New York, NY, November 2, 2023 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) will honor Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen with the IRC Freedom Award on November 2, 2023.
Amartya Sen is a pioneer in the field of development economics, a world-renowned economist, philosopher, and human rights activist, and currently holds the esteemed position of Lamont University Professor at Harvard University. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998 for his landmark work on social choice, welfare distributions, and poverty. He has also been a leading voice in the fight for human rights and social justice. His work, encompassing 20 books and translated into over 30 languages, has significantly improved the lives of millions.
The IRC’s Freedom Award is awarded annually to individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in support of the global refugee crisis and saving and improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations around the world.
David Miliband, President & CEO of the IRC, said:
“Amartya Sen is the right recipient of the Freedom Award in this special year, his 90 birthday and the IRC’s 90th year. Amartya has a human touch. He believes that people make their own history and is dedicated to transforming how we meet record humanitarian needs. Amartya doesn't help us at the IRC understand why the world is as it is today, he illuminates a path to help change the world. We are proud to honor and thank him for his extraordinary contributions.”