The Award Archives - Business for Peace Foundation

Nominations for the 2022 Oslo Business for Peace Award now open

Monday, 06 September 2021 09:15

Business for Peace is seeking candidates for the 2022 Oslo Business for Peace Award.

Candidates can be nominated through the Foundation’s global partners: International Chamber of Commerce, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Global Compact and Principles for Responsible Investment.

The Award aims to highlight ethical and responsible business practices, and is the highest distinction given to a business leader who exemplifies outstanding businessworthy behaviour and accomplishments, creating value both for business and society.

There are three evaluation criteria:

1. Being a role model to society and their peers
The Nominee is acting as a role model to the general public and the business community by showing how to achieve long term success by being businessworthy.

2. Standing out as an advocate
The Nominee is an outspoken advocate for the importance of ethical and responsible business, seeking to solve problems and create value for both business and society

3. Having earned trust by stakeholders
The Nominee has earned recognition and appreciation as a business leader by stakeholders in the communities within which the business is developed and cultivated over time.

Following the nomination process, Honourees will be selected by an independent committee consisting of Nobel Laureates in peace and economics. Current committee members are Ouided Bouchamaoui, Leymah Gbowee, Finn Kydland and Eric Maskin.

As CEO’s, we don’t need to have more, we need to do more. When we have tools and resources to solve problems, we have to use them. – Hamdi Ulukaya, 2019 Honouree and CEO of Chobani

Read about the previous Oslo Business for Peace Award winners here

Update on our May 2021 Summit

Friday, 09 April 2021 09:03

Due to the ongoing and unpredictable pandemic situation in Oslo, our Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone our pinnacle annual Business for Peace Summit 2021 events. We will not have an Award Ceremony or host in-person events this May.

In lieu of our usual Summit, we will be hosting a series of digital events, open to the public globally. The events will focus on Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work as we talk about “A Vision for Inclusive Growth”. We will have talks on Rethinking Systems of Decent Work, The Hidden Workforce, Resilient Supply Chains, and more.

We are committed to driving the SDG agenda forward and connecting business leaders with government officials, academics, NGOs, and members of civil society. We look forward to lively, thoughtful, and productive discussions online in May.

Further information and registration details for our spring events will be released soon. We hope you stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to meeting again in-person in Oslo in the future.

We will have a grand celebration of the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award Honourees at Oslo City Hall once it is safe to travel.

Felicitas ‘Joji’ Bautista Pantoja

Wednesday, 09 September 2020 09:00

A 2020 Honouree providing sustainable livelihoods for indigenous and migrant peoples and building peace in conflict zones.

“This recognition affirms that inclusive development can be a reality through social enterprise.” – Felicitas Pantoja.

Mrs. Pantoja has dedicated her career to building peace in conflict zones and improving the lives of marginalised groups through economic stability. Based in the Philippines, Coffee for Peace uses coffee production as a tool to address the economic, environmental and peace issues prevalent in conflict-affected communities. Established in 2008, her peace-building missions started around the ritual of gathering over a cup of coffee. “I noticed that they served us coffee,” says Pantoja. “When there’s coffee served, they sit down, they talk more and there’s less fighting – and there’s less death. So coffee can now serve as a vehicle for peace.”

Today, Coffee for Peace provides sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous and migrant groups in rural areas, and has enabled over 880 farmers to escape poverty and build their coffee production capacity. Over 80% of the farmers in the community are women. The company’s focus is on sustainable agriculture, peace and reconciliation between religious groups, environmental protection and entrepreneurship. Coffee for Peace works closely with Business Call to Action, a program of the UNDP.

Mrs Pantoja has said of receiving the Award that “this recognition affirms that inclusive development can be a reality though social enterprise.”

Mrs Pantoja receives the Award for her businessworthy efforts in bringing peace and prosperity to conflict-affected communities in the Philippines. She and her team have built an inspiring social enterprise that empowers marginalised groups from different backgrounds, bringing these groups together while contributing to the sustainable development of the land. Mrs Pantoja demonstrates the significant impact that business can have when used as a vehicle for peace.

