On Friday, December 14 the Civic Alliance of Latvia together with AmCham Latvia and the U.S. Embassy in Latvia held the fifth Human Development Awards ceremony at at the Altum conference room, Doma Laukums 4. 

The following winners in four categories were announced:

• In the category "Social Responsibility Award" - Marika Ģederte, the founder of the International Cosmetology College, patroness of the Children's Palliative Care Society.
• In the category "Outstanding Commitment to Education Award" - Anna Kupre, Deputy Director in Galenu Elementary School.
• In the category "Exemplary Contribution to Health and Well-Being Award" - The Children's Hospital Foundation.
• In the category "The Future of Latvia Award": organization "Krāslava Mommy's Club".|

"The Human Development Award recognizes the contributions of Latvian people and organizations making a positive difference in their communities," said Nancy Bikoff Pettit, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia. "The United States Embassy is proud to partner with Civic Alliance and the American Chamber of Commerce to acknowledge the amazing work being done across the country to better the lives of Latvians. I am inspired by the efforts of these remarkable nominees and I am pleased that through the Human Development Awards, we are able to share their stories and honor their exceptional efforts."

The Civic Alliance of Latvia, the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (AmCham Latvia) and the U.S. Embassy in Latvia holds the Human Development Award to honor inspirational people, businesses and organizations of Latvia who have significantly contributed to human development. The award aims at promoting initiatives that reduce inequality, foster social responsibility, enhance education, health and well-being of the Latvian people and the future development of Latvia. The Patron of the Human Development Award is President of Latvia, HE Raimonds Vējonis.

"The health, education and well-being of the people of Latvia have been at the core of this award and we, as a member driven organization, urge decision makers to improve these areas as they are crucial for Latvia's further development and growth. People are the greatest wealth of our country, therefore, we are calling for the strengthening of the people by reducing inequalities and by implementing complex but necessary reforms. When, after the suggestion of our members, we launched the award five years ago, our goal was to highlight human development in response to the negative demographic challenges. Over the past years, we have learned about countless outstanding - both large and small - initiatives, carried out every day by people across Latvia, and we are delighted and proud of their dedication, care and determination with which they respond to the call to improve the environment around them and making the lives of themselves and those around them better. On behalf of our members, I am grateful for being able to participate in this movement, which rewards and encourages new social responsibility initiatives. Congratulations to the past and present winners of the award, many thanks to all nominees, members of the jury, supporters and partners!", emphasized Arnis Kākulis, AmCham President.

The winners received a sculpture "Sprout" made by the artist Olga Silova and other special prizes by the program sponsors.

The Human Development Awards ceremony 2018 would not be possible without generous sponsors: Abbvie, Altum, Hamid Ladjevardi and family and Maxima.

For additional information about the Human Development Award, please visit: www.humandevelopment.lv

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