Back The W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award: 2002 Speeches From the 2002 Awards Dinner On September 30, 2002, NDI presented its 15th annual W. Averell Harriman Democracy Awards to Oswaldo Payá of the Varela Project in Cuba, and the Organization of American States. The Harriman Award is NDI's highest honor, presented each year to individuals and organizations dedicated to democracy and human rights. More than 700 guests attended the event, including members of Congress, Administration officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Capitol Hill staff, and representatives of the business, labor and foreign policy communities. Click on the links below to read transcripts of prepared remarks and listen to live recordings of speeches: Opening remarks by Kenneth Wollack, NDI President Kenneth Wollack's introduction of NDI Chairman Madeleine Albright Secretary Albright's presentation of the Award to the OAS OAS Secretary General César Gaviria's acceptance speech Kenneth Wollack's introduction of Genaro Arriagada Genaro Arriagada's introduction of Oswaldo Payá Secretary Albright's presentation of the Award to Oswaldo Payá Acceptance speech given by Oswaldo Payá Message from George W. Bush, President of the United States (in PDF format) Audio Coverage of the Event in Spanish Listen to a Voice of America program broadcast live from the event. Included are interviews with Oswaldo Payá, César Gaviria and Genaro Arriagada. The files can be opened with either Real Player or Windows Media Player. Live Voice of America broadcast (58:13 minutes/13 MB) Back