INAUGURAL CYCLE (1999 - 2001)

Category I: Global leadership in environment and sustainable development

Awarded to Former USA President Jimmy Carter:

President Jimmy Carter has been recognized for his futuristic vision and concern for humanity both as a president and a statesman. The Global 2000 initiative during his presidency is an indicator of his concern for the impact of globalization on stability and development in the world, especially in developing countries. President Carter recognized that political instability, poverty and disease are the major obstacles to development in developing countries. These global problems were recognized as being amongst the principal causes of global environmental degradation at the Rio Summit (1992) and subsequently by other global environmental forums, including the Global Ministerial Forum in Malmoِ (2000).

President Carter’s initiatives on peace and improving conditions in human settlements, his campaigns against poverty and the eradication of the Guinea worm in Africa have gained the respect and admiration of the world community. The Jury considered these achievements as making a major contribution to environmental protection in developing countries. His achievements also upheld human dignity and right to a decent livelihood, good health and development in an atmosphere of peace. It was felt that his integrity both as president and statesman, his concern for humanity and his vision symbolize the objectives of the Zayed International Prize for the Environment.

Category II: Scientific/ technological achievements in environment (Shared)

Awarded to One Individual and One Organization (Partnership)

(1) PROF. MOHAMMED EL-KASSAS (Egypt)

Prof. El Kassas is recognized for his life-long dedication to the study of arid lands ecology, their biodiversity and the delicate and complex relations between human beings and the ecosystem in the management of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity and the linkage of water to management. His leadership and vision were exhibited during his presidency of the IUCN, especially in the preparation of the Earth Charter.

Professor Kassas is still active in providing guidance and advice to students, national governments and regional organizations, including the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment. He continues to promote awareness on the need to conserve arid land ecosystems to achieve the sustainable development of natural resources and biodiversity protection.

(2) THE WORLD COMMISSION ON DAMS

The Jury recognized the work of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) as a model for addressing such complex issues that are really cross-sectoral. Dams are not only major water management projects (over 45,000 dams have been built on the world’s rivers), but they have a considerable impact on socio-economic development and the environment. The Jury felt that the success of the WCD in addressing the environmental impact set a standard for addressing other complex environmental problems, such as the equitable management of shared water resources.

The WBCSD is a coalition of some 150 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development, i.e. environmental protection, social equity and economic growth. Our members are drawn from 30 countries and more than 20 major industrial sectors. The WBCSD also benefits from a thriving global network of national and regional business councils and partner organizations.
The WBCSD was formed in January 1995 through a merger between the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) in Geneva and the World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE), an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) initiative, in Paris. Those two parent bodies had been at the forefront of business’s response to the challenges arising from the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Today, the WBCSD is carrying forward that initiative and has become the pre-eminent business voice on sustainable development

In broad terms, the WBCSD aims to develop closer co-operation between business, government and all other organizations concerned with the environment and sustainable development. We also seek to encourage high standards of environmental management in business itself.

Category III: Environmental action leading to positive change in society

Awarded to two highly recognized Activists,

(1) MS. YOLANDA KAKABADSE (Equador)

Ms. Yolanda Kakabadse was chosen for her leading role and efforts in the preparation of the NGOs Chapter in Agenda 21 at the Rio conference of 1992. Since then she has achieved pioneering work at grassroots level as founder and president of the foundation “Furturo Latinoamericano”. She served as Minister of Environment of Ecuador and in that capacity she continued her leading role in addressing environmental concerns at the national, regional and international levels. She is now the President of IUCN, leading efforts to integrate governments, NGOs and United Nations organisations efforts, while maintaining her links at grassroots level.

(2) MR. STEPHAN SCHMIDHEINY (Switzerland)

Mr. Stephan Schmidheiny was selected because, at a time when the private sector and industry were largely unaware of environmental concerns, he charted a new course through the publication of his book “Changing Courses”. It was mainly through his efforts that the World Business Council for Sustainable Development was established. This body, of which he was the President, has become an important partner in the pursuit of sustainable development and the shift of major industries in the world towards greening their production and future development strategies.