Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Thursday, 26 April 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
HelpAge International received the Hilton Humanitarian Prize at the Global Philanthropy Forum in Washington, D.C. on Monday, 16 April.
HelpAge International is the only global organisation with a singular focus on providing assistance to and advocating for disadvantaged older people. It helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.
The current Chairman of Help Age International and Help Age Sri Lanka is well-known Sri Lankan business leader Tilak de Zoysa, President of Associated Motorways (Pvt) Ltd. and a former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
At $ 1.5 million, the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize is the world’s largest humanitarian award. Inaugurated in 1996, the annual award is presented to a non-profit organisation judged to have made exemplary and extraordinary contributions in alleviating human suffering.
Following initial background and legal review, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize staff conducts an extensive evaluation of the candidates, before submitting to an independent, international jury that makes the final selection.
President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick made the keynote address at the award ceremony. Help Age International CEO Richard Blewitt accepting the award paid tribute to the millions of older people throughout the world who struggle daily with extreme poverty and discrimination.
“It is through their considerable achievements and passionate selflessness that the world has become a better place for their grandchildren and ours. This day is theirs. This award is theirs. It is our privilege to accept it on their behalf,” he stressed.
Some past recipients of this award are Handicap International (2011) Aravind Eye Care System (2010), International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) (2003), SOS Children’s Villages/ SOS-Kinderdorf International (2002), Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (1998), and International Rescue Committee(1997)
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation selects independent jurors from around the world whose experience in the humanitarian and development sectors uniquely position them to identify exceptional organisations.
The following individuals currently serve on the Hilton Humanitarian Prize jury: Princess Salimah Aga KhanInternational Ambassador, SOS-Kinderdorf International, Professor Catherine Bertini Professor of Public Administration, Syracuse University, former Senior Fellow, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, former Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme Gro Harlem Brundtland, M.P.H., former Director General, World Health Organization, former Prime Minister of Norway, James R. Galbraith Director, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Hawley Hilton McAuliffeDirector, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Strive Masiyiwa Founder and Executive Chairman, Econet Wireless Professor Amartya Sen Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics Lamont University Professor, Harvard University.
