The 2025 GLOBAL VISION AWARD
was presented to
David M. Beasley
on Monday, December 1, at the Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia World Affairs Council was pleased to present the 2025 Global Vision Award to David M. Beasley, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the World Food Programme in his role as executive director (2017-23), South Carolina Governor (1995-99), and now Distinguished Professor of Practice & Public Service at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Governor Beasley was honored at a black tie gala on Monday, December 1, at the Columbia Museum of Art. This marked the 32nd year the Columbia World Affairs Council has presented the award to a leader whose contributions have made a significant impact on projecting South Carolina globally.
The annual Global Vision Award Gala is the Council’s only fund-raising event, generating critical operational funds needed to continue our mission to keep SC globally connected and competitive in the year ahead. Each year, the gala is attended by South Carolina's esteemed leadership in government, law, business, education, and our globally engaged community.
“This is an amazing honor, especially as recognition from the State I that love, serve, and call home,” said Beasley. “The initiative to fight global hunger is more relevant than ever, and the continued acknowledgement of South Carolina as a driving force to end it is what remains so special to me.”
From 2017 to 2023, Beasley served as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization that assists over 160 million people annually. Under Beasley’s leadership, the WFP won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, for its efforts to combat hunger and prevent food from being used as a weapon of war—an honor which Beasley accepted in person. Since stepping down, from the WFP, Beasley has continued his humanitarian work such as efforts to establish aid mechanisms for crisis regions such as Gaza, Sudan and other areas of grave need.
“Governor Beasley had a tremendous economic and humanitarian impact on the State of South Carolina during his term in office,” said Bob Coble, chair of Columbia World Affairs Council Board of Directors, who served as Mayor of Columbia (1990-2010) during Beasley’s governorship. “His leadership of the UN World Food Programme extended that impact worldwide, showcasing the values of our state to strive for the prosperity of all.”
Founded in 1993, Columbia World Affairs Council showcases South Carolina globally through enlightening educational programming and innovative international exchanges. Through our vast network of regional and international partners, the Council continues developing opportunities to increase economic prosperity and global awareness while advancing South Carolina as an international destination.
Established in 1994, and the first Global Vision Award recipient was Governor Carroll A. Campbell. The 2024 Award was given to the University of South Carolina's International Business Programs at the Darla Moore School of Business, honoring William R. Folks Jr., Kendall Roth, and posthumously, former Dean of the Business School, James F. Kane, in celebration of the renowned program's 50th anniversary.
The annual Global Vision Award Gala is the Council’s only fund-raising event, generating critical operational funds needed to continue our mission to keep SC globally connected and competitive in the year ahead. Each year, the gala is attended by South Carolina's esteemed leadership in government, law, business, education, and our globally engaged community.
“This is an amazing honor, especially as recognition from the State I that love, serve, and call home,” said Beasley. “The initiative to fight global hunger is more relevant than ever, and the continued acknowledgement of South Carolina as a driving force to end it is what remains so special to me.”
From 2017 to 2023, Beasley served as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization that assists over 160 million people annually. Under Beasley’s leadership, the WFP won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, for its efforts to combat hunger and prevent food from being used as a weapon of war—an honor which Beasley accepted in person. Since stepping down, from the WFP, Beasley has continued his humanitarian work such as efforts to establish aid mechanisms for crisis regions such as Gaza, Sudan and other areas of grave need.
“Governor Beasley had a tremendous economic and humanitarian impact on the State of South Carolina during his term in office,” said Bob Coble, chair of Columbia World Affairs Council Board of Directors, who served as Mayor of Columbia (1990-2010) during Beasley’s governorship. “His leadership of the UN World Food Programme extended that impact worldwide, showcasing the values of our state to strive for the prosperity of all.”
Founded in 1993, Columbia World Affairs Council showcases South Carolina globally through enlightening educational programming and innovative international exchanges. Through our vast network of regional and international partners, the Council continues developing opportunities to increase economic prosperity and global awareness while advancing South Carolina as an international destination.
Established in 1994, and the first Global Vision Award recipient was Governor Carroll A. Campbell. The 2024 Award was given to the University of South Carolina's International Business Programs at the Darla Moore School of Business, honoring William R. Folks Jr., Kendall Roth, and posthumously, former Dean of the Business School, James F. Kane, in celebration of the renowned program's 50th anniversary.
THANK YOU,
2025 GLOBAL VISION SPONSORS
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The Columbia World Affairs Council is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 non-partisan organization.
All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Our Federal tax id is 57-0972662.
For more information, call 803.348.4490 or email [email protected]
All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Our Federal tax id is 57-0972662.
For more information, call 803.348.4490 or email [email protected]
PAST GLOBAL VISION AWARD HONOREES
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2025
Governor David M. Beasley See photos HERE! 2024 USC International Business Programs, honoring William R. Folks, Jr., Kendall Roth & Dean James F. Kane See photos HERE! 2023 Coach Dawn Staley See photos HERE! 2022 Dr. Jim Chow See photos HERE! 2021 George Wolfe See photos HERE! 2020 Harry Huge 2019 Dr. Henry N. Tisdale See photos HERE! 2018 Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. See photos HERE! 2017 Mayor Joe Riley See photos HERE! 2016 Governor Nikki R. Haley See photos HERE! |
2015
Dr. Harris Pastides 2014 Inez Moore Tenenbaum 2013 Governor Richard W. Riley 2012 Bobby Hitt SC Secretary of Commerce 2011 Senator Lindsey Graham & Congressman James E. Clyburn 2010 Paula Harper Bethea 2009 Ambassadors Robert V. Royall Jr. & David Wilkins 2008 Dr. Andrew Sorensen & The Honorable Bob Coble 2007 Ed Sellers BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina 2006 Ms. Sabine Lang Director, Lang-Mekra, N.A., LLC |
2005
Satch Krantz Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 2004 US Senator Fritz Hollings 2003 Jasper Salmond Community Activist 2002 Governor John C. West 2001 SC State Ports Authority 2000 Ambassador Phil Lader 1999 Fred Monk 1998 Governor Robert McNair 1997 Sister Mary Jacob 1996 Ambassador Richard Walker 1995 Astronaut Major General Charles F. Bolden, Jr. 1994 Governor Carroll Campbell, Jr. |