(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Gusi Peace Prize International, an award-giving body which celebrates achievers and peacemakers around the world, hopes to see more laureates from the MENA region in the coming years, says chairman and founder Barry Gusi.
Established 15 years ago in the Philippines, the Prize has recognised more than 200 individuals and groups who have contributed to global peace and progress. Last year, Ali Hamad Efaifa became the first Qatari recipient of the award for his work on 'Poverty alleviation and job creation.” He joins the ranks of a few laureates from the region including those from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Sudan.
'We expect more recipients of the Prize from the Arab world, after all, the Middle East plays a crucial role in Asian and global economy,” Gusi, who was on a four-day visit to Qatar, told The Peninsula.
He met with a number of officials and VIPs, who, he said, vowed to work together with the foundation to give due recognition to the region";s figures who have greatly contributed to peace and progress.
The prize, Gusi stressed, has taken more relevance in the region amid turbulence and chaos being witnessed in countries like Syria.
'The Middle East, despite its growing economy, needs peace. There should be peace in Syria. They should stop the atrocities because it is the young people who are tremendously suffering today,” he said.
Gusi is visiting several countries in the region 'for the nomination of Arabs who will be receiving the Gusi Peace Prize for 2016 and at the same time to work for the Gusi Peace Prize International to advocate peace in the Middle East.”
'I met with some Qataris including Ali Hamad Efaifa, the first Qatari Gusi Peace Prize laureate who was able to assist me to work on the values of friendship and peace, not only among Arabs but also Asians working here, particularly my compatriots the Filipinos.”
His message to fellow Filipinos in Qatar, 'We are lucky that many of our countrymen are here. Work with sincerity. Love everyone. Respect the host country because it helps our economy by providing us jobs. Avoid trouble. Be compassionate and kind to all living here.”
The Prize was established as a foundation inspired by Gusi";s father who was a World War II guerilla and a human rights advocate. It is given to achievers in categories such as academics, scientific research, physics, journalism, philanthropy, performing arts, politics, poverty alleviation and literature, among others. This year, two nominees come from the MENA region— Abdullah Mohammad Al Mullah (Economic Development) from the UAE and Sheikh Abdullah Al Badri (Social Services) from Sudan.
The Peninsula