The W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award: 2002
The 2002 Awards
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.
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The Awards Dinner enables NDI to channel contributions to where they have the greatest impact - to help build democratic political institutions and increase citizens' access to those institutions. With proceeds from the Awards Dinner, NDI can do more at key moments in a country when practical assistance can stimulate and sustain democratic governance and economic growth. NDI's work is supported by private contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as the National Endowment for Democracy, the United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations, and the governments of Great Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Denmark.
The Recipients
NDI honored the leader of the Varela Project, Oswaldo Payá Sardińas of Cuba, and the Organization of American States (OAS) at its W. Averell Harriman Democracy Awards ceremony. Oswaldo Payá was honored for his courageous leadership of Proyecto Varela, a campaign calling for a referendum on open elections, freedom of speech, freedom for political prisoners and free enterprise in Cuba. NDI also honored the OAS for its growing role in protecting and promoting democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere. By adopting instruments such as Resolution 1080 in 1991 (known as the Santiago Declaration), the Protocol of Washington in 1997, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001, the OAS has not only defined democratic ideals in the hemisphere, but has defended democratic institutions in countries where democracy has been under threat. NDI also recognized the leadership role of César Gaviria, the Secretary General of the OAS, who accepted the Award on behalf of the Organization. For more information read our press release (in PDF format).
Congressional Host Committee
The Honorable Tom Daschle and The Honorable Richard A. Gephardt served as Congressional co-chairs for the award dinner and were joined by 172 Members of Congress in honoring Oswaldo Payá and the OAS. View a complete list of the Congressional Host Committee (in PDF format).
Contact Information
For more information about making a contribution to NDI, please contact Deborah Ullmer, 202-728-5524, Send Email
Members of the media, please contact Jean Freedberg, 202-728-5527, Send Email
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