Chatham House Prize 2009

HE Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, has been named as winner of the Chatham House Prize 2009

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is a key driver of stability and integration in Latin America. He is recognized for his leading role in contributing to the resolution of regional crises and for spearheading the UN stabilisation mission in Haiti. He has also played a central role in establishing the constitutive treaty of the South American Union of Nations (UNASUL) and in enabling Cuba to be integrated as a full member of the Rio Group, which was set up to facilitate political dialogue between Latin American nations.

Under Lula's administration Brazil has become increasingly integrated in the global economy and has worked to foster consensus in multilateral trade and economic forums. President Lula is further recognised for making a major contribution to reducing poverty in Brazil through innovative and responsible economic policies that have maintained fiscal balance and avoided an increase in inflation, in support of the country's democratic commitments and goals.

Lula's remarkable personal trajectory - from humble beginnings to metal worker in São Paulo, charismatic trade union and political leader, and then international statesman - is evidence of his exceptional leadership qualities. It is these qualities that have helped him reinforce cordial relations between Brazil and the rest of the Americas, and indeed with countries worldwide.

President Lula will be in London on Thursday 5 November to collect his award at a ceremony at the Banqueting House, Whitehall. The Prize will be presented by HRH The Duke of Kent and keynote speeches will be delivered by the President; Lord Mandelson, First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills; and Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, a President of Chatham House.

Dr Robin Niblett, Director of Chatham House, said 'President Lula has been voted the winner of this year's Chatham House Prize because of his remarkable qualities as a national, regional and international leader. I warmly congratulate the President on this award which, as well as recognizing his personal accomplishments, is an acknowledgement of the growing influence he has achieved for Brazil.'

Chatham House Prize 2009 Sponsors Royal Dutch Shell plc (lead sponsor) Anglo American plc Banco do Brasil Banco Itau BG Group Bloomberg BNDES - Brazilian Development Bank Bradesco British American Tobacco Chevron Ltd Chivas Brothers Eni S.p.A. GlaxoSmithKline HSBC Petrobras SA Rolls-Royce plc Santander TAM Airlines Telefonica