This World Humanitarian Day, Join Us to Honor Those Who Help Others

The Gratitude in Action newsletter is designed to keep the Aurora community informed and connected with our progress. As we continue to support modern-day heroes who protect the lives of those in need worldwide, our global movement keeps growing, maximizing our impact. Join us on August 19, World Humanitarian Day, for a discussion on the future of humanitarian aid. Scroll down for more details on that and other important updates.

Aurora Dialogues Online on August 19 will commemorate World Humanitarian Day, a day dedicated to honoring humanitarian efforts worldwide and recognizing the courage and commitment of those who dedicate themselves to helping others, often in the face of danger and adversity. The upcoming event will offer valuable insights from leading figures in the humanitarian sector and a meaningful dialogue on the future of humanitarian aid. Join us to gain knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the critical issues at hand.

On May 9, 2024, over 300 guests gathered in Los Angeles, California, for the 2024 Aurora Prize Ceremony and Gratitude Dinner, which featured addresses by Noubar Afeyan , Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative; Joe Manganiello, actor and producer; Lord Ara Darzi , Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee, and many others. During the event, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc premiered his new anthem, “SHINE,” inspired by the courage of modern-day heroes who fight for justice and humanity.

Earlier that day, The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law at University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative jointly hosted a Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum to bring attention to some of the most alarming global trends and to promote promising solutions. During the Forum, Zeid bin Ra’ad al Hussein, President & CEO of the International Peace Institute (IPI) , member of The Elders Foundation , and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2014–2018), delivered a keynote address focusing on the overview of human rights and humanitarian challenges facing the globe today, touching upon democracy decline and his work on a global pandemic treaty.

Nominate a hero today and help us shine a light on those making a world of difference through their incredible acts of kindness and courage!

In the course of the panel held during the Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum, panelists discussed the most pressing problems posed by global warming and other environmental challenges and answered questions from the audience. You can find out more about the conversation here.

The Aurora Dialogues Online discussion was held on July 16, 2024 and featured Julienne Lusenge , 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate, Co-Founder and President of Women’s Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development (SOFEPADI), and Co-Founder of The Fund for Congolese Women (FFC); Nelson Castro , Director of Global Network & Regional Engagement at Vital Voices ; Pauline Kahuubire, Communications Officer at The Women’s Situation Room Uganda; Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); and sandrine LUSAMBA , Executive Coordinator of Women’s Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development SOFEPADI ONG . The conversation was moderated by Nozipho Tshabalala , CEO of The Conversation Strategists.