Which politician received the Seoul Peace Prize in 2018?

The correct answer is Narendra Modi .

Key Points

•  Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, was the recipient of the Seoul Peace Prize for 2018.
• The Seoul Peace Prize Committee announced his selection on October 24, 2018.
• However, the award was formally presented to him on February 22, 2019, during his visit to South Korea.
• The Seoul Peace Prize is a prestigious international award established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Summer Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea.
• The prize aims to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations, and world peace.
• The Seoul Peace Prize Committee recognized Narendra Modi for his dedication to improving international cooperation.
• He was also acknowledged for raising global economic growth and accelerating the Human Development of the people of India.
• The committee specifically credited his "Modinomics" for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor in India.
• Furthermore, his initiatives to make the government cleaner through anti-corruption measures and demonetization were also lauded.
• The committee also recognized Modi's contributions towards regional and global peace through a proactive foreign policy, including the 'Modi Doctrine' and the 'Act East Policy'.
• Narendra Modi became the 14th recipient of the Seoul Peace Prize.
• Past laureates include prominent global figures such as former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
• Renowned international organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam have also been recipients of this award.
• Upon receiving the award, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the honor.
• He stated that the award belonged not to him personally but to the people of India for their aspirations and efforts.
• Modi dedicated the prize money of US$200,000 to the Namami Gange Programme, his government's flagship initiative to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River.
• The Seoul Peace Prize Committee assessed over a hundred candidates nominated by over 1,300 nominators from around the world before selecting Narendra Modi.
• They described him as the "perfect candidate" for the 2018 award, recognizing his significant impact on both the Indian and global stages.
• The award ceremony was a significant event, highlighting the strengthening ties between India and South Korea.