WEF Awards 2025: Beckham, Furstenberg, Yamamoto

The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, kicked off with the presentation of the prestigious Crystal Awards to three influential figures: David Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg, and Riken Yamamoto. The awards recognize their impactful contributions to social, environmental, and creative progress globally.

David Beckham: Advocating for Children’s Rights

David Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was honored for his relentless efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable children around the world. With two decades of service to UNICEF, Beckham has been a strong advocate for children’s education, protection, and welfare, particularly in areas facing crises. He emphasized the need for collective action and investment in supporting young girls, who often face significant challenges such as poverty, violence, and discrimination.

Diane von Furstenberg: Empowering Women Through Fashion

Fashion designer and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg was recognized for her outstanding contributions to empowering women. As the founder of her brand and creator of the iconic wrap dress, she has been a major advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. Von Furstenberg stressed the value of kindness and the importance of creating connections that positively impact people’s lives.

Riken Yamamoto: Leading Sustainable Architecture

Architect Riken Yamamoto was honored for his innovative approach to sustainable architecture and his commitment to social and environmental responsibility. His work focuses on the role of architecture in community revitalization and environmental conservation. Yamamoto highlighted the need to protect communities from conflict and ensure that architectural developments preserve cultural heritage.

The Crystal Awards, presented annually by Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum, recognize cultural leaders who drive meaningful change through their creativity and vision. This year’s recipients embody the transformative power of individuals dedicated to making a positive societal impact.