President Jorge Sampaio Awarded UN Nelson Mandela Prize

President Sampaio recognized for his leadership in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Portugal.

 

Jorge Fernando Branco Sampaio, former president of Portugal and a member of Carnegie Corporation’s Board of Trustees, received the first-ever UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize on July 24, 2015.  The Prize honors the outstanding achievements of two distinguished individuals, one female and one male, who have dedicated their lives to the service to humanity, particularly in the promotion of reconciliation, social cohesion, and community development.

"I should like to dedicate this acclaim to my country too as well as to my fellow citizens," said President Sampaio upon receiving the award.

President Sampaio was recognized for his leadership in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Portugal. His co-awardee, Dr. Helena Ndume of Namibia, an ophthalmologist, was honored for her life’s work treating blindness and eye-related illnesses in her country and the developing world.