Gian is one of only 12 people to receive this new award in 2025.

Gian has dedicated over 50 years to the United Nations mission and is a leading advocate for global peace, education, & community cohesion.

A Journey of Resilience and Vision: Gian’s journey began as a partially sighted student at Exhall Grange Boarding School, overcoming blindness in one eye. At 17, inspired by a UNA regional officer, he founded the Leamington Spa United Nations Association in 1968, with the first meeting held at the Pump Room Annexe. He has held various roles within UNA, ultimately becoming Chair.

Founder and Pioneer of Community Initiatives: Gian’s leadership has resulted in impactful initiatives, including:

• Leamington Peace Festival (1978): One of the UK’s longest-running free festivals, celebrating peace and sustainability.
• Mid-Warwickshire Amnesty Group (1970s): Promoting human rights and justice.
• One World Link (1980s): Building links between Warwick District and Bo, Sierra Leone.
• Fair Trade Warwickshire: Promoting ethical trade practices.
• Agenda 21 (now Action 2021) (1994): Promoting sustainable local development.

Recognitions and Accolades: Gian’s work has been recognised with:

• Mayor’s Award (2015): For outstanding community service.
• Royal Honour (2003): Invitation to the Queen’s Garden Party.
• 50 Years of Advocacy: Recognising his efforts in global education.

A Visionary Advocate for the Environment: Before “climate change” became mainstream, Gian was advocating against global warming and pollution. Since 1970, he’s been a leading voice in sustainability.

International Engagement: Gian’s work has taken him to the UN in Geneva and New York, participating in global events. These experiences have enriched his educational programs, empowering individuals to make informed global decisions.

A Legacy of Empathy and Impact: Despite his disability, Gian’s tireless efforts and empathy have made a lasting impact on local and global communities. As a founder of multiple initiatives and a staunch advocate for the United Nations, he continues to inspire others to build a compassionate and informed world.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – What are they and can they be achieved?

More information below the video.

Carl Wright co-chaired UN consultations/negotiations on the 2030 Agenda on SDGs. He is a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and a diplomat with a wealth of experience in UN affairs.

Dr Wright has over 40 years of professional experience working with the UN, the Commonwealth, the EU and intergovernmental organisations. Carl`s work has involved him with participation in the negotiations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developments, co-chaired the UN`s SDG goals 2014/15 and had participated in conferences with the UN Secretary-General and had attended the Addis Ababa Finance Conference and Paris Climate Conference.

Carl has also worked with the International Labour organisation and adviser to the UN Commission on Transnational Corporations, a Commonwealth diplomat and was a full-time Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum. Carl`s work has also engaged him with other UN bodies including the UNDP, UNESCO, WHO and UNESCO and this involved collaboration on specific development projects drawing also on funding from the UK government and the EU.

Carl is an enthusiastic supporter of the UN Association for many years and has served as an elected Trustee on behalf of the Association membership to the UNA-UK Board. Currently Carl have been quite involved in the localisation of SDGs at community and local government level including in Canterbury especially on climate change (see www.ccap.org.uk)

The 2030 Agenda adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.