GREG MORTENSON NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
California Desk
January 07, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Greg Mortenson, one of the world's great humanitarians, was today nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, in a bipartisan, bicameral effort led by Members of Congress. Mortenson, co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and Pennies for Peace, and co-author of the best selling non-fiction, Three Cups of Tea, continues to impress the global community with his unwavering dedication to advancing children's education and promoting peace in some of the world's most volatile regions. Bono Mack drafted the letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, nominating Mortenson for the prestigious award, and sought support from other Members of Congress.
"Greg Mortenson is a remarkable man, whose leadership, passion, and character is truly transforming lives and inspiring millions," said Bono Mack. "For over fifteen years, Greg has devoted his life to promoting peace and improving education in the war-torn regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"I am deeply honored to have known Greg for many years and am proud of everything he has accomplished thus far. One of the most humble people I know, Greg is a living hero and his dedication to peace is truly changing the world. I am proud to nominate this most-worthy individual for this high honor."
Below is the letter Bono Mack wrote:
The Norwegian Nobel Committee
The Nobel Institute
NO-0255 Oslo, Norway
Dear Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee:
We, the undersigned Members of the United States Congress, respectfully nominate Mr. Greg Mortensen for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Mortensen, a humanitarian, co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and Pennies for Peace, and co-author of the best selling non-fiction, Three Cups of Tea, continues to impress the global community with his unwavering dedication to advancing children's education in some of the world's most volatile regions.
Mr. Mortensen's life work is remarkable. He has overcome great adversity, escaping brutality and death, to continue his commitment to providing educational opportunities to children, especially girls, living in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has established more than 78 schools in rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan after witnessing, first-hand, children being schooled on sand lots with nothing more than wooden sticks to use for writing in the dirt.
As we well know, educating females in these countries remains controversial. Mr. Mortensen understands the tremendous positive, peaceful impacts that educated girls and women have on societies around the world. He advocates girl's education as the key to economic development and peace, and he continues to fight to make this possible where it otherwise may not be achieved.
During his efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mr. Mortensen has worked directly with government officials and other country and community leaders during a time of war in these regions. He brings with him the courage and compassion, few others have, to bridge cultural differences and help countries build better societies.
In recognition of Mr. Mortensen's achievements, he has received some of the highest honors and awards. Among them, Pakistan's government announced that Mr. Mortensen will receive their highest civil award, Sitara-e-Pakistan ("Star of Pakistan"), for his humanitarian efforts to provide education in rural areas for the past 15 years.
We, along with other Members of Congress, have engaged Mr. Mortensen in profound discussions regarding his work to strengthen education and advocate peace around the world. Mr. Mortensen has clearly demonstrated to us his strong character, determination and unique ability to work peacefully with foreign leaders during a time of adversity.
To honor Mr. Mortensen's exceptional humanitarian and peaceful efforts, we ask that you give this nomination your full consideration. We greatly appreciate your effort in this regard.
Sincerely,
Mary Bono Mack
U.S. House Representative
Mike Enzi
U.S. Senator
Earl Pomeroy
U.S. House Representative
Connie Mack
U.S. House Representative
Denny Rehberg
U.S. House Representative
Jean Schmidt
U.S. House Representative
"Greg Mortenson is a remarkable man, whose leadership, passion, and character is truly transforming lives and inspiring millions," said Bono Mack. "For over fifteen years, Greg has devoted his life to promoting peace and improving education in the war-torn regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"I am deeply honored to have known Greg for many years and am proud of everything he has accomplished thus far. One of the most humble people I know, Greg is a living hero and his dedication to peace is truly changing the world. I am proud to nominate this most-worthy individual for this high honor."
Below is the letter Bono Mack wrote:
The Norwegian Nobel Committee
The Nobel Institute
NO-0255 Oslo, Norway
Dear Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee:
We, the undersigned Members of the United States Congress, respectfully nominate Mr. Greg Mortensen for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Mortensen, a humanitarian, co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and Pennies for Peace, and co-author of the best selling non-fiction, Three Cups of Tea, continues to impress the global community with his unwavering dedication to advancing children's education in some of the world's most volatile regions.
Mr. Mortensen's life work is remarkable. He has overcome great adversity, escaping brutality and death, to continue his commitment to providing educational opportunities to children, especially girls, living in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has established more than 78 schools in rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan after witnessing, first-hand, children being schooled on sand lots with nothing more than wooden sticks to use for writing in the dirt.
As we well know, educating females in these countries remains controversial. Mr. Mortensen understands the tremendous positive, peaceful impacts that educated girls and women have on societies around the world. He advocates girl's education as the key to economic development and peace, and he continues to fight to make this possible where it otherwise may not be achieved.
During his efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mr. Mortensen has worked directly with government officials and other country and community leaders during a time of war in these regions. He brings with him the courage and compassion, few others have, to bridge cultural differences and help countries build better societies.
In recognition of Mr. Mortensen's achievements, he has received some of the highest honors and awards. Among them, Pakistan's government announced that Mr. Mortensen will receive their highest civil award, Sitara-e-Pakistan ("Star of Pakistan"), for his humanitarian efforts to provide education in rural areas for the past 15 years.
We, along with other Members of Congress, have engaged Mr. Mortensen in profound discussions regarding his work to strengthen education and advocate peace around the world. Mr. Mortensen has clearly demonstrated to us his strong character, determination and unique ability to work peacefully with foreign leaders during a time of adversity.
To honor Mr. Mortensen's exceptional humanitarian and peaceful efforts, we ask that you give this nomination your full consideration. We greatly appreciate your effort in this regard.
Sincerely,
Mary Bono Mack
U.S. House Representative
Mike Enzi
U.S. Senator
Earl Pomeroy
U.S. House Representative
Connie Mack
U.S. House Representative
Denny Rehberg
U.S. House Representative
Jean Schmidt
U.S. House Representative
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