13 October 2014, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago - The Americas Award is an initiative of UNITAR and its training centre CIFAL Atlanta to honor remarkable public officials from the Americas who have taken tremendous strides towards the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The 2014 Americas Award Ceremony was held on 9 October 2014 in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.

The achievements of the Americas Award laureates exemplify that progress towards the eight MDGs has been made and, that much more must and can be done. The 2014 Recipients have implemented innovative programmes and projects to advance sustainable development.

The Americas Awards 2014 was given in the following categories addressed by the UN MDGs:

  • Eradicate poverty
  • Reduce child mortality
  • Promote gender equality and empower women
  • Global partnership for development

The Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to a remarkable individual who has positively impacted economic and social development in our region.

UNITAR congratulates the 2014 Americas Award Laureates

Eradicate poverty

His Excellency Dr. Oscar Ortiz

Vicepresident of the Republic of El Salvador

Under the leadership of Dr. Ortiz as Mayor of Santa Tecla from 2000 to 2014, the city experienced reconstruction and development, allowing the position of the city to be a role model in the management, citizen’s participation and economic growth.

Promote gender equality and empower women

The Most Honorable Madame Portia Simpson Miller

Primer Minister of Jamaica

Being responsible for the women’s affairs portfolio and as Prime Minister for the second time, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller has advanced women’s affairs by promoting the inclusion of women in positions of power and decision-making and by implementing policies and programmes that ensure gender equality.

Global partnership for development

His Excellency Dr. Lenin Moreno

Vicepresident of the Republic of Ecuador

Dr. Moreno has dedicated important to efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, and a particular emphasis on accessibility for all. Dr. Moreno was appointed as Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in December 2013.

 

 

 

Reduce child mortality

Dr. Pablo Vicente Bonilha

National Coordinator of Child Health and Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health of Brazil

Dr. Bonilha has contributed to the reduction of child mortality in Brazil. He has promoted the National Immunization Programme as well as the National Breastfeeding Policy, increasing immunization rates among Brazilian children, and improving breastfeeding. 

 

 

 

Lifetime achievement award

Her Excellency Madame Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Throughout her political career as Minister of Legal Affairs, Minister of Education, the country’s first female Prime Minister, among others, she has promoted decisions that improve the lives of women and girls, diversity and citizen security. 

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