Ursula von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy both honored at the Business & Finance Awards 2022.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accepted the 2022 Sutherland Leadership Award at the 48th annual Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, on behalf of the European Union. The event took place at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Thursday, December 1st, in the company of 1,000 International business, political and social leaders.

Many notable politicians in attendance acknowledged the significance of President von der Leyen’s visit as a celebration of Ireland’s 50 years of membership in the European Union.

Speaking to Business & Finance, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson stated: “I’m old enough to have taken part in the referendum campaign, and I felt that Ireland’s membership of the EU would give us new partnerships, new possibilities, even new recognition of our culture, and our fight for freedom over long years.

President von der Leyen, who has served as the Commission President since 2019, accepted the award and spoke about Ireland’s relationship with the European Union.

She said: “The story of Ireland in the European Union inspires hope, especially at a time when war has sadly returned to our continent. A story of reconciliation, peace and progress, written by the people of Ireland.” “Europe is proud to call you family,” she said.

She called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine an “attack on the rights to be a free and democratic nation.”

TK Whitaker Award

The TK Whitaker Award honors Irish and international social and political leaders who have been exemplary in their contributions to public life. John and Pat Hume received the honor at the 2021 ceremony.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was recognized with the award for his exemplary handling of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky addressed those present at the awards ceremony via video link.

“I am grateful you are honoring Ukraine with this outstanding award,” said the Ukrainian President.

“This award reflects the path that we are to go through. In exactly one month, Ireland will celebrate its first 50 years as part of the European Union.

“Ukraine is doing everything so that our first 50 years as a part of the European Union can also be celebrated sooner. I urge you to support Ukraine on this path unfailingly.

“I thank you for the historical support of Ireland and the entire European Community to our State in our struggle for freedom and independence. We will definitely win this together. Glory to Ukraine!”

Ukraine’s ambassador to Ireland, Gerasko Larysa, accepted the award on behalf of the President.

“We are fighting for our freedom. We are fighting for our independence,” she said.