20 Sep 2012

Kiribati President recognised for climate change campaigning

6:24 pm on 20 September 2012

The Kiribati President Anote Tong has been given an international award recognising his commitment to Pacific Island countries facing the threat of rising seas.

The New Zealand based Hillary Institute of International Leadership, which recognises outstanding leaders from around the world, has named President Tong as its climate equity laureate for 2012.

The Institute chairman, David Caygill, says President Tong impressed the selection panel with his ongoing efforts to draw global attention to climate change.

"The group of people on the panel who chose him looked at a number of other potential candidates and came to the conclusion that President Tong had been doing an outstanding job in terms of the work that he's been doing."

Hillary Institute chairman David Caygill says there is no prize money attached to the laureate.