Sheikh Bahaa El-Din Rafiq Hariri met with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the city of New York, USA, and the two exchanged conversations about political events in the world.
The meeting between Sheikh Bahaa Hariri and the German Chancellor took place during the annual “Global Citizen Award” ceremony for 2023, hosted at a dinner held at the Fairmont Grand Central Hotel in New York City.

Sheikh Bahaa Hariri also met with the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the Vatican’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, and former U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

Five prominent international figures received the “Global Citizen Award” from the Atlantic Council for 2023, namely German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Chairman of the Board and CEO of First Eastern Investment Group, Victor Chu.
The Global Citizen Award is presented annually during the United Nations General Assembly to individuals “who have contributed to driving positive change in their societies and embody a commitment to international cooperation.”

The selection of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the award is in recognition of their efforts to support Ukraine in the face of the Russian war. Chancellor Scholz pledged one billion euros in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and played a role in pressuring Russia to cease the war.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy received the award in acknowledgment of his courage and steadfastness in confronting the Russian invasion. He led his people in defending Ukraine and became a symbol of resistance and hope.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Chairman of the Board and CEO of First Eastern Investment Group, Victor Chu, also received the award for their efforts in enhancing transatlantic relations and global economic development.

During the ceremony, Chancellor Scholz delivered a speech in which he pledged continued support for Ukraine until peace is achieved, stating, “We stand with Ukraine, and we will continue to support it until peace is realized.”

President Zelenskyy also expressed his gratitude for the international support received from Germany and other countries, saying, “Thank you for your support, and we will continue to fight until Ukraine is liberated from the Russian invasion.”
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida pledged in his speech to strengthen relations between the United States and Japan, stating, “We are united in facing global challenges, and we will continue to work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the importance of supporting the global economy in her remarks, saying, “We are committed to promoting economic growth and global prosperity.”

Victor Chu, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of First Eastern Investment Group, highlighted the need to support economic development in Asia in his speech. He stated, “We are committed to supporting economic development in Asia and will continue to work with partners around the world to build a brighter future.”

The event was attended by several prominent figures from politics, business, and civil society, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, World Bank President David Malpass, and Goldman Sachs Group Chairman and CEO David Solomon.

The Atlantic Council is a non-governmental organization based in the United States, founded in 1949, with the goal of promoting relations between the United States and countries in Europe, North Africa, and South Asia.

The Atlantic Council comprises a diverse group of members from the public, private, and academic sectors.