Amidst historic foreign aid cuts and escalating crises around the world, it is crucial to recognize the resilience and dedication of local humanitarian workers and to mobilize global support in response to the mounting needs on the ground. Nearly 190 million people are living in life-threatening conditions, according to the United Nations, with the number of forcibly displaced persons more than doubling, from 59 million to 123 million, since 2014.
“Today, we honor not only those who respond to suffering, but also those who inspire others to act. At Aurora, we shine a light on the individuals who step in where institutions fall short. These grassroots humanitarians are the foot soldiers of humanity, working on the ground, often unseen,” noted Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering. “Our mission is to amplify, support their lifesaving work, and remind the world that even in the face of overwhelming need, courage and compassion remain powerful forces for positive change.”
In recognition of World Humanitarian Day, Aurora reaffirms its commitment to the principle of Gratitude in Action—the impulse to give back when you yourself have benefitted from the courageous action of another.
“For us to do this work, we need people who will raise funds. We need people who will tell our stories. We need people who will protect the people we’ve rescued. We need people who will fight fights in rooms that we wouldn’t go to,” stated Dr. Yolanda George-David, Founder of Aunt Landa’s Bethel Foundation in Nigeria. Dr. George-David is part of the network of Aurora Luminaries and has dedicated her life to rehabilitation and empowerment of survivors of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.
Since its founding, Aurora has impacted the lives of over 3.5 million people across 63 countries and territories through its flagship $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity and other humanitarian programs. The Initiative encourages individuals and organizations to nominate exceptional humanitarians for the next Aurora Prize to help raise global awareness and provide life-changing support to grassroots efforts making a tangible impact worldwide.
On November 6, 2025, Aurora will host the 2025 Aurora Prize Ceremony on Ellis Island in New York City, honoring exceptional local humanitarians and celebrating a decade of impact. The event will bring together grassroots humanitarians, visionary philanthropists, and global changemakers, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners and leaders who serve on the Aurora Prize Selection Committee.
Photo: In the DRC, Julienne Lusenge is helping 40 children reclaim their futures through a project supported by 2024 Aurora Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege’s participatory grant. Image courtesy of SOFEPADI
