Press Release

CIVIL COURAGE PRIZE TRUSTEES HONOR MYKOLA KULEBA,
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF SAVE UKRAINE

New York, NY – December 2025 – The Trustees of the Civil Courage Prize are pleased to announce that Mykola Kuleba, President and Founder of Save Ukraine, has been selected as the 29th Civil Courage laureate for his extraordinary work in rescuing Ukrainian children across the war-ravaged border with Russia and in the occupied territories. The award ceremony, which will be held in New York City on January 26, 2026, honors individuals for their steadfast resistance to evil at great personal risk.

Kuleba, who called out the abduction of Ukrainian children into Russia as “child trafficking in the 21st century,” took decisive action by repeatedly rescuing Ukrainian children who had been abducted. Despite attempts on his life and threats against his family, he has shown unwavering resolve, to rescue abducted children. His extraordinary bravery, moral clarity, and dedication exemplify the ideals that the Civil Courage Prize was established to recognize. Kuleba is a globally recognized child protection expert who served as a Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights from 2014 to 2021.

In welcoming the news of his selection as this year’s Civil Courage laureate, Kuleba expressed profound honor in joining such a distinguished group of laureates, recognized each year since 2000 for their singular courage in making a critical difference for their communities. He emphasized that their actions have brought us closer to a better world.

In expressing the Trustee’s pride in honoring Kuleba, George Biddle, Board Chairman of the Civil Courage Prize, said, “I am proud that the Civil Courage Prize is honoring Mykola Kuleba this year. His work truly embodies the ideals of our award. As authoritarian regimes and conflict continue to plague our world, it is more important than ever to recognize those who stand up against evil and fight to protect human rights and justice.” Biddle praised Kuleba’s extraordinary courage and selflessness in putting himself in harm’s way to save so many young lives and to reunite them with their families and carers.

The Civil Courage Prize will be presented at a ceremony attended by 200 to 250 prominent individuals, bringing together leaders from academia, the media, philanthropy, diplomacy, business, and civil society. This engaging and meaningful gathering aims to explore the concept of civil courage and its crucial role in shaping the future success of the world amidst profound transformations. The event will honor the laureate’s remarkable actions, amplify the powerful example set by the laureate, and inspire others to emulate their exemplary behavior.

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