Generations Prize

Prof. em. Dr François Höpflinger is being honoured for his dedicated scientific work on fundamental questions of population sociology and ageing research. Philipp Gmür, CEO of Helvetia Group, explains in recognition of the award winner: "Through his dedication over many years and his numerous publications, François Höpflinger makes an important contribution to being able to classify demographic change and its effects on social coexistence. In a long-lived society, it is these insights that pave the way for understanding coexistence."

The award granted to Carla Del Ponte recognizes her outstanding achievements as Chief Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for War Crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. With her commitment and her courage she worked on behalf of all people in the service of and the fight for peace and justice – regardless of their nationality, age, ethnicity and skin colour. She is an example for all generations. With her untiring commitment and persistent contributions to peaceful conflict resolution, Carla Del Ponte consistently created hope, perspectives and welfare – not only for the surviving victims but also for those people working globally to achieve a more just world.

Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace. With his commitment, positive attitude and courageously far-sighted approach to social change, Adolf Ogi demonstrates the importance of intergenerational action and learning in overcoming current and future challenges.

The prize has been awarded to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its tireless commitment and inviolable perseverance in a world of constant change that is shaped and redefined by each passing generation. Since the foundation of the Red Cross movement in 1863, the ICRC has time and again proven its ability to handle this change and evolve, while at the same time staying true to its principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. The jury considers the ICRC an ambassador for and the epitome of the highest form of moral behaviour. It therefore acknowledges the importance of the organisation's outstanding commitment to safeguarding society’s future and, above all, recognises the ICRC as a role model for past and future generations.

The prize has been awarded to Mary Robinson for her commitment to ensuring human rights and protecting vulnerable population groups. The jury considers Mary Robinson an advocate for and the epitome of the highest form of moral behaviour. In awarding her this honour, the jury recognises the importance of such outstanding commitment to ensuring social welfare in the future and, above all, the role model that Mary Robinson is for past and future generations.

The “Prix des Générations” has been awarded to Waris Dirie in recognition of her commitment to ensuring the well-being of younger generations and, in particular, her impressive and remarkable fight against female genital mutilation, which is of great significance for the self-perception and social status of future female generations.

The prize has been awarded to Václav Havel in recognition of his commitment to democracy, human rights and the principle of individual responsibility. The jury considers Václav Havel an advocate for and the epitome of the highest form of moral behaviour. The jury recognises the importance of such outstanding dedication to ensuring social welfare in the future and, above all, the role model that Václav Havel is for future generations.

The prize has been awarded to Helmut Schmidt in recognition of his outstanding achievements following his active career as a politician and statesman. Through his media work and positive attitude to social change, Helmut Schmidt demonstrates how much the generations can learn from one another in tackling issues of the future.