Cord wins Coventry International Peace Prize

We are delighted to announce that Cord is this year’s recipient of the Coventry International Prize for Peace and Reconciliation.

The prize, announced to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz and the city's Peace Festival, honours Cord’s exemplary and inspirational work which has made demonstrable improvements to the well-being of communities affected by war and conflict.

Founded in 1967 in Leamington Spa, Cord began as a direct response to the humanitarian situation in the war zone of Vietnam. Since then it has developed its expertise working alongside people displaced by violent conflict in 26 war torn countries - including, over the years, Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Kosovo and the Democratic Republic of Congo - assisting millions in peacefully and sustainably rebuilding their lives and communities.

'Cord is not big or as well known as some larger organisations, but for over forty years has undertaken some remarkable work in very difficult circumstances in areas that have been devastated by war and conflict.' commented Canon David Porter of Coventry Cathedral, co-sponsors of the prize along with the City of Coventry, the Diocese and Coventry University.

With its focus on peacebuilding, Cord helps people access the resources needed for development and to live in freedom with security and justice. As implementing partner for the United Nations (UNHCR), Cord’s largest programme is in the camps of Eastern Chad with 85,000 Sudanese refugees from Darfur. The organisation also has programmes in Burundi and Cambodia as well as projects in northern Uganda and Laos.

'Coventry is a worldwide symbol of rebirth out of the ashes of war,' said Cord Chief Executive Brian Wakley. 'That indomitable human spirit is something we recognise daily in the people we work with around the globe. We are honoured to receive this award on their behalf and delighted for our staff teams and partners in Burundi and Cambodia, whose hard work is being recognised internationally - this is a great boost and encouragement to them.'

An award ceremony will take place in Coventry Cathedral at 1.30 pm on Sunday 14 November as part of a series of events to mark the 70th anniversary of its destruction.