DAVOS: Three international celebrities on Monday picked up awards in Davos as the annual World Economic Forum meeting got underway.
The 24th Annual Crystal Awards celebrates the achievements of outstanding artists who have shown a commitment to improving the state of the world.
Actor Cate Blanchett was honored for her leadership in raising awareness of the refugee crisis. She told the audience that nowhere is the fractured world more humanly embodied than in the refugee.
Blanchett was appointed a UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016, in recognition of her commitment to refugees, and has lent her voice and influence to raising awareness, advocating and fundraising for the UNHCR.
Indian film actor Shah Rukh Khan was awarded for his leadership in championing children’s and women’s rights in India. The star is the founder of the non‐profit Meer Foundation, which provides support to female victims of acid attacks and major burn injuries through medical treatment, legal aid, vocational training, rehabilitation and livelihood support.
The third awardee was musician Elton John, for his leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS. He urged participants to use their sense of human connection to change the world. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), which has raised more than $400 million to date.
The World Economic Forum’s 48th Annual Meeting in Davos is being held under the theme of “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.”
