"Silver Heroe" exhibit, Sister Madonna Buder, age 78, triathlon

St Gallen, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - The ICRC (International Red Cross) has been awarded the Prix des Générations 2009 by the World Demographic Association (WDA), given annually to an international personality or institution in acknowledgement of significant lifelong contributions to the well-being of several generations.

The prize carries a cash award of CHF 50,000 and has been given for the first time to an organization. The four previous winners are: Helmut Schmidt (2005), Václav Havel (2006), Waris Dirie (2007) and Mary Robinson (2008).

The WDA in its announcement of the award praises the ICRC “for its tireless commitment and indefeasible perseverance in an ever-evolving world reinvented and formed anew by each generation. Since its founding in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, the ICRC has proven its ability to cope with this constant transformation and to evolve by staying true to its fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. The jury thus considers the ICRC an ambassador for, and an example of, the highest kind of moral behaviour. The jury thereby acknowledges the importance of such outstanding commitment in assuring society’s future and, above all, recognizes the ICRC as a role model for past and future generations.”

"Silver Heroes" exhibit: Hans Hermann, legendary racecar driver, age 81

The award ceremony will be part of the Fifth World Ageing & Generations Congress hosted by the University of St Gallen in September. The congress serves as an interdisciplinary discussion of the consequences within developing countries of demographic development for work and welfare, health, innovation and markets, and aging.

The 2009 congress will focus on the impact of the financial crisis on societies, raising the question: How will the financial and economic turmoil affect the lives of those over 60, who constitute a third of the world’s population? A highlight this year will be the “Silver Heroes” photo exhibit by Karsten Thormaehlen, which “profiles mature people who are such high sports performers that they need not fear comparison with younger rivals,” notes the WDA.

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