Oslo, Norway (BBN) – Selima Ahmad of Bangladesh and five other business personalities from different countries have been selected for Oslo Business for Peace Award 2014.
A jury of Nobel laureates in peace and economics has selected six recipients of the Oslo Business for Peace Award, following a worldwide nomination process, a Business for Peace Foundation announcement said on Friday.
The winners will be named Business for Peace Honourees at a ceremony in Oslo City Hall on May 15, according to the statement.
The Nobel laureates in peace and economics have chosen six global business leaders who are showing the way in creating economic value that also creates value for society.
The Business for Peace Honourees all contribute to a better understanding of social and economic progress through showing how shared value can be created between business and society.
This year’s Honourees cover a broad range of geographies and industries. The winners of the 2014 Oslo Business for Peace Award are:
Ms. Selima Ahmad (Bangladesh) is the Vice Chairperson of the Nitol-Niloy Group. With her deep understanding of the plight of women in a male dominated, poverty afflicted society, she focuses on developing entrepreneurial talent, and organizing financial and marketing resources in order to enable women to overcome hurdles and expand their business beyond the micro threshold.
Ms. Kesha Kumari Damini (Nepal) is the leader of more than 60,000 micro entrepreneurs. Though Ms. Damini came from the most disadvantaged of Dalit communities in Nepal, her leadership and success have inspired many to become entrepreneurs, explore self-employment opportunities and overcome discrimination.
Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) heads the Hedi Bouchamaoui Group (HBG). Bouchamaoui works to help Tunisia pull through its challenges by pushing for national reconciliation, by protecting both enterprises and employment policy, and assisting the urgent need to restore security. In Bouchamaoui’s opinion, conditions fundamental for promoting social peace and prosperity.
Sir Richard Branson (UK) is the founder and owner of Virgin Group. Branson uses his reputation to influence important issues also outside business. He is a signatory of the non-profit Global Zero campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons, has taken a strong stand against climate change skepticism, and took the initiative to create The Elders, a gathering of independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights.
Ms. Marilyn Carlson Nelson (USA) is the Chairman and former CEO of Carlson. Ms. Nelson’s pace-setting approach to responsible business focuses on engaging in dialogue with stakeholders about local causes and global issues. Across a range of challenges her approach contributes to peace through the creation of shared value. Notably, she is a strong advocate for the abolition of sexual exploitation of children.
Mr. Adnan Kassar (Lebanon) is Chairman of Fransabank, and has been a driver of growth and development in Lebanon, in the absence of political stability and security, for many decades. Through motivating the private sector, his work has contributed to the prosperity of the country and its attractiveness to foreign investors, thus maintaining and securing the livelihood of the Lebanese people.
The Business for Peace Foundation has collaborated with the City of Oslo in developing the award since its inception in 2007.
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