“Businesses are the most powerful and influential players. Businesses ought to be mindful of the responsibility to bring economic-ecological justice and harmony among human societies.” – Felicitas ‘Joji’ Bautista Pantoja

Marc Benioff

A 2020 Honouree leading a successful global company while advocating for equality and stakeholder capitalism.

Marc Benioff is Chair, CEO and Founder of Salesforce and a pioneer of cloud computing. He is a member of the World Economic Forum (“WEF”) Board of Trustees, Benioff serves as the inaugural Chair of WEF’s Forum Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco.

Salesforce founded the 1-1-1 or “Pledge 1%” model of corporate philanthropy, which dedicates 1% of Salesforce’s equity, employee time or product back into the communities it serves. This pledge has so far generated more than $280 million, millions of employee volunteer hours, and technology to nonprofits and schools worldwide.

“It is a great honor to be recognised by the Business for Peace Foundation, which recognises that businesses have profound responsibilities to all our stakeholders, including our communities and our planet,” said Marc Benioff, Chair & CEO, Salesforce. “As more companies embrace stakeholder capitalism and commit to meeting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, we see that business is the greatest platform for change.”

Mr Benioff receives the Award for being an outspoken advocate of businessworthy values and leading Salesforce with social responsibility and equality at its core. Mr Benioff is passionate about redefining capitalism to work for all, and ensuring businesses have a positive impact on the societies in which they operate.

James Mwangi

Wednesday, 09 September 2020 09:00

A 2020 Honouree leading one of the most inclusive banks in the world with inclusion at its core.

Dr. James Mwangi is one of Africa’s most renowned entrepreneurs. He is credited with democratizing financial access by giving the unbanked population opportunities for broader economic participation. He has led Equity to become an integrated financial services group operating in 6 African countries with a client base of over 14 million. Mwangi’s ability to merge economic theory to the practical realities of village life enabled him to revolutionise the banking industry in Africa. Today, Equity is one of the most inclusive banks in the world with clients across the socio-economic spectrum including youth and women.

“I dedicate this Award to our staff and to the millions of our customers who have continuously inspired us by trusting and believing in our common purpose and dream, that together we can solve our problems by seeking innovative solutions anchored on shared value and prosperity,” said Mwangi. “I share this award with our micro, small and medium entrepreneurs who wake up every day to create wealth and opportunities for our society. This Award is a great inspiration to all Africans to believe in their dreams and to pursue them with dedication and conviction that together, we can change our continent within our lifetime.”

James Mwangi receives the Award for his businessworthy values in championing financial inclusion for all. The Committee sees him as a shining example of how business leaders can accelerate change and help solve the world’s problems.

Winners see business as a tool for change

Wednesday, 09 September 2020 08:56

More than the bottom line: winners see business as a tool for change

09.09.2020, Oslo – Today, the Business for Peace Foundation announced the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award winners. The Honourees are: Marc Benioff, Co-Founder, Chair and CEO of Salesforce; James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings and Felicitas “Joji” Bautista Pantoja, Co-Founder and CEO of Coffee for Peace.

The Oslo Business for Peace Award is given annually to business leaders, as individuals, for their outstanding businessworthy accomplishments; leaders who apply their business energy ethically and responsibly, creating stronger economic and societal value.

An independent Award Committee of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics has selected the three outstanding leaders to receive the Award this year. This is following a global nomination process through Business for Peace’s partners: International Chamber of Commerce, Principles for Responsible Investment, United Nations Development Program and United Nations Global Compact. Past winners include Paul Polman, Ouided Bouchamaoui, Richard Branson and Durreen Shahnaz. The 2020 winners (Honourees) will be celebrated at the Business for Peace Summit in May 2021.

Each of the 2020 Honourees transformed their businesses, industries and communities through positive change, inspiring other leaders to follow suit. Benioff established the ‘1-1-1 model,’ whereby a company contributes one percent of profits, equity, and employee hours back to the communities it serves. Mwangi enabled 96% of the unbanked population in Kenya opportunities for broader economic participation. Pantoja provided sustainable livelihoods for indigenous and migrant groups in rural areas, enabling over 880 farmers to escape poverty and build their coffee production capacity.

