2020 DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARDS - The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards celebrates the highest achieving individuals who embody the essence of the pillars of the transatlantic relationship. Each year, the event convenes an elite, international audience – including current and former heads of state, foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, members of Congress and the administration, military commanders, international business leaders, and leading members of the media. The event is regularly featured by national and international media outlets, including the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, POLITICO, Thomson Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, among others.

This has been a challenging year around the world – the scourge of COVID-19 and the massive economic disruption it has caused, as well as an upsurge of protest in the long struggle against racism and inequality. It is important at a time like this to come together to mark the heroism, resilience and imagination of those who seek to help others and change the world.

On this occasion, the Atlantic Council pays tribute to its 2020 Unsung Heroes, after running a global campaign to gather and share individual stories and shine a light on those who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership during this challenging year of a global pandemic, economic recession, and anti-racist activism.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 10/14/2020