Human Act Award 2024

Tim Whyte, Secretary-General at ActionAid Denmark, received the 2024 Human Act Award, an award that Human Act annually awards to a change maker who makes a special difference in advancing the UN’s 17 SDGs.

Tim Whyte

The Human Act Award 2024 was presented to Tim Whyte, Secretary-General of ActionAid Denmark, in recognition of his exceptional efforts to promote global solidarity and justice, particularly with the war between Israel and Palestine.

“Tim received this year’s Human Act Award for his exceptional dedication in his role 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 meant he deserved this recognition”, said Djaffar Shalchi, founder of Human Act.

The Fight for Peace and Justice

Human Act especially recognized Tim Whyte’s crucial role in initiating the legal battle against the Danish government over illegal arms sales to Israel. In a joint effort by ActionAid Denmark, Amnesty International, and Oxfam Denmark, the three organizations filed a lawsuit against the Danish state for its involvement in these sales.

“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.

Tim Whyte embodied the spirit of the Human Act Award, representing the ideals of visionary leadership, courage, and a strong commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The award was given to pioneers who made outstanding efforts to advance the 17 SDGs. In a year marked by major conflicts in both Palestine and Ukraine, particular attention was given to Goal 16, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, an area where Tim Whyte’s work had a profound impact.

The prize is awarded annually until 2030 and consists of a bronze sculpture by the Danish artist Asmund Havsteen-Mikkelsen.