New Delhi, October 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize for his contributions to the growth of Indian and global economies. With this, Modi will become the 14th laureate of the Seoul Peace Prize. The Seoul Peace Prize Committee has awarded the 68-year old Prime Minister in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth and accelerating the Human Development of the people of India.

The award has been given to PM Modi for fostering economic growth and furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts. He made "great contributions to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region by pushing for brisk diplomacy and fostering international cooperation," the panel said.

Following a selection meeting in Jung-gu, Seoul, Kwon E-Hyock, Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation, Chairman made the announcement that the award this year will be given to the Indian Prime Minister. Narendra Modi Receives ‘Champions of the Earth’ Award, UN Secretary-General Says ‘Indian PM Has Not Just Recognised Climate Change but Acted on It’. 

From amongst 100 candidates nominated from across the globe, the committee termed PM Modi as the perfect candidate. On selecting Narendra Modi as the winner this year, the Selection Committee President Choe Chung-ho explained that the Prime Minister was chosen for his efforts to improve the lives of India’s 1.35 billion people. Choe further stated that Modi establishes economic cooperation ties with various countries to improve human welfare and promote world peace.

The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 as a biennial recognition with the monetary award to commemorate the success of the 24th Summer Olympic Games held in Seoul, Korea. The Seoul Peace Prize was established to reflect the wishes of the Korean people and to crystallize their desire for everlasting peace on earth. The nominating group consists of 300 Korean nationals, and 800 internationals. The awardee receives a diploma, a plaque and honorarium of US$200,000.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2018 09:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).