Zaha Hadid, the renowned Iraqi-born British architect, is named UNESCO Artist for Peace in a ceremony at Organization Headquarters today.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova will designate the Pritzker Prize laureate “in recognition of her efforts to raise public awareness of intercultural dialogue, to promote excellence in design and creativity, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization.â€
Born in Baghdad in 1950, Ms Hadid graduated in mathematics from the American University of Beirut before enrolling at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London (UK).
A ground-breaking thinker and creator, Ms Hadid’s innovative buildings in Europe, Asia and America have been the centre of passionate debate. She has also designed clothes, furniture and even a three-wheeled automobile called ZCar.
UNESCO Artists for Peace are renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to promote UNESCO’s message. Author Frankétienne (Haiti), Musician Manu Dibango (Cameroon), fashion designer Bibi Russell (Bangladesh), musician Gilberto Gil (Brazil), actress and singer Maria de Medeiros (Portugal) and writer Scott Momaday (United States) are among this eminent group of people.
