This year the ceremony will be held in Rome, at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The ceremony will celebrate winners and finalists of this prestigious award that has seen over 5000 nominations from 190 countries. It features an exceptional panel of judges, whose ranks include government representatives, creatives and sustainable business leaders. Among them will be mental health blogger Gemma Styles, Global CEO, Fairtrade International, Sandera Uwera Murasa, and Canon Ambassador and Founder of Everyday Refugees Foundation Muhammed Muheisen.
Muhammed will take to the stage to spotlight the 2023 honourable mention for, Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba, in recognition of their work with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and international finance institution and specialised agency of the United Nations that works to address poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. Sabrina Dhowre Elba will attend the awards ceremony.
As part of the finalist engagement programme the UN is orgnaising in the run up to the ceremony, Canon will run a special ‘Leadership in Storytelling’ edition of the Canon Young People Programme. The programme has taken place in over 27 countries and was delivered earlier this year at the United Nations Least Developed Countries conference (LDC5) in Doha.
During the Leadership in storytelling workshop, Muhammed will share his journey and societal impact achievements. He’ll welcome finalists from organisations including Brazilian Young Parliament, World Cleanup Day and ImpactHER, supporting and inspiring them to deepen their engagement with young people through personal storytelling – by sharing their journeys, showcasing their achievements and inspiring others to take action.
Muhammed is a Jordanian national born in Jerusalem, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, as well a recipient of the 2023 National Geographic Wayfinder Award.
Since 2001 Muhammed has documented major events around the world, in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA and for over a decade and a half he has been documenting the refugee crises in different parts of the world.
“Photography is all about capturing moments in time, for the current and coming generations to learn from, to be inspired and motivated by and most important to make a difference. In my workshop with the eight finalist groups, I will be highlighting the importance of documentation, the ethics and credibility, and how nothing is impossible if we work hard, believe in ourselves and follow our hearts. Also looking forward to hand an honourable mention award to an inspiring couple who are making a real difference on the ground, Mrs. Sabrina Dhowre Elba and Mr. Idris Elba.”- Muhammed Muheisen, Canon Ambassador and the founder of Everyday Refugees Foundation.
Participants will be working with Canon R6 cameras with mentors from the Canon EMEA sustainability team and invited to create images inspired by the four award categories: mobilize, changemaker, inspire, connect. A selection of images will be used to highlight the journeys of the finalists and their leading initiatives, which have a focus on youth engagement and environmental sustainability, to inspire others to make positive change.
“Canon works in accordance with the guiding principles drawn up by the United Nations, and is honored to support this great project for the eight finalist groups with the narrative power of EOS R system technology alongside guidance and inspiration from Muhammed Muheisen, an incredible Ambassador and role model for young people.– Adam Pensotti, Head of Canon EMEA Young People Programme and Social Initiatives