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Tony Blair awarded Liberty Medal for “steadfast commitment to conflict resolution"
Tuesday, Sep 14, 2010 in Office of Tony Blair
Tony Blair has tonight received the 2010 Liberty Medal for his commitment to international conflict resolution.
Former US president Bill Clinton gave Quartet Representative Tony Blair the medal today at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia, which presents the annual award to those striving to bring liberty to people around the world.
Tony Blair was chosen as this year’s recipient for his central role in the Northern Ireland peace process as Prime Minister as well as his continued work as Quartet Representative to the Middle East.
During his acceptance speech, Tony Blair told the 2,000 strong audience that “to be free is to be responsible for the freedom of others.”
Ahead of the event, President Clinton said:
"It was a privilege to work with my friend Tony Blair to help end 30 years of sectarian violence and broker a lasting peace in Northern Ireland, to stop the killing in and mass exodus from Kosovo, and to develop policies that would improve living conditions for people in both our countries."
The work of Tony Blair’s two main charities was also recognised in the ceremony, which was also attended by Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia. Those two charities, the Tony Blair Faith Foundation and the Africa Governance Initiative, will share the $100,000 prize money that comes with the annual Award.
The ceremony featured tributes from 2007 medal recipient Bono as well as President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone.