Former President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga,
Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear colleagues, and friends,
It is my profound honour and pleasure to present the WHO Director-General’s Award to Dr Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga.
Dr Vīķe-Freiberga is a visionary leader whose contributions to global health and diplomacy have left an indelible mark on our world.
She is celebrated not only as the first female President of Latvia, but also as a tireless advocate for peace, equity, and human rights.
Today, we celebrate her extraordinary achievements in health and well-being, particularly her work to advance mental health, gender equity, and the rights of vulnerable communities worldwide.
As a distinguished academic, policy-maker, and advocate, Vaira has long recognized that health is not just the absence of disease, but a fundamental cornerstone of human dignity.
She has advanced this understanding through her leadership roles in numerous international organizations, including as Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre.
In this role, she has been a force for fostering dialogue across cultures and championing the values of tolerance, justice, and solidarity – principles that are critical to our shared mission of improving global health.
Her advocacy has also emphasized the importance of mental health and its integration into public health policies long before it became a global priority.
Dr Vīķe-Freiberga has always used her platform to connect the dots between health, social justice, and sustainable development, making it clear that global health cannot be achieved without addressing the broader societal factors that impact well-being.
Vaira, your work inspires us all. On behalf of the World Health Organization, it is with deep respect and gratitude that I present you with this prestigious award – not only for the remarkable achievements you’ve made, but for the ongoing legacy of leadership and compassion that continues to guide us all.
Thank you – and congratulations.