Each year, the Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards salutes an exemplary group of individuals who have contributed to the Council’s mission of shaping the global future together.

2023 Honorees:
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Distinguished International Leadership Award
Director-General, World Trade Organization

Introduced by American University President Sylvia Mathews Burwell

The Hon. Avril Haines
Distinguished International Leadership Award
Director of National Intelligence, United States Office of the Director of National Intelligence

Introduced by Atlantic Council Chairman of the International Advisory Board Stephen J. Hadley

Adena T. Friedman
Distinguished Business Leadership Award
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Nasdaq, Inc.

Introduced by Co-Chair and Co-Founder of The Carlyle Group David M. Rubenstein

Gen. Laura J. Richardson
Distinguished Military Leadership Award
Commander, US Southern Command

Introduced by Atlantic Council Executive Vice Chair Adrienne Arsht

The Women and Girls of Iran
Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award

Introduced by Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security Ambassador Melanne Verveer

Accepted by

Dr. Mahnaz Afkhami
President & CEO, Women’s Learning Partnership


Azam Jangravi
Iranian women’s rights advocate and a Girl of Revolution Street


Dr. Mehrangiz Kar
Iranian women’s rights lawyer and writer 

Nazanin Nour
Actress, writer, and activist
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The Atlantic Council recognizes individuals who best represent the pillars of international relations: political and policy leaders, business executives, military brass, and artistic and humanitarian champions. This year we will feature our first all-female honoree slate, inspired by the past year of remarkable accomplishments by women in the world. Aside from our usual list of honorees, the Atlantic Council will be calling attention to the game changing and rising role of women’s leadership in shaping a better world.

Learn more here: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-2023-distinguished-leadership-awards-honoring-the-women-shaping-the-global-future/