Marianna Vardinoyannis and Morissana Kouyaté win 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize

United Nations General Assembly President Tijjani Muhamm-Bande on July 17 declared Greek philanthropist Marianna Vardinoyannis as one of laureates for UN 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize. award was given to individuals who dedicate ir lives to helping humanity, recognising impact that y have me through ir efforts. Along with Vardinoyannis, Morissana Kouyate of Guinea was also honoured with prestigious award. 

According to United Nations, Vardinoyannis has been involved for around 30 years in fight against childhood cancer. Her services have saved lives of thousands of children. Muhamm-Bande’s spokeswoman Reem Abaza reportedly elaborated that Vardinoyannis is a world vocate for human lives, protecting health and welfare of children everywhere. 

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Greek philanthropist is a Goodwill Ambassor of UNESCO since 1999. UN website informed that Vardinoyannis back in 1993 also created first Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Greece where 1200 children from Greece, Mediterranean and Balkans, received bone marrow transplants, free of charge. In 2010, she also created first Pediatric Oncology Hospital in Greece, recording 150.000 hospitalizations of children, which has been affiliated with prominent hospitals such as Johns Hopkins (USA), Sick Kids (Cana), Princess Maxima Pediatric Oncology Center (Holland) etc. 

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Kouyate’s exception efforts 

On or hand, Morissana Kouyate of Guinea is anor Human rights activist who is known for his contribution towards violence against women and girls in Africa. According to UN, he initiated efforts to dress violence against women with African Union Commission, leing to Maputo Protocol, Africa’s regional instrument on ending violence against women. He also carried out exceptional efforts in fight against harmful tritional practices, particularly for elimination of Female Genital Mutilations. 

As per reports, both Vardinoyannis and Kouyate will be receiving award during a virtual ceremony scheduled to take place on July 20. An in-person celebration is also reportedly being planned for a later date and is expected to be held at UN Hequarters in New York, US. news of 2020 laureates came just a day before Nelson Mandela International Day, which falls on July 18. Mandela Prize was established by UN General Assembly resolution in June 2014, with purpose to promote principles of UN, help enact social transformation and celebrating life of Nelson Mandela. 

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