Nuclear weapon fight lauded
09/12/2003 13:45  - (SA)  

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Stockholm - The former prime minister of New Zealand on Monday was among four people and organisations that received the Right Livelihood Award, a prize often referred to as the alternative Nobel Prizes.

The 2003 Right Livelihood Honourary Award was presented in a ceremony in Stockholm to David Lange, whom the jury recognised "for his steadfast work over many years for a world free of nuclear weapons", Right Livelihood said in a news release posted on its website.

Lange was prime minister of New Zealand in 1984 when the country passed legislation that banned nuclear-powered and armed vessels from New Zealand's territory and promoted the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.

The Right Livelihood also honoured Walden Bello and Nicanor Perlas of the Philippines "for their outstanding efforts in educating civil society about the effects of corporate globalisation, and how alternatives to it can be implemented".

Two organisations also received the award. The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice of South Korea was recognised for working successfully since 1989 to make Korean economic development more just, inclusive and democratic.

The other organisation recognised was Sekem of Egypt, a group that aims to show how a modern business can combine engagement in world markets with a humane and spiritual approach to people and respect for the environment.

The four recipients will share the 203 Right Livelihood cash Award valued at €220 000.

Founded in 1980, the Right Livelihood Awards are presented annually in the Swedish Parliament and are often referred to as "Alternative Nobel Prizes".

They were introduced to honour and support those offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. Jakob von Uexkull, a Swedish-German philatelic expert, sold his valuable postage stamps to provide the original endowment.

Alfred Nobel wanted to honour those whose work "brought the greatest benefit to humanity". Von Uexkull felt that the Nobel Prizes today ignore much work and knowledge vital for our world and future, the Right Livelihood release said. - Sapa DPA

- SAPA

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