13.08.2013
In partnership with the Scottish Parliament, the Carnegie Trusts of the UK are working together on a programme of events, exhibitions, seminars and activities taking place at Holyrood from October 2013 to January 2014.
These activities will showcase the intellectual and social impact of work made possible by Scots-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s endowments and provide an opportunity to discuss the emerging challenges of the 21st century and the role of philanthropy.
This 16-week festival of events is a celebration of the huge impact made by Carnegie and the global network of charitable organisations he endowed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The events start on 5 October when Andy Warhol: Pop, Power and Politics opens.
Pierre Omidyar, the entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the founder and chairman of eBay, will be the keynote speaker at the highly prestigious worldwide Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy ceremony this October, held at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Often described as the ‘Nobel Prize for philanthropy’, the Carnegie Medal is only awarded biannually to the world’s leading philanthropists. Previous winners include New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Gates Family, the Sainsbury Family, Ted Turner and Sir Tom Farmer CVO. The Medal is awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the network of charitable organisations Andrew Carnegie endowed in America, and across the world, including the Carnegie UK Trust.
Pierre Omidyar’s philanthropic endeavours span the globe and a variety of issues – based on a belief that people are inherently capable, but lack equal opportunity. In his keynote speech, Omidyar will share perspectives on achieving impact, challenging the status quo, and elevating human dignity. Omidyar and his wife Pam received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2011, at a ceremony in New York City.
Pierre Omidyar said: “The legacy left by Andrew Carnegie is highly relevant to the modern world. His ideals are just as valid now as they were a century ago and I am honoured to open the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy ceremony this year.”
Angus Hogg MBE, Chair of The Carnegie UK Trust, said: “Andrew Carnegie envisioned a world of peace, wellbeing and opportunity and Pierre Omidyar’s personal vision certainly reflects those core values. We are delighted Pierre is able to open the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy - he brings a modern perspective to a philanthropic mission we have undertaken for more than 100 years.
“Mr Omidyar and his wife Pam have donated over $1bn to good causes and set up a number of organisations. Importantly, their focus has been on a sustainable approach to social development and wellbeing, which I believe Andrew Carnegie would have firmly supported. For that reason, we look forward to welcoming Mr Omidyar and his family to Scotland and to the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy ceremony.”
The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, added: “This is only the second time that the Ceremony has been held outside the USA, the first time being here at the Scottish Parliament in 2005, and I am delighted to be welcoming it back to Holyrood.
“This event highlights the difference just one individual can make in the world and I hope that by hearing the stories of Pierre and others like him, it can help to inspire a whole new generation of philanthropists.”
Pierre Omidyar will deliver his speech on the 17th October at the Scottish Parliament with the awards taking place later the same day. This year’s winners are set to be announced later in the summer by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.