The ceremony
The ceremony
2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award
The event brought together State delegations, private-sector leaders, UN and international organization representatives, non-governmental organizations and refugee-led organizations to celebrate the exceptional work of the Global Laureate and the four Regional Winners.
The programme showcased the winners’ work and featured live artistic performances.
Watch the ceremony's recording
Abdullahi Mire is living proof that transformative ideas can spring from within displaced communities.
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About the 2023 Nansen ceremony
The 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony featured an acceptance speech by global laureate Abdullahi Mire, appearances by the regional winners and performances by Lous and the Yakuza, Miyavi and Ricky Kej.
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Master of ceremonies – 2023
Ann Curry
Known for her interviews with world leaders and her humanitarian reporting, including in covering wars, natural disasters and climate change in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Mideast, and the Americas, Ann Curry is an award-winning journalist, and a former NBC News Network international correspondent and anchor.
Among her numerous humanitarian awards, she has been presented with a Medal of Valor from the Simon Wiesenthal Center for her dedication to reporting about genocide. She is the daughter of a survivor of war.
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Musical performance – 2023
Lous and the Yakuza
Lous and the Yakuza, real name Marie-Pierra Kakoma, is a Belgian-Rwandan-Congolese artist celebrated for her unique musical style.
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the civil war, she moved to Belgium as a child. Her multicultural background deeply influences her music, exploring themes like identity and resilience. Beyond music, she models, creates art, and acts. Her debut album, “Gore,” established her as a boundary-pushing artist with global appeal. As one of Europe's hottest up-and-coming acts, she performs worldwide with hits like “Dilemme,” amassing millions of streams.
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Musical performance – 2023
MIYAVI
MIYAVI is a multifaceted artist uniting cultures worldwide through his music and philanthropic efforts. Known to his fans as the “Samurai Guitarist,” he has embarked on eight world tours spanning 30 countries, wowing audiences with his distinct guitar style. With 13 studio albums to his credit, MIYAVI has collaborated with Grammy award winning and Oscar-nominated artists and performed at iconic venues including Dodgers Stadium and Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple.
As an actor, MIYAVI shines in the films “Unbroken,” “Kong: Skull Island,” “ARCANE,” “KATE,” and “Maleficent 2.” In 2021, he released his signature model Fender Telecaster. A versatile talent, MIYAVI walked the runway at Paris and New York Fashion Week.
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Musical performance – 2023
Ricky Kej
3X Grammy® Award Winner, US Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020, Ricky Kej is an internationally renowned Indian music composer and environmentalist. He has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. Ricky has won over 100 music awards.
He serves as UN Goodwill Ambassador (UNCCD), UNHCR high-profile supporter, UNESCO MGIEP “Global Ambassador for Kindness”, UNICEF Celebrity Supporter, and Ambassador for “Earth Day Network”. His vast repertoire includes 24 studio albums released internationally, over 3,500 commercials and 8 feature films, including natural history documentary 'Wild Karnataka' narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
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Since 1954, more than 60 individuals, groups or organizations have received the Award for their extraordinary service to refugees, displaced and stateless people.