This award is the ultimate accolade, while the Judges' award is distinguished by the unique criteria set forth by the panel. With their own set of standards, the Judges meticulously select the recipient of this honor, and it is with great pleasure that this award is bestowed upon to the Founder of The Business Plan for Peace, Peace Direct, of Oxford Research Group.
Priscilla "Scilla" Elworthy, a renowned peacebuilder and founder of the Oxford Research Group. Since its inception in 1982, her organization has facilitated dialogue between nuclear weapons policy-makers and critics, earning her three Nobel Peace Prize nominations. Serving as executive director until 2003, Scilla then established Peace Direct, supporting local peace-builders in conflict zones and earning her the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003. As an advisor to influential figures like Peter Gabriel, Desmond Tutu, and Richard Branson, she contributed to the establishment of The Elders in 2005. A member of the World Future Council, she co-founded Rising Women Rising World in 2012, advocating for a world that works for all. With three Nobel Peace Prize nominations, Scilla's initiatives like "Business Plan for Peace" and "The Mighty Heart" have made a significant impact on global peace efforts. Recently recognized by Tess Cacciatore, a WIM recipient winner in 2023, Scilla received the 8th Annual GWEN Luminary Awards for her exemplary work. Dr. Scilla Elworthy continues to inspire with her TED Talk on Fighting with Non-violence.