Prof. Spyridon Flogaitis, a Greek legal scholar and public servant, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Global Citizen Award. The award was presented at the gala of the 19th annual Global Citizenship Conference in London, an event that gathered heads of state, diplomats, academics, and wealth‑management professionals.
Key facts about the award and the laureate
- Awarding bodies – The Global Citizen Award is administered by Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship advisory firm, in partnership with the Swiss non‑profit Andan Foundation.
- Selection – Laureates are chosen by a majority vote of the independent Global Citizen Award Committee.
- Prize package – The award includes a custom‑designed sculptural medal by Italian artist Antonio Nocera, a certificate signed by the Committee chair, and a USD 20,000 monetary prize earmarked for humanitarian projects. Henley & Partners also commits to a minimum one‑year collaboration with the awardee, providing publicity and access to its network of more than 70 offices worldwide.
- Recipient’s background – Prof. Flogaitis serves as Director and President of the Board of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO). In that capacity he has overseen initiatives aimed at strengthening local governance, training civil servants, and expanding access to justice for marginalized groups, particularly in Southeast Europe and other regions experiencing democratic fragility.
- Award citation – He was honored for “tireless work in advancing public law, legal education, and institutional reform” and for fostering legal frameworks that protect human rights and encourage civic participation.
Context and previous laureates
The Global Citizen Award, established to recognize individuals whose work directly benefits vulnerable social groups, has previously honored:
- Harald Höppner – founder of the refugee‑aid project Sea‑Watch.
- Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman – founder of the Gift of the Givers disaster‑relief foundation.
- Monique Morrow – co‑founder of The Humanized Internet, a digital‑identity initiative for the estimated 1.1 billion people lacking legal identification.
- Diep Vuong – co‑founder and president of the Pacific Links Foundation, campaigning against human‑trafficking in Southeast Asia.
- Prof. Dr. Padraig O’Malley – conflict‑resolution work in Iraq, Northern Ireland, and South Africa.
- Zannah Bukar Mustapha – humanitarian projects for orphans and victims of extremist violence in Nigeria.
- The Hon. Mohamed Nasheed – former President of the Maldives and climate‑action advocate, recognized in 2024.
Statements
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and founder of the Andan Foundation, highlighted Prof. Flogaitis’s “transformative” use of law to promote peace, dignity, and inclusion. The laureate responded, “I am truly honored to receive this award. It is a privilege to be recognized for work guided by the values of excellence, service, and the lasting lessons of my family and homeland.”
About the partners
- Andan Foundation – A Swiss‑registered humanitarian organization that coordinates private‑sector initiatives for refugees displaced by war, conflict, or climate change. Its flagship project is the “Free Global City,” intended to reshape responses to global migration.
- Henley & Partners – A global consultancy specializing in residence and citizenship planning, operating through more than 70 offices. The firm also runs a government advisory practice that has facilitated over USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment and assisted governments in designing residence and citizenship programmes.
The award ceremony underscores the intersection of legal scholarship, public‑policy reform, and humanitarian action, positioning Prof. Flogaitis’s work as a model of global citizenship.
Source article: www.henleyglobal.com
