Raed El-Khadem, Consul at the Embassy of Lebaon, Minister Baroud and Zeinab Abdelkarim.
The 2010 IFES’ Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards were presented last night at a widely-attended fundraising dinner at the Mayflower hotel. Representative David Obey (D-WI), former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator M. Peter McPherson, and Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud received the award and spoke about the importance of fostering democracy.
The Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards are given every year to three individuals, one Republican, one Democrat and a member of the international community to emphasize IFES’ belief that the work of empowering people transcends political parties and national borders. The Award pays tribute to outstanding men and women that share a common commitment to freedom and democracy, much like Ambassador Manatt.
This year’s recipients have made gigantic contributions to democracy around the world. David Obey, a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin since 1969, has proven to be a friend of democracy by supporting and funding democracy assistance groups globally, particularly in the developing world, as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
M. Peter McPherson has promoted democratic values through the many high-profile public positions he has held. Among these are special assistant to President Gerald Ford, head of USAID under President Ronald Reagan, president of Michigan State University from 1993 to 2004, and, currently as President of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
Ziad Baroud, a longtime lawyer and prominent civil society activist who currently serves as Lebanon’s Minister of Interior and Municipalities, has dedicated his life to civil society and government service. Mr. Baroud is recognized worldwide for his significant contribution to enhancing the electoral process in his country.
The awards were presented by IFES Chairman Peter G. Kelly, IFES Vice-Chairman Bill Hybl, and IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney. The dinner was co-chaired by Donald R. Sweitzer and the Honorable Robert L. Livingston.