On April 22, finalists of the first Human Development Award of Latvia (HDA) were announced. The goal of this award is to honor the people and organizations who work to promote human development and prosperity of Latvia’s people.
 
Overall 58 nominations were received from across Latvia. The following finalists in four categories were selected by the panel of Jury:

1. Social Responsibility Award: Māris Ceirulis, Cemex Iespēju fonds, Nordea Bank AB Latvia branch, Foundation „Ziedot”.
2. Outstanding Commitment to Education Award: Association „Youth Consultations” (Jauniešu konsultācijas), Latvian Dyslexia Association, Program „Mission Possible” („Iespējamā Misija”) and Foundation „Vitols Fund”.
3. Exemplary Contribution to Health and Well-Being Award: Health and social service „Artemis” (Veselības un sociālais serviss „Artemīda”) and the Project for parents „Mommies’ club” of SIA „Lietišķās kreativitātes grupa” (Māmiņu klubs).
4. The Future of Latvia Award: Gunārs Ikaunieks, Aija Tūna and Helena Marija Vipase.

Nominees’ accomplishments were evaluated by the jury of recognized experts, representing both partner organizations and representatives from Latvian society. Entries were evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Impact: Demonstrable impact on society.
• Sustainability: Sustainable development.
• Innovation: Innovative, creative and original approaches.
• Inspiration – Actions serving as a model of practice for others.

Latvian citizens, companies and organizations registered in Latvia were eligible to be nominated for the award.

The winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony and Dinner on May 24 at 6 pm at the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija.

The winners of the Human Development Award contest will receive a sculpture "Sprout" made by the artist Olga Silova. A stylized figure of a young female human is associated with spring - fragile, yet full of energy, vigorous, attentive and modest. According to the artist, the concept was based on the human development as a process of maturation, growth, life-long education, health, well-being and retention of the spirit of youth.  

The winners will also receive other special prizes by the program sponsors. Joining as keynote speakers will be Prime Minister of Latvia Laimdota Straujuma, the U.S. Ambassador Mark Pekala and Development Economist and Fellow of the UN Research Institute for Social Development Gabriele Koehler.

AmCham, together with the United States Embassy in Latvia, Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) and Civic Alliance of Latvia, holds the Human Development Award program to honor inspirational people and social responsibility practices of Latvian businesses and non-profit organizations. The purpose of the Award is to promote human development and prosperity of Latvia’s people.

More information on the Human Development Award is available here.

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