Woman who helped build hospitals flies to Stockholm to receive rare World Peace Award

A 55-year-old woman has been awarded a rare world peace prize for her dedication to international peace initiatives.

Dr Jaruwan Vantana who lives in Hillreach, Greenwich, was presented with a Peace Ambassador 2023 medal at the World Peace Awards in Stockholm at the end of August.

Ms Vantana said: “It’s a great honour for me and my family to receive this award which recognises the important contribution and dedication of all those who are putting their energies into a lasting solution for sustainable world peace.”

Ms Vantana received the award for her fundraising for hospital and school building in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, Buddhist Temple building and cultural support in Thailand, UK, Europe and America as well as fundraising to support eye operations for people in need in Nepal.

She has also assisted with the distribution of aid across the world to counties effected by natural disaster.

Only 10 people are awarded the title of Peace Ambassador each year. Shortlisted candidates are selected and voted for by an international judging panel and the awards are presented at the Stockholm Concert Hall – where the Nobel Prize is also presented.

About 500 people from different countries participated in the event.

Ms Vantana works at the Woolwich Arsenal Headquarters of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) in the finance department. GLL is the largest UK-based charitable social enterprise delivering leisure, health and community services. 

Peter Bundey, chief executive of GLL said: “We are very proud that our colleague’s outstanding efforts are recognised by this international peace prize.  

“GLL are rooted in purpose and societal impact and we see Jaruwan’s work on this global cause as equally important and relevant.

“We are so proud to have her as part of the GLL family – she is an inspiration to all her colleagues and we all congratulate her on this unique achievement.”

Pictured top: Dr Jaruwan Vantana  in the GLL Boardroom with Peter Bundey (Picture: better.org.uk)