Singapore to Host UN Champions of the Earth Awards

19 October 2005 (Source)
Joint Media Release by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore (MEWR), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)

Nairobi/Singapore -- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will host the award ceremony of its premier environmental award – Champions of the Earth – in Singapore in 2006. This was announced by the Director of Communications and Public Information of UNEP, Mr. Eric Falt, today in Singapore.

The Champions of the Earth award, a new international environment award established in 2004, is presented annually by UNEP to outstanding environmental achievers and leaders. Award winners are selected from nominated individuals or groups who have made a significant and recognized contribution regionally and globally to the protection and sustainable management of the Earth’s environment and natural resources. Selected candidates are rewarded for their creativity, vision and leadership.

The awards will be presented in Singapore in April 2006 at a ceremony to be attended by well-known regional and international personalities and dignitaries. The event is supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore, (MEWR), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

UNEP’s Executive Director, Klaus Toepfer, said in Nairobi, Kenya (where UNEP is headquartered): “UNEP is proud of this collaboration with Singapore which will recognize courageous men and women, from every corner of the globe, who fight for and protect the natural riches we have for too long taken for granted.”

“Singapore is a natural choice for such a global environmental event, as it is a country that has become an inspiration for other nations striving to achieve the goal of sustainable development. The fact that Singapore is also a leading international events hub makes Singapore an ideal location to host Champions of the Earth,” added Toepfer.

Welcoming UNEP’s decision to host the event in Singapore, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore, noted: “Singapore is very pleased to have been selected as the venue for UNEP’s Champions of the Earth award ceremony. While pursuing its economic and developmental goals, Singapore has always endeavored to effectively manage its environment and limited natural resources for sustainability. The UNEP’s decision to host this eminent environmental event in Singapore is indeed a firm acknowledgement of our environmental efforts.”

The event will also include a gala dinner honouring the recipients of the award, as well as parallel activities such as talks and a photo exhibition to highlight environmental awareness.

The Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Lim Neo Chian said: "The Singapore Tourism Board is honoured to be working with UNEP to host the Champions of the Earth awards for the first time in Singapore. We are also pleased to have the event anchored in Singapore for the next three years. Singapore’s strong connectivity to cities around the world and quality conference facilities provide a conducive environment for networking and the exchange of ideas. The gathering of thought leaders and personalities from around the world to receive this premier environmental award strengthens Singapore’s position as a premier destination for meetings and events.”

Notes to Editors

Background on the Champions of the Earth award, including previous laureates’ biographies and photographs, is available from http://www.unep.org/champions/ or from UNEP DCPI.

Journalists wishing to obtain more information or arrange interviews with the UNEP should contact:

Eric Falt, Director, UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information (DCPI), on Tel: 254-20 62 3292, Mobile: 254 (0) 722 682 656, E-mail: eric.falt@unep.org;

Nick Nuttall, UNEP Spokesperson, on Tel: 254-20 62 3084, Mobile: 254 (0) 733 632 755,

E-mail: nick.nuttall@unep.org;

Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox, Head of Special Events, on Tel: 254-20 62 3401, E-mail: Elisabeth.guilbaud-cox@unep.org.