MARIANNA VARDINOYIANNIS

Marianna Vardinoyiannis

Dr Kouyate

Greek philanthropist, Marianna Vardinoyiannis, was declared as one of the laureates for the United Nations 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize along with Guinean Doctor Morissanda Kouyate.

The announcement was made on Friday the 17^th July by the United Nations general assembly President, Tijani Mohammed Banda.  The award is given to individuals who dedicate their lives helping humanity, thus recognising the impact that they have made through their efforts.

Marianna Vardinoyiannis has been involved for around 30 years in the fight against childhood cancer, with her services helping thousands of children.

Mohammed Bande’s spokeswoman, Reem Abeiza,  also explained that Vardonoyiannis is a world advocate for humanities, protecting the health and welfare of children around the world.

Both Vardinoyiannis and Kouyate will receive their awards during a ceremony scheduled to take place on Monday, July 20^th.  A celebration is also being planned for a later date and is expected to take place in the UN headquarters in New York.

Nelson Mandela

The Mandela Prize was established by a United Nations’ general assembly resolution in June 2014, the purpose of the  award being, to encourage the UN’s help to improve social changes and modifications, and celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela, the former South African president, who is recognised as the country’s "anti-apartheid icon and international symbol of unity".

(I wish to thank the international and local press and especially Aninews and the blog Greek reporter for the valuable information for this post,)