A 90-year-old Jewish peace activist won the International Peace Award from the United Nations Association of Australia.
Stella Cornelius was presented the award Aug. 13 in Sydney. She joins previous winners including former South African President Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, East Timor President Xanana Gusmao and former Irish President Mary Robinson.
The citation stated: “The International Peace Award is made to Dr Cornelius for a lifetime of devotion to peace, conflict resolution and social justice issues; and in particular for initiating the Peace and Conflict Resolution Program of the UNAA 1973; the Conflict Resolution Network; the Media Peace Awards 1979; the Ministry for Peace Campaign 1983; the Bilateral Peace Treaties Proposal.”
Among the audience was New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff. “Stella Cornelius is an inspiration," he said. "Anyone who is in the business of working towards social cohesion need look no further for a model of dedication and commitment.”
In 2000 Mandela presented Cornelius with a certificate in recognition of her achievements in conflict resolution and education. She was awarded an Order of the British Empire in 1978 and an Order of Australia in 1987.