CANNES, FRANCE — Malala Yousafzai, girls’ education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was awarded the 2022 Cannes LionHeart at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.
Born in Pakistan, Malala’s life changed dramatically when the Taliban took control of the town where she lived and banned girls from attending school. After speaking out publicly on behalf of girls and their right to learn, she survived an attempt on her life by the Pakistan Taliban. In 2014, Malala and her father Ziauddin co-founded Malala Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to giving every girl an opportunity to achieve a future she chooses.
Accepting the 2022 LionHeart Award, Malala said, “Girls have the power to boost economies, create jobs, make communities safer, and drive change. But to see the future that educated girls can create, it will require individuals, leaders, and companies across every sector to take action.”
The Cannes LionHeart is presented to an organization or person who has made a significant and positive difference in the world. The LionHeart has previously been awarded to Bono, Al Gore, Blake Mycoskie, Richard Curtis, Paul Polman, and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Founded in 1954, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the home of great ideas. For over 68 years, Cannes Lions has served as a convening force for the global creative community. The Lions, the industry’s most prestigious, coveted creative accolade, receive thousands of entries every year. The work is judged by over 400 authoritative, respected creative leaders before the winners are showcased and awarded at the nightly awards shows.
The winners of the Lions were announced at evening Award Shows taking place throughout the Festival, from June 20-24, 2022. Further information on how to be a part of the Cannes Lions can be found on the official website.
