WAFA Patrons

“Their commitment strengthens us on our journey to abundant water, clean air, and food for everyone”.
~ Tina Lindgreen, WAFA Founder & President

His Highness Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Selangor State, Malaysia.

A graduate of Leeds University – in Ecology & Environmental Biology – and of Sandhurst Military College, HH’s public commitments include Patron of the Raja Muda foundation, environmental sustainability, and youth development. In this latter connection, he serves as patron of Selangor Cheshire Home Welfare Foundation, the Raja Muda Foundation. and the Selangor Youth Community. He is also an avid sportsman.

“I congratulate WAFA for seeking out exceptional sustainability pioneers in Malaysia, and I hope corporations will come forward to form partnerships to scale these outstanding initiatives”.

HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali of Jordan

In 1998, HRH was honored as one of the “Heroes for the Planet” by Time Magazine. In 2002, she was elected as a laureate of the Global 500 Roll of Honor for Environmental Achievement (UNEP). In 2005, she established Jordan’s Royal Botanic Garden. In 2011, she was awarded the Henry Shaw Medal from the Missouri Botanical Garden. HRH serves on numerous committees and organizations to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.

“Even one small person can make a change, and I have seen this in all the WAFA finalists. You are an inspiration. Your work is not just limited to your own geographical position. Through WAFA, you’ve made it available to everyone else.“

Prem Rawat

[Author, international speaker, and peace educator ]

Prem Rawat has been helping people to find peace within themselves for over 50 years. Among other honors, he has been named Ambassador of Peace by UNIPAZ (The University of Peace in Brazil) and three government organizations.
In 2001 he established the Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) to address the basic human needs of peace, dignity, and prosperity. One of its initiatives, the Food for People Program empowers marginalized communities to take charge of their own development.
Prem was awarded the Malaysia-based Asia Pacific Brands Association’s BrandLaureate Lifetime Achievement award, reserved for statesmen and individuals whose actions and work have positively impacted the lives of people and the world at large. Other recipients of this prestigious award include Nelson Mandela, John Glenn, and Hillary Clinton.

Speaking at WAFA Awards Ceremony

“[WAFA Winners] are the silent heroes. And my idea was that it would be really great to acknowledge them, to give them some assistance so that they can have the encouragement. That was the idea behind the WAFA Awards.”

Professor Virginia C. Li

Virginia Li is a research professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, visiting professor at Kunming Medical University, and an honorary professor at Guangdong Medical University.
Her service stretches over 40 years. In China, her research led to model reproductive and family health programs. She also helped launch a successful tobacco crop substitution project. In the USA, she helped train physicians to counsel patients to quit smoking; her initiatives figured in the Health Objectives for the Nation. Professor Li has served in senior roles in China, the USA, and other countries. WHO has used its methodology to reassess its global indicators.

“Your commitment to the improvement of water, air and food around the world is so impressive, giving hope and joy to future generations. Right on!”