FREEDOM AWARDS
Recognizing Poland’s unique role in spreading the message of Solidarity and Freedom around the world, the Wrocław Global Forum is also the European home of the Atlantic Council’s Freedom Awards. The Freedom Awards recognize extraordinary organizations and individuals who embody the Council’s mission to strengthen the Atlantic community’s call to leadership on global values.
These awards symbolize the values of freedom that bind the Atlantic community, and our common responsibility to embolden those fighting for human rights globally. Inaugurated in Berlin in 2009, the first Freedom Awards were presented on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. On the 30th anniversary of Solidarity, the first Freedom Awards to take place in Wroclaw recognized President Alexander Kwaśniewski, President Jerzy Buzek and former NATO Secretary General and EU High Representative Javier Solana for ushering in a Europe whole, free and at peace.
In recognition that the message of Solidarity endures around the globe, the Freedom Awards also honored the Ladies in White for their courageous call for freedom in Cuba.
The 2011 Freedom Awards will honor Adam Michnik and Helena Łuczywo of Gazeta Wyborcza; Belarus Free Theater, the Human Rights Center "Viasna", and the Belarusian Association of Journalists, on behalf of the Belarusian people; Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on behalf of the Polish people; and Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat on behalf of his people; JohnMcCain, United States Senator and Esraa Abdel Fattah, Initiator of the April 6, 2008 Strike in Egypt, on behalf of Egypt’s young generation.
THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL
We at the Atlantic Council believe that a more effective transatlantic relationship is a precondition for tackling most of the world’s problems. Addressing issues from Afghanistan to the global financial crisis, from NATO’s future to energy security, we pursue our mission of renewing the Atlantic community for global challenges.
Led by Senator Chuck Hagel, Chairman, and Fred Kempe, President and CEO, the Atlantic Council is a non-profit organization embodying a non-partisan network of world leaders from the political, security, and business communities who promote constructive U.S. and European leadership and engagement in international affairs through cross-national discussions and programs, strategic debates and high-quality research.
PARTNERS:
Wrocław. A dynamic city where tradition and modernity intertwine, Wroclaw is becoming one of the “places to be” in the heart of Europe.
The U.S. Embassy in Poland is headed by U.S. Ambassador Lee Feinstein.
The Polish Institute of International Affairs was established in 1996 to conduct research and provide unbiased expertise in international relations for policymakers, academics and the Polish public.
The Foundation Institute of Public Affairs is one of the leading Polish think-tanks and an independent centre for analysis and research, established in 1995.
The Center for International Relations is an independent, non-governmental think-tank, dedicated to the study of international relations and those foreign policy issues, which are of crucial importance to Poland, Europe and transatlantic relations.
Copyright © Wrocław Global Forum photos: Kamil Czaja made by: Pixel Talk