya
Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and South Asia Foundation Representative to UNESCO, attended as a distinguished participant, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable development in South Asia. A Timeless Legacy Facing Modern Challenges
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris, France -
25th March 2025
Madam France Marquet Represents Madanjeet Singh Foundation at UNESCO’s Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy
Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee, MSF) & SAF Representative to UNESCO, participated in the Multistakeholder High-level Conference on Science Diplomacy.. The event, organized as part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, brought together ministers, scientists, diplomats, and experts to strengthen global cooperation in science diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions
News
Pondicherry University, Puducherry, TN -
23rd March 2025
Madanjeet Singh Foundation-Sponsored NCGETS-2025 Concludes with Grand Success, Covered by Doordarshan
ondicherry, India – The UNESCO Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies (UMSGET) at Pondicherry University successfully hosted the National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability (NCGETS-2025) on 20th–21st March 2025, under the leadership of Prof. R. Arun Prasath, UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Chairholder. The event, supported by the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF), brought together industry experts, researchers, and policymakers to advance sustainable energy solutions.
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris -
22nd March 2025
Madam France Marquet Attended Global Leaders Unite for World Day for Glaciers Gand World Water Day 2025 Celebration
In a landmark event marking the World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day 2025, global leaders, environmentalists, and scientists gathered to emphasize the urgent need for action in cryospheric sciences and water conservation. The two-day celebration, held on 20th and 21st March 2025, aimed to galvanize efforts towards the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, highlighting the critical role glaciers and water resources play in sustaining life on our planet.
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris, France -
19th March 2025
Mme France Marquet Pays Tribute to Former UNESCO DG Federico Mayor, Celebrating His Legacy & Friendship with Amb Madanjeet Singh
In a poignant tribute to the late Mr. Federico Mayor Zaragoza (1934–2024), former Director-General of UNESCO (1987–1999), Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and South Asia Foundation (SAF) Representative to UNESCO, attended a special ceremony honoring his remarkable life and contributions.
News
UNESCO Headquarters, Paris France -
18th March 2025
Madam France Marquet SAF Representative to UNESCO attends Nowruz Celebration at UNESCO Headquarters
Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation and South Asia Foundation’s representative to UNESCO, attended the Nowruz celebration at UNESCO Headquarters. She was invited by the Indian delegation to join this vibrant cultural event..
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris -
13th March 2025
UNESCO Hosted Groundbreaking Thematic Consultation: "Art for All at the Heart of Tomorrow's Cultural Policies"
UNESCO successfully hosted a landmark thematic consultation titled "Art for All at the Heart of Tomorrow's Cultural Policies" as part of the International Women's Day celebrations. The event brought together global leaders, artists, policymakers, and cultural advocates to explore the transformative role of art in shaping inclusive and sustainable cultural policies for the future. Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee
News
UNESCO Headquaters, Paris -
11th February 2025
Madam France Marquet Meets Ms. Ariana Cortez at UNESCO’s “Imagine a World with More Women in Science” Celebration
During the event, Madam France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO and Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, met Ms. Ariana Cortez, Vice Chancellor of the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences (UMCE), Chile. Their discussion highlighted the shared commitment to advancing education and scientific research, particularly in Latin America and South Asia.