In 2020, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative celebrates its 5th anniversary, continuing to shine a light on the best of humanity and building a global movement of Gratitude in Action. Through its projects, the Initiative gives hope to those in need and empowers those who risk their life to save others. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Aurora remains more relevant than ever by spreading solidarity and continuing its global efforts to help the most vulnerable worldwide. Below are the thoughts of Samantha Power, Former US Ambassador to the United Nations and the Aurora Prize Selection Committee Member, on the most pressing humanitarian issues and Aurora’s mission.

“Aurora Heroes share a kind of gratitude – a gratitude to be able to serve, you know, not what they could feel, which is a sense of isolation or alienation, you know, why aren’t more people doing this kind of work, but they project a kind of peace that they get from doing work to help others. And so that selflessness, that risk, that gratitude – I think those are the ingredients that I’ve seen in the Aurora Heroes.”