Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Lanzarote Island Council, signaled the start of the gala presentation of the II Azul Zero Prize, which brings together, in his own words, “science, art, sustainability, innovation, beauty, art and nature”.
The island’s president recalled that this edition pays homage to César Manrique, who taught that “progress only makes sense when life is respected.”
The awards therefore “recognize outstanding women and men” who “spread hope”, “bravely transform” the world, “move forward without leaving the planet behind”, and “enable progress by caring for the life around them”.
With the motto “The Magic of Being Alive”, the gala was hosted by Mediaset España journalist Ángeles Blanco and Holographic Artificial Intelligence Zero, who welcomed the attendees and began the first moments of the evening.
In addition to the President of Lanzarote’s Parliament, Ángel Vázquez, CEO of the Lanzarote Arts, Culture and Tourism Center, also participated, highlighting Manrique as a “great artist who was ahead of his time and came from a small island.”
The award recognized Maria Neira, Director of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization (WHO), in the field of Horizonte Salud. In the “Women in Action” category, the winner was Miss Universe model and artist Patricia Yurena. Carlos Maro, winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize in the Environmental Sustainability category. Or Javier Goyeneche, founder of the sustainable brand ECOALF, “Technology for Good.”
We would also like to thank Jose Diaz, founder and director of Educa Nepal, for his fight for human rights. to Myrna Cunningham in the humanities; The vision and influence category features Canadian author Carl Honoré, a pioneer of the “slow” movement. or Antonia Varela, director of the Starlight Foundation.
Using the starry sky as a resource
Varela, for example, spoke out “for the environment, culture, biodiversity, health and quality of life” and “to defend resources such as the starry sky.” He also stressed that space tourism is creating opportunities in abandoned areas, and that the skies are also an “opportunity to develop careers for girls and young people.”
In the sustainable art category, Mariam Issoufou, a Nigerian architect specializing in sustainability, won the award, saying architecture “can create an impact that improves offices and public spaces.” Since he was unable to attend in person, he explained in a recorded intervention that his purpose was to “promote social change.”
Patricia Yurena: “Beauty is recognizing your whole self”
Patricia Yurena said her revolution began when she decided to “live” “freedom,” which allowed her to receive the gift of “inspiring others.” Therefore, she said, her greatest hope for the future is for her daughter to know that “true beauty lies not in crowns and coverings, but in looking fearlessly in the mirror and recognizing yourself as a whole.”
Throughout the night, there was a live performance of the acclaimed song “Jupiter” by Tania Gil (La Voz) and Sonia Gomez, as well as piano playing by Sergio Alonso.
Also in attendance was comedian Quique Perez. Digital creator Amalia Martínez Fajardo, promoter of the project “You are Lanzarote, Influencer of your home” or Adelia Ramirez, a young entrepreneur and pastry chef from Lanzarote who is dedicated to conscious gastronomy.
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