The Lord Byron International Prize

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) awards annually a Prize to three important international figures from the political, cultural, academic or entrepreneurial world, who have a long term Philhellenic record or who contributed to society with their actions and careers, inspired by the values of Hellenism.

The Prize is awarded in the name of Lord Byron, the great poet and Philhellene who died in Missolonghi, fighting with the Greeks in the War of Independence (1821-1828). Lord Byron became a symbol, incarnating the values of Hellenism namely liberty, respect of human dignity, freedom of expression, independence of spirit. These values and the cause of freedom fighters he sealed with his early death.

Each one of the three honored persons receives a silver medal, a diploma and a grant of 10.000 USD, which is donated in their name, to an institution of their choice that is active in areas which serve and promote the values of Hellenism and Philhellenism.

The Lord Byron International Prize is awarded in a ceremony which takes place at the Academy of Athens.

The Lord Byron International Prize Laureates

2021

  • John Kerry, Senator / former Secretary of State, from the USA, descendant of Thomas Winthrop, Chairman of the Philhellenic Committee of Boston, during the Greek War of Independence.
  • Jack Lang, former Minister of Culture and Education, from France.
  • Charles Pictet, from Switzerland, chairman of the Pictet bank, descendant of the Pictet de Rochemont family, who supported Capodistrias and the philhellenic movement in Switzerland.

2022

  • Jean Claude Juncker, former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg.
  • Jack Lew, former Secretary of the Treasury, USA.
  • Klaus P. Regling, Chief Executive Officer of the European Financial Stability Facility and Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism.

2023

  • Ms. Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia.
  • Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO (World Trade Organisation).

2024

  • Ms. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime minister of Canada and Minister of Finance.
  • The Earl of Lytton, member of the House of Lords