NEW YORK CITY, September 20, 2023 — Today, at the eve of International Peace Day, individuals from various corners of the globe gathered to recognize the potential of emerging technologies to foster peace, reduce conflict, and safeguard human rights and dignity worldwide through the 2023 Kluz Prize for PeaceTech. After reviewing over 80 submissions from more than 35 countries, the Selection Committee announced Commit Global as the recipient of the award.
Commit Global has distinguished itself through the groundbreaking development and maintenance of a humanitarian digital civic infrastructure platform crafted to aid Ukrainian refugees. This unparalleled platform and its surrounding ecosystem have facilitated safe transit and support for over 1.6 million refugees. Offering trusted, verified information on a range of essential services, including border crossing guidance, legal advice, social services, medical and educational resources, safe housing, and counseling, it stands as a formidable force in aiding refugees while safeguarding against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
In recognition of their immense impact and vital work, Commit Global was presented with a $20,000 award to further their humanitarian efforts.
Bogdan Ivanel, CEO & Founder of Commit Global, stressed the pressing nature of their initiative, stating, "If we are to win the race against escalating humanitarian crises, we must leverage technology to amplify the efforts of those championing good in our civil society and amongst first responders. Our shared infrastructure has proven to be a lifesaver at Ukraine's borders, and its deployment is desperately needed worldwide."
Artur Kluz, Founder of the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech, following the awards ceremony commented, “As we stand on the brink of International Peace Day, this award not only signifies a recognition of Commit Global’s remarkable achievements but hopefully also serves as a catalyst for further innovation in the PeaceTech landscape, encouraging the global community to foster peace and safeguard human dignity through technological advancements.”
Special Distinctions
A staggering 80 high-quality applications from innovators in over 35 countries worldwide were received, all utilizing the prowess of technology to bolster peace-building missions.
Stephen Roberts, a member of the selection committee, was profoundly touched by the enthusiasm and caliber of the entries, noting, "The quality of applications was humbling. It's uplifting to witness so many pioneers harnessing technology to carve out a path to peace and forge a brighter future for all."
While each project harbored its own unique merit, warranting recognition, three organizations were awarded special distinctions for exhibiting extraordinary innovation in their domains.
Palantir Technologies' Foundry was honored with the "Special Distinction for Big Tech Building Peace," recognizing their outstanding endeavors in facilitating Ukrainian refugee assistance. By fostering unprecedented cross-government collaboration, their pioneering platform has steered over 130,000 Ukrainian refugees safely towards resettlement.
The "Non-Profit Organization Advancing Peace" accolade was bestowed upon the Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) for their remarkable contribution to uncovering human rights violations in Colombia. When receiving this distinction, Executive Director Megan Price said, “The HRDAG team is so honored to receive this special distinction. We’re excited this community recognizes the key role science, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration can play in peacebuilding and we appreciate the chance to bring attention to ongoing efforts for transitional justice and truth-seeking in Colombia.”
Lastly, Project Didi earned acclaim for ingeniously utilizing AI and Machine Learning to foster conflict resolution globally. Expressing his appreciation, Founder & CEO Shawn Guttman said, "We are delighted to receive this acknowledgment from the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech. Leveraging AI and ML, Project Didi's ripeness tool stands at the forefront of PeaceTech, positioning us alongside other trailblazers in this transformative and burgeoning field."
The 2023 Kluz Prize for PeaceTech delineates a pivotal moment in endorsing technology-driven resolutions to foster global peace and humanitarian assistance. This year's laureates and distinction awardees epitomize the ethos of the prize, demonstrating technology's potent force as an agent of tangible change.
According to Stefaan Verhulst, Co-Founder of The GovLab and partner supporting the Kluz Prize: “Reflecting upon the manifold inventive submissions, it is evident that technology is poised to take a central role in orchestrating an era of peace, underscoring the importance of nurturing and supporting these innovative strides.”
About the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech
Founded by Artur Kluz, in collaboration with Stefaan Verhulst, the Co-Founder of The GovLab at New York University, the Kluz Prize aims to identify and support groundbreaking initiatives at the intersection of technology and peace-building. They aim to propel the creation of a global movement promoting the use of technology for peace and to fan the flames of this movement for future generations. The 2023 judging panel consisted of esteemed figures from academia, tech investment, corporate sectors, and civil society. Learn more at https://www.kluzprize.org.