The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has announced that the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) will receive the 2025 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. MAG is a humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding organization that focuses on landmine removal and reducing armed violence in communities affected by conflict. Since 1989, MAG has helped over 23 million people across more than 70 countries rebuild their lives after war, playing a key role in preventing landmine use, protecting human rights, and supporting sustainable peace worldwide.
The recipient of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize is selected through a rigorous process in which the Hilton Foundation reviews nominations from nonprofits around the globe, with a final decision made by an independent international jury. The 2025 jury includes distinguished members such as Helen Clark, Leymah Gbowee, Conrad N. Hilton III, Queen Noor, and Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León. Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, emphasized that MAG exemplifies the humanitarian excellence the Prize has celebrated for three decades.
This year’s award comes amid rising global conflict and growing humanitarian needs. MAG is recognized for addressing the devastating impacts of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and armed violence, which disproportionately affect civilians and children. Darren Cormack, MAG’s Chief Executive, highlighted the organization’s commitment to restoring safety, security, and hope to communities long after conflicts have ended.
MAG employs a community-centered approach, engaging local staff from conflict-affected areas in landmine removal, armed violence reduction programs, and international advocacy. In 1997, MAG was a co-laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which contributed to the formation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Treaty). Shari Bryan, MAG U.S. Executive Director, emphasized that the Hilton Prize will support research, innovation, and emergency response efforts, strengthening MAG’s ability to meet current humanitarian challenges.
As the largest annual humanitarian award for nonprofits, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize recognizes organizations that innovate, advocate, and improve lives in challenging contexts. Since 1996, the Prize has awarded $46.5 million to 29 organizations, with this year’s unrestricted funding increasing from $2.5 million to $3 million to mark the 30th anniversary. The 2025 Prize Ceremony honoring MAG will take place during the 30th Anniversary Event in October in New York City, and nominations for the Prize remain open year-round.
