Set to mark the fifth anniversary of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, the “Gratitude in Action” event series will raise funds from international contributors in order to increase the impact and reach of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, which is more committed than ever to giving a second chance to those in need worldwide. Today, when the violent attacks carried out by Azerbaijan with the support of Turkey in a gross violation of international law lead to the loss of life, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founders remain deeply alarmed and saddened by this large-scale military action unleashed against Artsakh and encourage everyone to demonstrate their shared humanity by joining the global Aurora movement and contributing to the world peace.

The virtual event in New York City, hosted by well-known American journalists David Ignatius and Judy Woodruff, invites thousands of supporters and partners from around the globe to tune in online and be part of this important gathering of thought leaders and humanitarians as they set the course for future Aurora impact.

The October 19 event will feature special interviews with Vartan Gregorian, member of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, as well as virtual performances by world famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma and legendary jazz musician and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. In the course of the evening, the inaugural Aurora Humanitarian Journalism Award inspired by award-winning newscasters and co-anchors of the PBS NewsHour, Judy Woodruff and the late Gwen Ifill, will be presented to pay tribute to the role of journalism in raising awareness of humanitarian issues, and a special grant will be given to the Elmhurst Hospital in Queens to honor of New York City COVID-19 heroes. The event will also allow the Initiative to shine a light on the selfless work of Aurora Prize Laureates and Humanitarians.

The spirit of our shared humanity is in the very core of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and we look forward to being together virtually on October 19.