Muhammad Ali Receives World Ecomomic Forum Honor
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 28, 2006) Muhammad Ali was the first recipient of the World Economic Forum C-100 Award on Saturday, January 28, 2006, at the organization's annual meeting in Davos.
The C-100 Award is for an individual who has made an especially noted contribution in promoting, in the words of the C-100 Charter, dialogue and understanding across different segments of society in the West and Muslim worlds.
"I'm very grateful for the prestigious recognition," Ali, who is currently traveling in Europe, said. "And I'm happy to have an institution like the Ali Center to help me in promoting this kind of dialogue."
The Muhammad Ali Center, a major institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the beliefs and convictions that allowed the three-time World Heavyweight Champion and humanitarian to become the person he is today, opened in November in the boxer's hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.
The work of the Ali Center includes conflict resolution and cross-cultural dialogue. It also features exhibits on inspiration, spirituality and Islam.
Symbolizing the C-100 Award's focus, Ali was presented with the honor by H.R.H. Prince Turki Al Faisal, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, and Lord Carey of Clifton, former Archbishop of Canterbury.
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Lord Carey of Clifton (presenter and co-chair of C-100 award) and Lonnie Ali |
Muhammad Ali with presenters and co-chairs of the C-100 Award Prince Turki Al Faisal (left) and Lord Carey of Clifton (right) |
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Muhammad and Lonnie Ali accepting the C-100 Award from Lord Carey of Clifton (left) and Prince Turki Al Faisal (right)
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Muhammad Ali with other World Economic Forum award recipients: (from left) Muhammad Ali; actress and social activist Shabana Azmi from India; actor Michael Douglas from the United States; and Minister of Culture of Brazil Gilberto Gil
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