The Global Citizen Forum Award is presented to individuals or organizations with outstanding and consistent contribution to the movement of global citizenship. It celebrates initiatives in the field of forced migration; refugee asylum, education and employment; crisis response; and infrastructural support to remote communities.  

The recipients of the award stand to represent the qualities that we believe are of utmost importance for a world with no borders to flourish – human dignity, integrity and accountability. Committed to our vision for diverse, transparent and transformative communities, we stand together to encourage and uplift those that pave the way and make the journey for global citizenship their reality.  

Criteria & Selection

Nominated by GCF Board of Advisors, honorees are selected based on demonstrated results and sustainability of their work. The awarded individual:

• has unique abilities to strengthen civil society our ability to work and live together, enact true democracies, and to protect the weak as well as the strong;
• inspires us all to put words into action and employ innovative approaches and thinking in trying to solve the world’s challenges;
• believes in cross-border prosperity, human rights, and cultural understanding;
• is an exemplary global citizen, who has directly and positively impacted the lives of others.

Past recipients:  

Russell Peters (2023) - Russell Peters received the Global Citizen Forum Award in 2023 for his contributions to cultural inclusivity and his use of comedy as a vehicle for bridging cultural divides. As a pioneering comedian, actor, and global entertainer, Peters has been a champion of diverse perspectives, raising awareness on issues of racial and ethnic inclusivity through his work. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the power of humor in fostering mutual respect, understanding, and breaking down stereotypes, advocating for a world where cultural diversity is celebrated and protected.

Award design: The 2023 GCF Award was a hand-crafted celestial globe exclusively designed with marble and brass and embellished with a bespoke golden base to represent the key pillars of global citizenship.

Ricky Martin (2022) - Awarded for his dedication to humanitarian causes and his tireless advocacy for children’s rights worldwide, Ricky Martin has used his platform to bring attention to critical issues affecting vulnerable communities. As a celebrated singer, actor, and philanthropist, Martin shared an inspiring acceptance speech that highlighted the need for collective action to protect the rights of children and to dismantle human trafficking networks. His work with the Ricky Martin Foundation continues to safeguard the most marginalized and voiceless populations globally.

Award design: The 2022 GCF Award was a hand-crafted celestial globe exclusively designed with marble and brass and embellished with a bespoke golden base to represent the key pillars of global citizenship.

Eva Longoria (2021) for her work with underprivileged communities and her commitment to change the narrative on their untapped potential. In her acceptance speech, the actress, producer and director, philanthropist, activist, and entrepreneur spoke on the importance of supporting migrants in securing their rights.

Award design: The 2021 GCF Award was a hand-crafted celestial globe exclusively designed with marble and brass and embellished with a bespoke golden base to represent the key pillars of global citizenship.

Akon Lighting Africa (2017) for supporting 1M+ people in Africa with street lamps, solar micro-generators and household electric systems. The initiative has resulted in the creation of jobs, disease and accident prevention and numerous security improvements.  

Award design: The 2017 GCF Award was designed and built by Roland Iten whose Mechanical Luxury Company is pioneering a new segment in the ultra exclusive men's accessories sector which it calls Mechanical Luxury for Gentlemen™. www.rolanditen.com

Migrant Offshore Aid Station (2015) for their outstanding courage and bravery and complete dedication to the philosophy of global citizenship. The rescue missions they executed during the outburst of the refugee crisis resulted in the saving of more than 1,000 human lives from drowning in European waters.  

Award design: The 2015 GCF Award was designed and built by Tom D. Shannon, whose sculptures have been included in numerous international exhibitions around the world. www.tomshannon.com