11 December, Malta
The founder of the International Ocean Institute, Elisabeth Mann Borgese passed away in February 2002. She was a champion of and a firm believer in the United Nations and what it represented in terms of justice in different aspects of governance, in particular the Oceans and the environment. One of her great achievements was her struggle for the recognition of the principle of the Common Heritage of Mankind by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. She was instrumental in encouraging world leaders to rethink our relationship with the oceans and our management of marine resources. She became known to the ocean community, the underprivileged and marginalized coastal communities as the Mother of the Oceans. She inspired millions to have a world view of the Oceans that was landward looking and thus caring for the people and communities in coastal villages.
In her memory the Board of Governance of IOI awards the Elisabeth Mann Borgese Medal to recognise outstanding actions in favour of our global oceans. On the 11th of December the Elisabeth Mann Borgese Medal was awarded to Dr Awni Behnam, Honorary President, International Ocean Institute.
In appreciation of a career-long and ongoing dedication to strengthening the IOI and carrying forward the vision and legacy entrusted to him personally by IOI founder Elisabeth Mann Borgese. This medal recognises his distinguished leadership as President, and later Honorary President of the IOI, and his pivotal role in guiding the Institute through a period of renewal and global expansion. It honours his profound impact on generations of ocean leaders mentored through IOI Ocean Governance Training Programmes, and in the establishment of the IOI Ocean Academy. It acknowledges his contribution to developing the principles of a sustainable Blue Economy, his distinguished service within the United Nations, and especially, his unwavering dedication to ensuring that the IOI remains a living, evolving institution dedicated to peace, equity and responsible ocean governance, remaining true to the legacy of Elisabeth Mann Borgese.
Other distinguished recipients of the IOI’s EMB Medal include:
- Kofi A. Annan, H.E. the United Nations Secretary General (2005)
- President Emeritus of Malta, Prof. Guido De Marco (2007)
- Ambassador Tuiloma Neroni Slade (2008)
- Joseph Borg fmr European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (2006)
- Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindorn (2013)
- Ban Ki-moon, H.E. the United Nations Secretary General (2015)
- Karmenu Vella, fmr European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (2019)