“In a world of various complexities such as globalisation, polarisation and environmental struggles, this year’s Honourees have led by using business as a tool for change. They are role models to society and their peers, have earned stakeholders’ trust, and stand out as advocates,” says Per Saxegaard, Founder of the Business for Peace Foundation. “Through their business activities they have made substantial contributions towards reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 8: helping to achieve sustained, sustainable and inclusive growth and decent work for all.”

“With ten years left until we need to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and at a time when the world is looking for a clear direction, the Business for Peace Honourees show real leadership and the invaluable efforts from the business community,” says Raymond Johansen, Governing Mayor of Oslo. “I am proud that Oslo, for the twelfth year, is hosting the business community’s own award for ethical and sustainable business. It is an example of how to create value for both stakeholders and shareholders.”

About the Honourees

Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO and Co-Founder of Salesforce (United States)

Marc Benioff is Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce and a pioneer of cloud computing. Salesforce is the #1 provider of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software globally. Benioff established the ‘1-1-1 model’ of corporate philanthropy, whereby a company contributes one percent of technology, equity, and employee hours back to the communities it serves. Today, Salesforce is a Fortune 500 company with 54,000 employees and 150,000 customers worldwide. He is an outspoken advocate for business leaders supporting causes such as LGBT rights, education inclusion, wealth reallocation and alleviating homelessness. Benioff is leading a revolution in the tech sector to create a more equal, fair and sustainable way of doing business.

“It is a great honour to be recognised by the Business for Peace Foundation, which recognises that businesses have profound responsibilities to all our stakeholders, including our communities and our planet,” says Benioff. “As more companies embrace stakeholder capitalism and commit to meeting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, we see that business is the greatest platform for change.”

James Mwangi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Equity Group Holdings (Kenya)

Dr James Mwangi is one of Africa’s most renowned entrepreneurs. He is credited with democratising financial access by giving the unbanked population opportunities for broader economic participation. He has led Equity to become an integrated financial services group operating in 6 African countries with a client base of over 14 million. Dr Mwangi’s ability to merge economic theory to the practical realities of village life enabled him to revolutionise the banking industry in Africa. Today, Equity is one of the most inclusive banks in the world with clients across the socio-economic spectrum including youth and women.

“I share this award with our micro, small and medium entrepreneurs who wake up every day to create wealth and opportunities for our society. This Award is a great inspiration to all Africans to believe in their dreams and to pursue them with dedication and conviction that together, we can change our continent within our lifetime.”

Felicitas “Joji” Bautista Pantoja, Co-Founder of Coffee for Peace (Philippines)

Felicitas Pantoja has dedicated her career to building peace in conflict zones and improving the lives of marginalized groups through economic stability. Based in the Philippines, Coffee for Peace uses coffee production as a tool to address the economic, environmental and peace issues prevalent in conflict-affected communities. Today, Coffee for Peace provides sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous and migrant groups in rural areas, enabling over 880 farmers to escape poverty and build their coffee production capacity. The company’s focus is on sustainable agriculture, peace and reconciliation between religious groups, environmental protection and entrepreneurship.

“This recognition brings hope. It affirms the dreams and aspirations of our small farming partners, micro-enterprise partners, impact investors, and employees that there are respectable people in the business world who believe in and serve as ‘cheerleaders’ for us who struggle for economic justice.

This recognition affirms that inclusive development can be a reality through social enterprise,” says Pantoja.

COVID-19 update: a letter from Marius

Tuesday, 24 March 2020 14:00

Dear Friends,

Like you, our team is adapting to a new mode of daily life in this global crisis. I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well.

I know that you are receiving many newsletters these days. I wanted to update you on Business for Peace’s plans and ask for you to join us in leading a united businessworthy response to the challenges we are all facing.

