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CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973
Carol Bellamy Receives Légion d’Honneur in Paris Ceremony
Bellamy receives honor for her work at UNICEF championing the rights of children.
BRATTLEBORO, VT (April 7, 2009) -- On April 7, World Learning President & CEO Carol Bellamy received the Légion d'honneur at a ceremony in Paris. France's highest decoration was bestowed upon Ms. Bellamy for her decade of work as the executive director of UNICEF. She received the honor alongside Rima Salah, the former deputy executive director.
The award was presented by Alain Joyandet, France's Secretary of State for Cooperation and the French-speaking world. France's oldest and highest distinction, the Légion d'honneur is awarded to outstanding individuals who have contributed to France and to the ideals it upholds. It was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in May 1802 and first bestowed on 15 July 1804. Originally restricted to French nationals, membership in the Légion has been opened to foreign nationals in more recent years.
"The Légion d'honneur is a recognition of the intense and tireless contribution to the work you have done over the years spent at the head of UNICEF to fight discrimination against children and advocate for the recognition of their rights," said Mr. Joyandet. "The Government of France would like to pay tribute to the immense efforts that Ms. Bellamy and Ms. Salah have made to children during their tenure in office but also beyond it, and to their commitment to the cause of children all over the world."
Prior to assuming leadership of World Learning in 2005, Carol Bellamy spent 10 years as the head of UNICEF, focusing on five priorities: immunizing every child; getting all girls and boys into school (and ensuring that all schools offer quality basic education); reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and its impact on young children; fighting for the protection of children from violence and exploitation; and introducing early childhood programs in every country.
"Being at the head of UNICEF was an honour and a privilege, and I can think of no work that is more vital to humanity than working to ensure that children everywhere survive their early years and grow up with health, dignity and peace," said Ms. Bellamy upon receiving the honor. "It is on behalf of all the children around the world, that I accept this award with deep appreciation."
In photo from left to right: Jacques Hintzy, President of UNICEF France, Carol Bellamy, President & CEO of World Learning, Alain Joyandet, France's Secretary of State for Cooperation and the French-speaking world, and Rima Salah, former deputy executive director, UNICEF; currently Special Representative to the Secretary-General to Chad.
World Learning works globally to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, institutions, and communities to create a more peaceful and just world through education, training and exchange programs.
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