Chatham House Prize 2008: Nominees shortlist announced

15 February 2008

The Chatham House Prize, now in its fourth year, is rapidly gaining recognition in the international affairs community as a valuable and prestigious award. The Prize ceremony has now become the flagship event in the institute's annual calendar. A Financial Times editorial described the Prize as a 'serious honour' and the international press has acknowledged the important work of the nominees in each of the past three years.

We are therefore pleased to announce an impressive shortlist for the 2008 Chatham House Prize:

HH THE AGA KHAN
Founder, Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan has worked for fifty years to improve the living conditions and opportunities for some of the poorest people in conflict-ridden countries regardless of their origin or religion. This is exemplified by the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, whose mandate ranges from architecture, education, environmental sustainability and health to promoting private-sector enterprise, the enhancement of civil society and rural development. In 2007 major development projects were launched in East Africa, ranging from power projects to the establishment of the first regional university. The Aga Khan also helped renew global interest in Afghanistan through highlighting the role of business and civil society in sustaining its fragile peace as well as through the restoration of Babur's Gardens in Kabul

AMBASSADOR CHRISTOPHER HILL
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State, United States
Christopher Hill - since 2005 head of the US delegation to the Six-Party Talks between the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, Russia and Japan - has kept the talks alive and viable, against seemingly impossible odds. Through his efforts, a constructive relationship has developed with China and North Korea, leading to the latter agreeing in 2007 to shut down its nuclear facilities. Ambassador Hill has consistently demonstrated that diplomacy is not a devalued currency. He has walked the tightrope of coordinating the talks against a background of complex internal politics in Washington while engaging the US positively on the international stage. Previously, he was Ambassador to South Korea and a Special Envoy for Kosovo. He received a Distinguished Service Award for his work on the Dayton Peace Agreement.

HE JOHN KUFUOR
President of Ghana
John Kufuor became President in December 2000 in Ghana's first peaceful transfer of power from one elected government to another. Peace and economic growth have characterized his two terms in office. Known as the 'Gentle Giant', he has taken a leading role in mediating in regional conflicts, including those in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire. In 2007 Ghana was Chair of the African Union, and President Kufuor worked selflessly and tirelessly to mediate in multiple crises across the continent. President Kufuor is expected to stand down at the end of 2008. He will do so with the admiration of his citizens and the respect of the international community, having made economic growth a priority and contributed to social freedom and the growth of a robustly free press. His lasting legacy to Ghana will be to leave office in the peaceful manner in which he entered it.

HE ANGELA MERKEL
Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
In 2007, Angela Merkel further strengthened her reputation for managing difficult negotiations to achieve significant international breakthroughs. Germany held both the G8 and EU presidencies during the year. As President of the European Council, Chancellor Merkel overcame deep internal divisions to reach agreement on the EU Reform Treaty. As Chair of the G8 she achieved consensus on climate change, which included the United States, that a target for carbon dioxide reductions is necessary and that the UN is the appropriate forum for future negotiations. During the year she also contributed to the ongoing recovery in German-US and transatlantic relations where successes included the signing of a new Framework for Advancing Transatlantic Economic Integration.

The winner will be presented with a crystal award and a scroll signed by our Patron, HM The Queen and the award ceremony will take place at a City of London venue in October. More details will follow in due course. Click here for more information about the Chatham House Prize: http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/special_events/chatham_house_prize

For further information please contact:
Sean Armstrong
Press Officer
Chatham House Press Office
Direct: +44 (0) 20 7957 5739
Mobile: +44 (0) 78 4985 3757

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