We will not be convening the Business for Peace Summit this 13-14 May in Oslo as originally planned. We hope to be able to gather with you in-person again soon, but none of us know exactly when this pandemic will be over. As soon as our new plans start to take shape, we will be in touch. We are also delaying the announcement of the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award recipients. Our Award Committee has selected exceptional leaders to receive the award this year and we look forward to telling you about them in due time and celebrating them at our next Summit.

Now more than ever, businessworthy leadership is required. The impact of this pandemic is unprecedented, affecting our health, lives, businesses and economies. The global business community must stand behind the efforts of governments and the World Health Organisation to manage the pandemic and re-build our societies and economies afterwards. I know this is an extremely challenging time for many businesses but it is also a time when we must stand by our values and support our employees, neighbours and the most vulnerable. Let us show determination, collaboration, solidarity and generosity.

Over the coming weeks and months, our team will connect with you online as we all get through this together.

Wishing you all the best.

Marius Døcker

Award Committee meets to select 2020 winners

Friday, 14 February 2020 11:11

It was a businessworthy day in New York City on Monday. The 2020 gathering of our esteemed Award Committee members was a successful one.

After a hard day of discussion and reviewing many inspiring candidates, the Nobel Laureates in peace and economics have chosen this year’s winners of the Oslo Business for Peace Award.

The Oslo Business for Peace Award Committee works independently of the Foundation when assessing nominated candidates. Each year, candidates are nominated through our global partners: International Chamber of Commerce, Principles for Responsible Investment, United Nations Global Compact, and United Nations Development Programme. The decision of the Committee members is final.

Our Award Committee consists of Nobel prize winners in Economics and Peace, including one who has also received our Award.

Finn Kydland, member since 2014, is the winner of the Sveriges Riksbanks Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2004. He is also the Henley Professor of Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Ouided Bouchamaoui, member since 2016, is the President of The Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), and Business for Peace Honouree in 2014. UTICA is one of the four organisations that make up the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015.

Eric S. Maskin, member since 2017, is the Adams University Professor at Harvard. In 2007, he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics (with L. Hurwicz and R. Myerson) for laying the foundations of mechanism design theory.

Leymah Gbowee, member since 2014, is a Peace Activist and Winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.

The Committee bases their decision based on the Award criteria: being a role model to society and their peers, standing out as an advocate, and having earned the trust of stakeholders.

An announcement revealing who the 2020 Honourees are will take place in March.

What does it mean to be businessworthy?

We asked our Award Committee members what it means to them to employ businessworthy behaviour in business leadership.

“The ability to a run successful business…but at the same time contributes to society in a bigger way.” -Eric Maskin

“It’s showing that the business community is involved in social and environmental matters, and also that we are concerned about the change happened.” -Ouided Bouchamaoui

“Doing business but with more emphasis on what the activities do for society.” -Finn Kydland

See the full video here:

2019 Summit Recap

Tuesday, 06 August 2019 12:04

Were you unable to join us for this year’s Business for Peace Summit? Look back on our conference, Navigating in a World of Imbalance, check out our photo album and watch highlights from the Summit’s landmark events below:

View a playlist of the top panels and talks held at our conference, Navigating in a World of Imbalance below:

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Summit in Oslo, Norway!

2019 Summit Report now available

Monday, 05 August 2019 16:59

The 2019 Business for Peace Summit brought together business leaders, investors, politicians, academics, and civil society to discuss the role businesses can play in driving an inclusive and prosperous future for all. By exploring different perspectives of imbalances and the role of technology and investment, participants identified tangible actions for business leaders through cross-sector conversations and dialogue.

The Summit report, prepared in collaboration with Deloitte, covers how businesses can shift their priorities to focus on broader value creation- not just for shareholders, but also for society. By optimising societal value instead of only financial returns, businesses can deliver better on their responsibility to society and also profit at the same time.

See key insights from Summit speakers such as Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme, John Denton, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce, and Tim O’Reilly, CEO and Chairman, O’Reilly Media are featured alongside other thought leaders. Case studies from companies across the world add further insight and a special message from Nobel Peace Laureate, Ouided Bouchamaoui, is also included.

Category: The Award