Bill Drayton Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation 2011

“I am more deeply touched than I can express by the decision of the jury for the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation. I know it truly is a recognition of the extraordinary social entrepreneurs in Spain and across the world, so many of whom are friends and colleagues. Spain once again is opening a wonderful new land.

The faster the world changes, the more important it becomes to do more than give fish or help people learn to fish. We must constantly change the fishing industry. That requires entrepreneurs.

Moreover, we need to make sure that each change is for the good. That's why the world needs social entrepreneurs -- men and women whose lives and therefore work are only for the good of all. We need them individually and, even more, as a global community working together.

The Prince of Asturias Award will help Ashoka and all of us build this essential new force in the world”.

Bill Drayton
Arlington (Virginia), 8^th June 2011