The 2015 South-South Awards honored the achievements of the global South and celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations and its adoption of the new universal development framework known as the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Participating in the presentation were celebrated actors and Oscar winners, Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas and Forest Whitaker; along with Miss Universe Paulina Vega, and live performances by Sheila E, Pete Escobedo, Debi Nova, and honoree Paul Shaffer. 

Presenter Forrest Whitaker

Film legend and Co-founder of the internationally renowned Tribeca Film Festival, Robert De Niro, kicked off the awards ceremony with a special video address. UN Messenger of Peace, Michael Douglas, honored the UN as it turns 70 with a personal message, while actor and producer Forest Whitaker presented the Humanitarian Achievement Recognition to philanthropist William “Bill” F. Austin, founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation. The gala event took place for a live global audience on September 26th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

“The gift of hearing can change a life in an instant, and helps empower people to learn, get jobs and connect to their families and communities in ways they never thought possible. I have partnered with Starkey Hearing Foundation in the field, and seeing someone hear for the first time is an incredible experience that I will never forget. Bill Austin is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and I am excited to honor his efforts at the 2015 South-South Awards,” said Whitaker.

Paul Shaffer, musical director from the Late Show with David Letterman, performed and was honored with the Cultural Achievement Recognition.

Electrifying percussionist Sheila E., with her father, Pete Escovedo, closed the event with a medley of Latin tunes and crossover hits.

They were joined in the finale by Costa Rican artist Debi Nova.

“Music for me is the purest form of expression. It gives soul to our world, as it heals and inspires. It touches and moves us in ways that celebrate life where it transcends all nationalities. I am honored to lend my gift of musical talents to the world, and proud to acknowledge the achievements we have made collectively through our contributions. Together we share our gifts for the greater good. Such achievements impact peoples’ lives in a positive way and show the world that everyone deserves to be valued and live a life of dignity, security and happiness,” said Sheila E.

“We have brought in some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ray Chew, music producer for Dancing with the Stars and eight-time Emmy nominee, John Macs, who are among the most respected and creative minds in the field, to help raise the relevance of the Awards,” said Art Arellanes, the Executive Producer of the 2015 South-South Awards.

Debi Nova arrives at the South-South Awards Gala

Now in its fifth year, the South-South Awards honors distinguished countries, individuals and organizations that embody transformative sustainable development worldwide; particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, education advancement and humanitarian impact. It is a celebration of multilateral partnerships concerned with uplifting the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Miss Universe Paulina Vega with HOMBRE Magazine’s Francisco Romeo