De Balie, the Centre for Culture and Politics in The Hague, presented UNPO with an award for its “life long struggle to improve human rights around the world” on 15 December at The Royal Theatre in The Hague.

The award is an exclusive first copy of The New World Map, which was presented to UNPO General Secretary Mr Marino Busdachin before he delivered a speech. UNPO has previously been awarded the 1991 Tolerance Award, the 1992 Social Innovation Award, the 1998 Petra Kelly Peace Award, the 1994 Right to Livelihood Award. In 1993, UNPO was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The New World Map seeks to represent the political situation around the world in a manner that is more true to reality and reflects political developments over the past few decades. Inspired primarily by Kosovo’s independence and subsequent recognition, the Map depicts a future world in which many regions and territories have gained independence. The project was spearheaded by graphic designer Herman van Bostelen in collaboration with cartographer Ferjan Ormeling and geographer Henk van Houtum.

In addition to Mr Busdachin’s award and speech, the festivities included art performances and lectures by historian and publicist Thomas von der Dunk, international relations expert John Hulsman and geographer Henk van Houtum. Also present were the artistic duo Aussems & Atay who performed a light show using maps entitled 'Highlighting' and Herman van Bostelen who explained the process behind creating The New World Map.