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

Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan was in 2022 named a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Goodwill Ambassador for Near East and North Africa.

HRH Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan has been actively working on biodiversity conservation in Jordan for over 30 years. In 2021 Princess Basma bint Ali was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Hashemite Fund for Development of Jordan Badia to help steer socio-economic capacity-building through local community-based sustainable development. Princess Basma has also founded several non-profit, non-governmental environmental entities, including the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan, in 2008, to conserve Jordan’s native flora.  She co-founded the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan in 1995 to protect Jordan’s coral reef. Princess Basma bint Ali serves on several national and international boards of environmental entities, including, as chair of the National Biodiversity Committee of Jordan (Ministry of Environment).   

Princess Basma has been awarded many medals for her work, the last of which was the Order of the State Centennial in 2022, as well as the Henry Shaw Medal by the Missouri Botanical Garden for her pioneering work in raising awareness among Jordanians about the importance of conserving native plants and protecting the environment. In 2002, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) elected her as a laureate in the Global 500 Roll of Honor for Environmental Achievements. In 1998, she became the first Arab woman to receive the title of Hero for the Planet from Time magazine.

“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

Prem Rawat is a world-renowned peace educator and bestselling author. A lifetime devoted to peace. For more than 55 years, Prem Rawat has shared his enduring message of peace with people all over the world – regardless of their nationality, religion, or lifestyle – a message that inner peace is not only possible, but a human birthright. With great commitment, wisdom and wit, he has reached hundreds of millions of people in more than 100 countries.

He has given 5,623 presentation in 100 countries. Among other honours, he has been named Ambassador of Peace by UNIPAZ (The University of Peace in Brazil) and three government organisations.
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 marginalised communities to take charge of their own development. TPRF’s Peace Education Program has been attended by 400,000 participants in over 80 countries. 

Prem was awarded The 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. In 2023,The BrandLaureate honoured Prem Rawat and The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) with a distinguished award for outstanding peace initiatives and excellence in branding.

Also in 2023 Prem Rawat set two World Guinness Records. 375,603 People Attended one of His Lectures, and Largest Audience ever to Attend a Book Reading by a Single Author. 

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!”