One of the Highlights of the next few weeks of the United Nation’s General Assembly is The Equator Prize 2014, an Academy Awards-style event,that recognize twenty-five outstanding local and indigenous community initiatives that are leading examples of sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The event took place on September 22nd, 2014 in New York City as a contribution to the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit and the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. The theme of the evening was think global (which we love) and act local. This event coincides with the United Nations general assembly.
Among those featured at the gathering are UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, former Vice President Al Gore (keynote address), actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity Edward Norton, actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Connie Britton, UN Messenger for Peace Jane Goodall who did a chimp, business magnate George Soros,in addition to Heads-of-State, Ministers, Ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, UN agency heads, philanthropists, leaders from the private sector and academia. Special performances will be given by musicians including Feist, Bon Iver and Jackson Browne.
Jackson Browne performs at the Lincoln Center during Equator Prize 2014
Nepal has bagged the award for the first time. The Alliance for Integrated Development along with Conservation Area Management Committee, Kaski have won the Equator Prize 2014 presented by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Equator Initiative.
The award carries a purse of 5,000 US dollars each.
The Alliance was chosen for the award for its special contribution to the protection of the Jagdishpur Reservoir based in Kapilvastu, conservation of biological diversities and reduction of poverty by involving locals in income-generating activities. Besides, it has been nominated for the Equator ´special recognition´ prize, carrying a purse of 15,000 US dollars, according to Alliance President Shekhar Aryal.
It may be noted that following a global call for nominations, Equator Prize 2014 Jury received a total of 1,234 applications from 121 countries across the world. Of which, 35 were selected for the award.
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