Félix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize: First Lady Dominique Ouattara attends the event alongside the President of the Republic 

Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, hosted the award ceremony for the prestigious Felix Houphouët-Boigny-UNESCO Peace Prize on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The event was held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire, in the presence of numerous personalities, including the President of the Republic, H.E.M. Alassane Ouattara, and the First Lady, Madame Dominique Ouattara.

The 2024 edition of the Prize crowned Mr. António Luís Santos da Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, hailed for his commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development. His exemplary action was recognized as a model of responsible governance and promotion of the universal values cherished by UNESCO. In addition, two children from the First Lady’s reception center, together with international football player Max Alain Gradel, presented two official shirts of the Ivorian national soccer team and the CAN 2023 ball.

A special prize was also awarded to Fundación AZÚCAR, headed by Sonia Viveros. This organization was singled out for its outstanding work in favor of the rights of Afro-descendants, thus contributing to the construction of a more fair and inclusive world.

An event dedicated to peace and culture

 In addition, the President of the Republic decided to honor Mrs Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, for her contribution to the promotion of the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Prize. She was thus elevated to the rank of Commander of the National Order of Côte d’Ivoire.

The ceremony was punctuated by keynote speeches, addressing contemporary challenges to peace and international dialogue, and artistic performances, illustrating the essential role of culture as a vector for bringing peoples together and promoting a culture of peace.

With this award, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to a world founded on tolerance, cooperation and mutual respect. This event will bring together leading figures in peace and international dialogue to celebrate these exemplary commitments.

Created in 1989, this prize rewards personalities, institutions or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the promotion, research and preservation of peace, in accordance with UNESCO’s values and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Mr. António Luís Santos da Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, has donated his prize to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In October 2024, President Alassane Ouattara was designated Patron of the Felix Houphouët-Boigny-UNESCO Peace Prize.