New York — The Africa-America Institute bestowed its highest honor, the National Leadership Award, to His Excellency Festus Mogae, President of Botswana, at its 18th Annual Awards Dinner this evening at the United Nations. The award recognizes extraordinary leadership in the development and growth of Africa and has been presented only once before to former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa.
"We are honored to present this historic award to President Mogae," said Mora McLean, President of the Africa-America Institute (AAI). "By his leadership and courage, President Mogae has helped dramatically improve the lives of the people of Botswana by actively fighting the scourge of AIDS while also improving the economy through Diamonds for Development. We are honored by his presence tonight and are grateful for the enormous contribution President Mogae has made toward profound and lasting change."
The third president in Botswana's 35-year history, Mogae is particularly recognized for the leadership he has taken in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, a disease he says means "national sadness." Mogae's government is currently initiating an antiretroviral program, and through a variety of public-private partnerships has established the first laboratory and training devoted exclusively to the advanced study of HIV. Mogae is also lauded for the success of Botswana's diamond-based economy at a time when other African nations struggle with illegal diamond trade and the conflicts that result from it.
The AAI Annual Awards Dinner recognizes individuals in politics, business and the media who have made contributions to improving Africa's future by promoting increased engagement and education between Africa and the United States. In addition to honoring Mogae, AAI presented the following awards:
* Distinguished Alumna Award -- Joy Phumaphi, Minister of Health for Botswana and distinguished graduate of AAI's African Higher Education and Training Program.
* Lifetime Achievement Award in Media - Anthony Lewis, New York Times columnist who throughout his career has been distinguished among his peers in recognizing the importance of Africa to the world community.
* Special Tribute - C. Payne Lucas, Co-founder of Africare, who has given 40 years distinguished service to African development.
* Special Recognition for Business Enterprise - The Limited Brands which, with its subsidiary Mast Industries, was the first major apparel company to invest in Africa under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to spur African manufacturing and entrepreneurial capacity.
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* Chairman's Excellence in Media Award - Rachel Swarns, New York Times reporter and South African bureau chief, recognized for her award-winning coverage of the human impact of AIDS in Africa.
The event was emceed by Mpule Kwelagobe, 1999 Miss Universe and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Goodwill Ambassador for Botswana, and chaired by Raymond V. Gilmartin, Chairman, President and CEO of Merck and Co., Inc. Merck is one of several corporate sponsors of the event, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Citicorp/Citibank, Chevron Texaco Corporation, Coca-Cola Company, and H.J. Heinz Company. The event raised nearly $500,000 for AAI's programs to educate Africans and educate Americans about Africa.
About The Africa-America Institute Founded in 1953, the Africa-America Institute is dedicated to promoting enlightened engagement between Africa and the United States through education, training and dialogue. A multi-racial, multi-ethnic, non-profit organization, AAI has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. and a presence in 50 nations in Africa. AAI focuses on the training of Africans in a strategically selected range of advanced skills, and in the education of Americans about Africa. AAI proudly counts more than 20,000 Africans as alumni of its graduate and professional training programs. AAI also serves as a reliable information source on Africa for U.S. decision-makers, bringing African people and perspectives into contact with people throughout American society. For more information, visit www.aaionline.org.
