Washington, DC – The 22nd Fulbright Prize ceremony on May 16 celebrated the power of international collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges. The prestigious award was given to Gary White and Matt Damon, the visionary co-founders of Water.org and WaterEquity, for their groundbreaking work in improving access to safe water and sanitation worldwide. The ceremony featured musical performances, distinguished guests, and speeches that emphasized the fundamental importance of water as a cornerstone of peace and international understanding.
Dr. John Bader, the Executive Director of the Fulbright Association, initiated the proceedings with a heartfelt welcoming, praising the laureates in providing safe water and promoting sanitation across developing regions. Reflecting on his own experiences in India and the foundational role of water in all civilizations, Dr. Bader emphasized the global importance of water management and sustainability efforts. The ceremony was not just a celebration of achievements but also a platform to inspire further action towards global cooperation and stewardship of earth’s resources. (watch full remarks)
Dr. Robert Gervasi, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Fulbright Association, further enriched the evening with his reflections on the cultural, religious, and philosophical significance of water. He illustrated how water is revered across various traditions not just as a crucial element of life but as a sacred entity that fosters peace. Dr. Gervasi shared insights into the historical and philosophical reverence for water, connecting it to global needs for cooperation and peace, as envisioned by Senator Fulbright.
The ceremony recognized the extensive global support for the Fulbright program, with representatives from the U.S. government and diplomats from around the world in attendance. This broad endorsement underscores the program’s impact and its crucial role in promoting international peace through education and mutual understanding. (watch full remarks)
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of Gary White and Matt Damon, presented by Lynn Taliento, a board member at Water.org and senior advisor at McKinsey and Company. Taliento shared personal stories of her encounters with White, highlighting his innovative and tenacious approach to tackling water scarcity. She detailed how the WaterCredit initiative, pioneered by White, has enabled millions of individuals in developing regions to gain sustainable access to clean water through microloans. (watch full remarks)
NPR journalist and Fulbrighter, Melissa Block then moderated a discussion with White and Damon in a deep dive into the origins and impacts of their work. Block’s probing questions revealed the motivations behind their commitment to water issues and the scalable solutions they have implemented to combat the global water crisis. Damon shared compelling narratives from his travels, emphasizing the transformative impact of providing clean water on the lives and futures of young people, particularly girls.
Gary White elaborated on the technical and financial innovations that have characterized Water.org’s approach, explaining how integrating financial solutions with traditional water access initiatives has led to sustainable community development. He highlighted the pivotal role of local women in these projects, portraying them as essential agents of change and development. (watch full remarks and moderated conversation)
The ceremony was not just a celebration of achievements but also a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges in global water scarcity. Speakers throughout the evening called for continued support and involvement from the international community to expand the reach and effectiveness of these life-changing water projects.
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was one of hope and determination. The Fulbright Prize ceremony was a profound affirmation of the power of partnership and innovation in solving some of the world’s most pressing issues. It was a night filled with inspiration, celebration, and a renewed commitment to the global pursuit of peace and understanding through the essential resource of water.
In closing, the event was a poignant reminder of the continuous need for global cooperation and innovative solutions in the quest for universal access to clean water. Gary White and Matt Damon’s work through Water.org and WaterEquity exemplifies the impact of combining philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy to address critical global issues. Their efforts not only provide immediate benefits in terms of health and sanitation but also empower communities to break cycles of poverty and initiate sustainable development.
The 2024 Fulbright Prize ceremony underscored the enduring relevance of Senator J. William Fulbright’s vision of mutual understanding between peoples, cultures, and nations through shared challenges and collaborative solutions. As attendees reflected on the evening’s messages and the transformative power of accessible water, there was a collective acknowledgment of the work still required to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can access the clean water they need to thrive. The ceremony was a call to action, urging all involved to continue their support and to inspire others to contribute to this vital cause—making the world a more equitable and sustainable place for future generations.
About the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding
The Fulbright Prize honors one of the world’s most prestigious international exchange programs, as well as the vision of its sponsor, the late Senator J. William Fulbright. Awarded by the Fulbright Association since 1993, the Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to promoting peace and a better life through greater understanding and cooperation among peoples, cultures, and nations. The Prize has a distinguished history of Laureates, among them Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Vaclav Havel, Corazon Aquino, Mary Robinson, Doctors without Borders, Bill and Melinda Gates, Angela Merkel, and Bono. More on the Prize, with a complete list of Laureates, at fulbright.org/prize
About the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program was created in 1946 through Congressional legislation proposed by Senator J. William Fulbright. The Program embodies the visionary concept of promoting mutual understanding between countries through academic and bicultural exchange. The Program provides exchanges between the United States and more than 160 countries worldwide, funded by the U.S. Government with bipartisan support and contributions from 49 foreign countries whose permanent commissions execute the Fulbright Program on a binational level. Annually, about 8,000 grantees, American and foreign, participate in the Fulbright exchange as students, scholars, researchers, English and other language teachers, and professional specialists. Since its inception, the Program has sponsored over 400,000 grantees. Read more at eca.state.gov/fulbright
About the Fulbright Association
The Fulbright Association is the alumni organization of the Fulbright Program in the United States, representing over 140,000 American grantees. Founded in 1977, it is an independent non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, with 56 chapters in 41 states. Fulbright Association programs promote wider representation in global affairs, celebrate world leaders who build mutual understanding, expand opportunities for international exchange, share the ideas of Fulbrighters worldwide to inspire change and cooperation, and support the next generation of Fulbright leaders. Read more at fulbright.org
