In News:

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024, recognising her global contributions to human rights, social justice and inclusive governance.

About the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

• Instituted:1986, in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
• Instituted by: Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust
• Official Name:Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
• Nature: Annual international award
• Eligibility: Individuals or organisationsirrespective of nationality, race or religion
• Award Components:
  • ?25 lakh cash prize
  • Citation

Objectives of the Award

The prize recognisescreative and sustained efforts towards:

• Promotion of international peace, disarmament, racial equality, and harmony among nations
• Strengthening economic cooperation and a new international economic order
• Accelerating the all-round development of developing countries
• Using science and modern knowledge for the larger good of humanity
• Expanding freedom, human dignity and the human spirit

Why Michelle Bachelet was Awarded

• Political Leadership: Two-time President of Chile (2006–10, 2014–18); first woman to hold the office
• Global Human Rights Role: Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and first Director of UN Women
• Domestic Reforms in Chile:
  • Education and tax reforms
  • Establishment of the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality
  • Creation of the National Institute for Human Rights and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights
  • Promotion of women’s political participation and LGBTQ rights
• Global Standing: Known for advocacy on civil liberties, democratic values and protection of vulnerable groups

Select Past Recipients

• 1987: Mikhail Gorbachev
• 1989: UNICEF
• 1997: Jimmy Carter
• 2003: United Nations & Kofi Annan
• 2013: Angela Merkel
• 2014: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• 2017: Manmohan Singh
• 2019: Sir David Attenborough
• 2021: Pratham NGO
• 2022: Indian Medical Association & Trained Nurses Association of India
• 2023: Daniel Barenboim & Ali Abu Awwad