Leading philanthropists receive Carnegie Medals at Holyrood
090/2005 | 6 October 2005
The medal recipients with William Thomson CBE, great-grandson of Andrew Carnegie, and the
Presiding Officer George Reid MSP. |
Six of the world’s leading philanthropists were presented with the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 4 October.
The Parliament also played host to a Symposium to discuss how progressive philanthropy can play a role in tacking global problems, attended by more than 400 influential philanthropy figures from across the globe.
They took part in six workshops, each featuring three distinguished speakers who outlined their thoughts on philanthropy before inviting the delegates to share their ideas and opinions.
The event opened in the Debating Chamber with speeches from the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon George Reid MSP, and William Thomson CBE, great-grandson of Andrew Carnegie and Chairman of the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Organising Group.
'Major strategic challenges'
George Reid welcomed the delegates and guests to Holyrood, and spoke of the issues to be addressed at the Symposium, saying: “Progressive philanthropy faces major strategic challenges in our compressed global economy - in its relationships with the state, in its partnerships with civil society, in its advocacy work and in its key role of ensuring change for good.
"There are lessons here for Scotland, and for a Parliament which prides itself on its commitment to create a sustainable society founded on enterprise and compassion.
“We have to get back the entrepreneurial, get-up-and-go spirit which we Scots exported to America. We must realise that we cannot redistribute the money until we have actually made it.”
'Challenging the status quo'
William Thomson also addressed the delegates, saying: “Scotland was the birthplace of my great-grandfather Andrew Carnegie and I believe it thereby has a strong claim also to be seen as the birthplace of modern philanthropy.
“His concern was to help change the world, both locally and globally for the better, working to influence governments, business and civil society.
“His approach to philanthropy, as with the Medallists we have honoured in the past and shall be honouring today, was often to challenge the status quo. Their passion is to bring out the hopes, talents and creativity in all of us.”
Medal recipients
Honouring the philanthropists of today, Medals and bronze busts of Andrew Carnegie were presented to Scots business tycoon Sir Tom Farmer, His Highness the Aga Khan, arts benefactor Agnes Gund, Anna Southall on behalf of the Cadbury Family, Susan Packard Orr on behalf of the Packard Family and Eleanor Hewlett Gimon on behalf of the Hewlett Family.
The ceremony was hosted by BBC newsreader Sally Magnusson, and the first Medal was presented by the Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen to Anna Southall.
Proud of her family’s achievement, she said: “I admit to being extraordinarily humbled, frankly, by this invitation to accept this Medal and indeed this bust on behalf of the whole Cadbury family.
“I would also like to thank the Carnegie Foundations and to express the hope that this ceremony and symposium will promote and encourage modern philanthropy – yes, here in Scotland, but yes, globally.”
The next Medal was presented to His Highness the Aga Khan by former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.
His Highness said: “The vision and the legacy of Andrew Carnegie, who was a role model of progressive philanthropy, have been well served by his successors, and thank you also for the great honour of this award.”
Speaking of the volunteers who help to run the Aga Khan Development Network, he added: “It is on behalf of these many thousands of selfless and dedicated men and women of multiple languages, cultures, faiths and nationalities, urban and rural, that I accept this award today.”
'Dedicated people'
Sir Tom Hunter, himself a respected philanthropist as well as leading Scottish businessman, said he was honoured to present the next award to Susan Packard Orr, chair of the board at the David and Lucille Packard Foundation.
She said: “It is indeed a great pleasure to be here today in this very beautiful city, in this very beautiful building, representing my family and foundation that my parents started just over 40 years ago.
“Thank you on behalf of the Packard family and the Packard Foundation, and on behalf of our grantees and non profit partners, and the many, many dedicated people who care not one wit about the limelight, but only about making a difference. It is their critical contributions that are truly to be celebrated.”
Lord Sainsbury of Turville handed over the next Medal to Agnes Gund, President Emerita of New York’s Museum of Modern Art and member of numerous charitable trusts.
She was delighted to be presented with her award by Lord Sainsbury, who himself accepted one in 2003 on behalf of the Sainsbury family.
Ms Gund said: “I must say that having this great honour presented by you makes it all the more special to me. I also wanted to add my great thanks to the Scottish Parliament, and particularly to its Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon George Reid. Your welcome and hospitality have been beyond delightful.
“I will use the momentum of this honour and strive to do more to build a world that I am proud to leave to my nine grandchildren.”
The fifth award was presented to Eleanor Hewlett Gimon – a member of the board of directors of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation - by Jane Wales, president of the Global Philanthropy Forum and Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.
Delighted with the accolade, Ms Hewlett Gimon said: “It is a privilege to spend the day focussing on philanthropy in recognition of Andrew Carnegie's commitment to social giving.
“Bringing philanthropy to the next generation is an essential element of the Hewlett legacy.”
Sir Tom Farmer
The final award went to Sir Tom Farmer, a Scot following in Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropic footsteps.
It was presented by First Minister Jack McConnell, who said of the entrepreneur: "He is not looking for public accolade. He is not interested in getting the credit. He isn't even looking for a thank you.
"But Sir Tom, if you will indulge me today. I want to say a great big thank you, on behalf of the Carnegie International Selection Panel - and on behalf of Scotland."
On accepting his Medal, Sir Tom began by paying tribute to his absent parents, and declared he was proud to receive the Medal in his homeland.
He said: “The gathering here in the Scottish Parliament is an historic occasion, when together we acknowledge the legacy handed down to us by Andrew Carnegie.
“It is in this building that decisions are made that will determine the future welfare of Scotland. Decisions made in this building not only affect the present generation of people but also future generations. The philanthropic legacy of Andrew Carnegie has an important role to play in shaping that future.”
Medal recipients are selected every two years by the Carnegie family of worldwide institutions established by Andrew Carnegie. Previous recipients include the Gates, Rockefeller and Sainsbury families, media tycoon Ted Turner and financier George Soros.
More about the Carnegie event
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