Receiving the Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the world’s largest annual humanitarian award, is recognition of our vital work to save lives and restore peace to hundreds of millions of people living in post-conflict communities.
Protecting International Humanitarian Law in the face of rising conflict
This year, Mines Advisory Group has received the 2025 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, making it just the fourth British organisation to be awarded the Prize in its 30 year history.
“Through its extraordinary efforts to help communities return to safety and prosperity after conflict, the Mines Advisory Group exemplifies the kind of humanitarian excellence our Prize has sought to celebrate and inspire over the last three decades,” said Peter Laugharn, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
“The selection of the Mines Advisory Group as this year’s Hilton Humanitarian Prize recipient serves as a reminder that compassion and peace should still be at the top of our global agenda.”
MAG CEO Darren Cormack added: “For 35 years, MAG has stood resolute in its mission to respond to the urgent needs of people in communities ravaged by conflict and in places still grappling with conflict’s legacy, long after the wars have ended.
We’re honoured to receive the Hilton Humanitarian Prize in recognition of the tireless and courageous work of our global staff. Our hope is that this spotlight can help underscore the fundamental human right to live free from the fear of landmines and armed violence. Every landmine cleared is a life saved, a community restored, and a future reclaimed.”
“Landmines kill indiscriminately and remain lethal long after conflicts are over, so I was privileged to see how the Mines Advisory Group are tackling this critical issue first-hand during my visit to Laos last year. Their expert teams not only clear landmines but also run life-saving educational programmes for returning communities to reduce the risk of injury or death.
It is a source of great pride to see a UK-based organisation receive this prestigious prize, and to support their vital work in this time of conflict and geopolitical instability.”
David LammyForeign Secretary, United Kingdom
FCDO Minister of State for International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, said: “I’m delighted Mines Advisory Group’s life-saving work has been recognised through this award. The UK government is proud to support their efforts in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities - their dedication and courage in the face of rising levels of landmine use is inspiring.”
Championing human compassion and rebuilding lives post-conflict
When an anti-personnel landmine is triggered, eight times out of ten it is a civilian that is killed or injured. The threat to life is so severe that for decades, military and humanitarian experts have agreed that these devices should not be used under any circumstances.
Since 1989, MAG’s work has gone beyond clearing landmines and remnants of war. MAG has also been a voice on the global stage, advocating and campaigning to reduce armed violence and prevent landmine-related deaths and injuries. MAG was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in the creation of the 1997 Mine Ban Convention.
However, amidst intensifying conflict in Ukraine, several Eastern European countries have withdrawn, or expressed their intention to withdraw, from the convention.
Before the Convention came into force, the British Medical Journal reported over 24,000 landmine casualties annually. By 2012, this figure had dropped to fewer than 1,000 – a 95% reduction in less than 15 years.
The success of the Convention made it one of the most successful disarmament treaties of all time. But in the face of rising conflict, the number of landmine casualties has risen again and new emergencies are unfolding.
“As levels of conflict rise across the world and as several countries have expressed intent to exit the Ottawa Treaty amidst escalating conflict in Eastern Europe, our work has never been more important.” added Shari Bryan, U.S. Executive Director of MAG.
“The Hilton Humanitarian Prize will enable us to better meet the needs of this moment. Using the Prize funding, our team will be able to invest in research and innovation to deepen our impact, respond to emergency contexts and secure sustainable funding to carry our work forward.”
As the largest annual humanitarian award for nonprofits, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize shines a light on extraordinary organisations innovating, advocating, and creating change to improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage throughout the world.
Previous recipients include the International Rescue Committee, Norwegian Refugee Council and Humanity & Inclusion. The jury that selected MAG comprised The Right Honourable Helen Clark; Leymah Gbowee; Conrad N. Hilton III; Sister Joyce Meyer; Kennedy Odede; Her Majesty Queen Noor; Zainab Salbi; and Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León.
Since 1996, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize has awarded $46.5 million to 29 nonprofit organizations working in some of the world’s most challenging environments. While the landscape for humanitarian aid and philanthropy continues to evolve, the legacy of the Prize underscores an enduring commitment to celebrating humanitarian leadership and inspiring greater action to alleviate human suffering worldwide.
The Prize’s unrestricted funding award will increase from $2.5 million to $3 million to mark the 30th anniversary.
MAG will receive the Prize at an event celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize in New York, NY, USA in October.
Read the Hilton Humanitarian Prize press release here.
Find out more about the Mine Ban Convention and why it matters.
“This prize is for everyone affected by conflict and its legacy in the world today. And it is for our colleagues, the vast majority of whom come from or live in landmine-affected communities, and is in recognition of their courage, their determination, and their tireless dedication.”
Darren Cormack, Chief Executive
Thank you to the vital support from all our donors.
