2012

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders

For its international mobilization of volunteers and professionals of high ethics and skills to respond to the fundamental right of ordinary people caught in crises and conflict to humanitarian assistance and protection, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is awarded  the 2012 J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding.

2010

Bill and Melinda Gates

For their belief in the principle that every human life has equal worth and for their action through philanthropy to harness the power of science and technology to solve complicated global problems and persistent inequities, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Bill and Melinda Gates on Oct. 15, 2010. The Prize also recognizes their inspirational role in encouraging others to give generously to improve the human condition.

2008

Desmond Tutu

For his tireless work for peace in South Africa and elsewhere, for his courage in speaking out against injustice, and for his efforts to achieve a democratic and just society without racial division, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond M. Tutu on Nov. 21, 2008. The Prize recognized Archbishop Tutu’s abiding belief in our common humanity and his lifelong work to promote respect, forgiveness, and reconciliation among people.

2006

William Jefferson Clinton

For his bold, enlightened initiatives to counteract poverty, ignorance, and the racial, ethnic, and religious prejudices that are barriers to peace and justice throughout the world, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd president of the United States of America, on April 12, 2006. The Fulbright Prize recognized President Clinton's vision of empathy, cooperation, and dialogue in service of humanity and his continued work to meet the challenges of global interdependence.

2004

Colin L. Powell

For his strong, consistent focus on international education and exchange as an important means of developing constructive relationships among nations and for his distinguished public service throughout his military, civilian, and voluntary-sector careers, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Colin L. Powell, U.S. Secretary of State, on Dec. 15, 2004. The Fulbright Prize recognized his support for the intrinsic value of international education and exchange programs and for the mentoring of younger people to instill good life habits and goal-oriented development.

2003

Fernando Henrique Cardoso

For his lifelong dedication to fostering peace, stability, and democratic ideals in Brazil and throughout the world, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former president of Brazil, on Oct. 30, 2003. The Fulbright Prize recognized his intellectual contributions to international development, his abiding commitment to justice and equity, and the creativity and determination he applied to such global problems as the AIDS crisis.

2002

Sadako Ogata

For her lifetime achievements in promoting human security throughout the world and for her lifelong work to protect and empower people those suffering from conflict and deprivation through humanitarian assistance and development, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Sadako Ogata, former United Nations high commissioner for refugees, on Oct. 11, 2002. The Fulbright Prize recognized her advocacy of governmental, international organization, and NGO action on behalf of the most vulnerable people in every region.

2001

Kofi Annan

For his steadfast advocacy for human rights, the rule of law, and peaceful cooperation among nations and for his vision and skill in bringing the United Nations closer to the global public by forging ties with civil society, the private sector, and other partners, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Kofi Annan, seventh secretary-general of the United Nations, on Dec. 3, 2001. The Fulbright Prize recognized Mr. Annan's work to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping capabilities in ways that enabled the UN to respond to a rapidly rising number of operations worldwide.

2000

Marti Ahtisaari

For his commitments to strengthening civil society, to expanding democratic practices, and to furthering peaceful cooperation and coexistence, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Martti Ahtisaari, president of Finland from 1994 to 2000, on Dec. 1, 2000. The Fulbright Prize recognized his ongoing involvement in preventing crises, resolving conflicts, and promoting peace to improve life for people in some of the world's most troubled regions.

1999

Mary Robinson

For her diligence in stressing the need for action in the struggle to extend the full range of human rights to all citizens, for her lifelong commitment to justice, and for her strength of leadership in promoting the vision of cooperation and increased understanding among peoples, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Mary Robinson, United Nations high commissioner for human rights, on Oct. 8, 1999.

1998

Patricio Aylwin Azocar

For his lifelong commitment to justice, exemplified by the wisdom and compassion with which he led Chile through a delicate transition from military rule to democracy and by his concern for promoting economic, political, and social equality throughout Latin America and in other regions of the world, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Patricio Aylwin Azocar, former president of Chile, on Oct. 9, 1998.

1997

Vaclav Havel

For his promotion of liberty and human dignity in all countries through his writings, his scholarly achievements, and his political leadership and for his commitment to the power of the intellect and of ideas to achieve mutual understanding in the conduct of international politics, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Vaclav Havel, president of the Czech Republic, on Oct. 3, 1997.

1996

Corazon C. Aquino

For her courage, integrity, and adherence to constitutionalism in restoring democracy to the Philippines and for her work as a private citizen to promote peace and international understanding through the Forum of Democratic Leaders and through other organizations dedicated to justice and social development, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Corazon C. Aquino, former president of the Philippines, on Oct. 11, 1996.

1995

Franz Vranitzky

For his work to realize the vision of a Europe without borders and barriers and for his stand against the dangers of a new nationalism, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Franz Vranitzky, federal chancellor of the Republic of Austria, on Nov. 11, 1995. The Prize recognized his extraordinary contributions to increasing mutual understanding and cooperation, including pioneering joint ventures, technology transfers, economic aid, and cultural exchanges with the countries of Eastern and Central Europe.

1994

Jimmy Carter

For his promotion of mutual understanding among nations and his commitment to public service as an elected official and as a private citizen, the Fulbright Association awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States of America, on Oct. 1, 1994. The Prize recognized President Carter's career as a living example of Fulbright principles.

1993

Nelson Mandela

For his personal courage and selfless determination to eliminate racial and political barriers in South Africa and for his work to focus international attention on the divisive practices that were part of the daily lives of South Africans of all races, the Fulbright Association awarded the inaugural J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to Nelson R. Mandela, president of the African National Congress, on Oct. 1, 1993. The Fulbright Prize recognized in particular Mr. Mandela's commitment to the resolution of longstanding injustices in a peaceful and pluralistic manner.