Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has been named the winner of the 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Award, a prestigious international prize recognizing outstanding contributions to global peace.
With this achievement, Jonathan becomes the first African leader and only the third recipient of the Founder’s Prize, following former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, based in Seoul, South Korea, announced the award, citing Jonathan’s relentless peace efforts, pro-democracy advocacy, and mediation roles across Africa.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Seoul on April 11, 2025, where Jonathan will be honoured alongside three other distinguished laureates:
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Patrick Awuah Jr., Founder & President, Ashesi University, Ghana
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Hugh Evans, Co-founder & CEO, Global Citizen
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Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute
According to the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, Jonathan was selected for his leadership in organizations such as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), and the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), all of which focus on promoting peace, democracy, and conflict resolution.
Founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, praised the honourees as “beacons of hope in a world plagued by conflict and division.”
The Sunhak Peace Prize is a biennial award that honours individuals and organizations making significant contributions to world peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Past recipients include Senegal’s former President Macky Sall, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Dame Sarah Gilbert, co-developer of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Jonathan’s recognition further solidifies his legacy as a statesman committed to peace, democracy, and humanitarian efforts, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in global diplomatic circles.
