Stories for a Better World: HEC Montréal’s Executive Education Committed to Peace

November 26, 2024

On November 26, the first edition of the Global Media Peace Awards concluded with an online ceremony bringing together creators from across the globe. Organized by Executive Education HEC Montréal in partnership with the Pale Blue Dot Foundation, this ambitious initiative marked a significant step forward in using media as a vector for peace, resilience, and global understanding.

With 189 submissions across the Radio, Television, and Digital Media categories, the event highlighted a growing enthusiasm for stories that transcend conflict, inspire hope, and foster dialogue. Actively supported by HEC Montréal, this project embodies the school’s commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative and inclusive solutions.

Media: A Driver of Peace and Resilience

In his opening address, Serge Lafrance, Director of Executive Education at HEC Montréal, emphasized the importance of this initiative, declaring: “Every participant is a winner.” Indeed, in an era where conflict and misinformation are intensifying, committed content creators play a crucial role in preventing tensions and building a harmonious future.

Through the Global Media Awards, HEC Montréal asserts its role as a catalyst for promoting independent and engaged media. This first edition aligns the school with an ambitious goal: mobilizing creative forces to address today’s challenges while integrating peace and tolerance at the heart of global discourse.

An Exceptional Jury Serving Impact

The laureates were selected by a prestigious jury of internationally renowned experts, led by:

  • Radio: Dan Santa, Ph.D., Director of International Relations, Radio Romania
  • Television: Bob Collins, former Director-General, RTÉ (Irish public broadcaster)
  • Digital Media: Manuela Kasper-Claridge, Editor-in-Chief, Deutsche Welle

These distinguished professionals dedicated countless hours to reviewing the submissions, demonstrating exemplary commitment to identifying the most impactful stories. Their work highlights the need for international collaboration to amplify peace initiatives.

See the full list of jury members.

Celebrating Inspiring Works

This inaugural edition showcased exceptional stories that embody universal values such as peace, tolerance, and resilience. Discover the laureates in each category and the works that defined this year’s event:

Radio Category

  • 1st Prize: Azzura Meringolo Scarfoglio - "Help me! I am a little girl; they are shooting at me." Hind's last phone call from Gaza.
  • 2nd Prize: Nguyen Vu Duy, Nguyen Thi Thu Hoa, Nguyen Pham Huan, Nguyen Quynh Hoa and Lai Thi Hoa - Coming Home
  • 3rd Prize: Mohamad Chegeni - Human Extinction

Television Category

  • 1st Prize: Farzad Jafari - Freedom
  • 2nd Prize: Matteo Delbò (director), Elena Stramentinoli and Roberta Pallotta (scriptwriters) from RAI; the Italian Public Broadcaster – Peace at All Costs.
  • 3rd Prize: Le Hoang Linh - Fragments of Memory

Digital Media Category

  • 1st Prize: Richard G. Sergay - Rwanda Forgiveness
  • 2nd Prize: Amy Hutchinson - Baseball Harmony
  • 3rd Prize: Phi Hoang Le and Nguyen Tuyet Yen - Not Alone

Special Commendations

  • Television: Julia O’Shea and Siobhan Marin — Walk in My Shoes
  • Digital Media: Ky Akim — Nayala: These Brave Resettled People Defying Nature!

International Collaboration to Realize the Vision

The Pale Blue Dot Foundation, a key partner for this inaugural edition, played a crucial role in making this event a reality. This partnership illustrates the power of international alliances to promote narratives of peace and resilience while paving the way for future initiatives to unite creative efforts globally.

"More than ever, there is an urgent need to foster peace, tolerance, mutual understanding, and sustainable development by changing our mindsets, behaviours, and actions. Media can play a crucial role in shaping the public opinion and help bring peace and sustainability."

- Dr Javad Mottaghi, Adjunct Professor, Department of International Business, HEC Montreal

A Promising Future: The 2025 Edition and Beyond

Building on the success of this first edition, Executive Education HEC Montréal aims to make the Glonal Media Peace Awards a must-attend event for engaged creators. By placing media at the center of social transformation, the school contributes to building a global movement focused on peace and tolerance.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, jury members, and partners for their involvement in this meaningful project. Together, we continue to write the story of a more harmonious world.

See you in 2025 for the next edition!