The Nobel Peace Prize
In 1999, MSF was awarded the International Nobel Peace Prize, "in recognition of the organisation's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents." The award honoured the work of MSF relief workers bringing medical assistance to people in more than 80 countries — over 20 of which are in conflict.
Photo: Knudsens Fotosenter
James Orbinski, Médecins Sans Frontières, delivering his Nobel Lecture.
The 1999 Nobel Lecture, MSF's acceptance speech, was delivered in Oslo, Norway, by Dr. James Orbinski , President of the MSF International Council. The ceremony was widely televised throughout the world and, for those in distant places, broadcast online at NobelChannel.com. This was the first time a Nobel speech had been broadcast over the internet.
The proceeds from the Nobel Peace Prize have been used by MSF to establish a Neglected Disease Fund. The fund is designed to support pilot projects world-wide that facilitate clinical development, production, procurement and distribution of Neglected Disease treatments.
The official MSF Nobel Peace Prize Page
- The full transcript of the acceptance speech can be found on the official MSF Nobel Peace Prize page.
