Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Jennifer Chait (212) 788-8479
The presentation was made at The Waldorf-Astoria where international dignitaries attended an all-day conference on "Humanitarian Aid Challenges in the New Millennium," sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
"I am pleased to welcome President Bush, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the many national and international humanitarians to New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "As the Capital of the World, New York City is proud to host today's important conference that provides a forum for doctors, government leaders and philanthropists to discuss the far-reaching issues surrounding humanitarian aid, as well as to present this year's 1998 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize."
The Mayor continued, "The 1998 award honors the work of Doctors Without Borders, a wonderful, life-saving organization created 27 years ago by a small, idealistic group of doctors. Today, it is one of the most important and influential international voluntary organizations, active in more than 80 countries. The organization is a role model, whose tireless work to alleviate the suffering of people throughout the world is an inspiration to us all."
"It is also a great privilege to once again welcome President Bush to New York City. His strong vision, dedication to public service and effective leadership helped America become a stronger, more united and more stable nation," the Mayor concluded.
President George Bush said, "The significance of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize cannot be overstated. The prestigious award for Doctors Without Borders acknowledges the often unheralded volunteers who put their careers on hold and often their lives on the line to make the world a better place for all of humanity." The Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize was created in 1996 to recognize and advance the efforts of a voluntary, charitable or non-governmental organization that has made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering. An international seven-member panel selected Doctors Without Borders from more than 200 nominated organizations.
Established in 1971, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières was established by a small group of French doctors determined to respond rapidly and effectively to public health emergencies with complete independence from political, religious and economic powers. Active in more than 80 countries, its volunteers perform surgery, establish primary health care systems, rehabilitate hospitals, implement nutrition and sanitation programs, carry out immunization campaigns, combat epidemics, and train local medical personnel.