The Human Act Award
In 2020, UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared a Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals, calling for urgent efforts at every level, global, local, and individual.
In response, Human Act launched the Human Act Award to stand in solidarity with this call and promote meaningful action.
Since then, the Human Act Award has recognized passionate changemakers addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
It is presented to individuals or organizations demonstrating visionary, courageous, and creative leadership in advancing the SDGs.
Awarded annually until 2030, the prize includes a bronze sculpture by Danish artist Asmund Havsteen-Mikkelsen. Winners are announced each year on International Mother Earth Day, April 22nd.
See the previous winners of the award below.
Human Act Award 2025
The Human Act Award for 2025 has been awarded to Gary Stevenson, whose mission is to reduce inequality and raise awareness. Growing up in poverty in East London and later becoming a millionaire trader at Citibank, Gary witnessed how the rich get richer while the rest fall behind. He has dedicated all his media efforts to explaining complex economic concepts and informing the public about issues like poverty and inequality, all at no cost.
“Without the public support, how else do we do it? Because the rich are gonna fight it, if the public are not going to fight their side, then we won’t get it. Let’s keep going together to try to build a fair tax system, reduce inequality, and fix this economic mess,” says Gary Stevenson, British economic activist.
Meet Gary Stevenson
Human Act Award 2024
The 2024 Human Act Award has been presented to Tim Whyte for his exceptional dedication as Secretary-General of ActionAid Denmark and his courageous stance against the Danish state. “His tireless efforts for global solidarity and the fight for justice mean he deserves this recognition,” says Djaffar Shalchi, founder of Human Act.
“I am honored and grateful to receive the Human Act Award. I am especially pleased that the award recognizes work that involves many others, namely the lawsuit against the Danish state over weapons exports to Israel. Many of us have been engaged over the past months in defending civilian lives and guarding international law and human rights. If I have learned anything during this difficult time, it is that the best antidote to discouragement is engagement with others, and that is something that the Human Act Award has recognized for several years,” says Tim Whyte, Secretary-General at ActionAid Denmark.
Meet Tim Whyte
Human Act Award 2022
The Human Act Award for 2022 has been awarded to Marlene Engelhorn for her incredible and relentless approach to working towards wealth tax in German-speaking Europe.
“Tax justice means redistribution of wealth in a transparent and democratic way. Everyone relies on those around them. In a society, this translates to the fact that there is no wealth without societies that generate and secure it. The most democratic thing we can do is pay fair taxes in order to share the wealth we create together. Human Act is taking this seriously, which is why they also advocate for tax justice via the initiative Millionaires for Humanity.”
Picture by: © Ulrich Palzer
Meet Marlene Engelhorn
Human Act Award 2021
Sikandar Malik Siddique received the Human Act Award in 2021 in recognition of Siddique’s targeted efforts against inequality, racism, discrimination, and climate change in Denmark.
Sikandar Siddique is 38 years old, born and raised in Nørrebro in Copenhagen. He was elected to the Danish Parliament in 2019.
“I am proud to present Sikandar Siddique with our annual award. He is a role model for a diverse Denmark and a strong voice in the debate on inequality, climate, and Danish democracy,” says Djaffar Shalchi, founder of Human Act.
Meet Sikandar Malik Siddique
Human Act Award 2020
The Human Act Award of 2020 was awarded to Greta Thunberg, through the Greta Thunberg Foundation, for her fearless and determined efforts to mobilize millions of people around the world to fight climate change.
“Like the climate crisis, the Corona pandemic is a child-rights crisis. It will affect all children, now and in the long term, but vulnerable groups will be impacted the most. I’m asking everyone to step up and join us in support of UNICEF’s vital work to save children’s lives, to protect health, and continue education,” says Greta Thunberg.
Meet Greta ThunbergFollow Our Journey Through Our Blog
Here you can read our thoughts and views on inequality.
