Bono, George Soros, Messi to be awarded US Presidential Medal of Freedom
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U2 frontman Bono, billionaire philanthropist George Soros, former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and Inter Miami and Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi are among the 19 people to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.
The White House confirmed the list of recipients on Saturday ahead of their official presentations by US president Joe Biden later today.
According to the US National Archives, the medal can be awarded to any individuals who "have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."
Bono will be the first Irish recipient of the award since former President Mary Robinson received the medal from Barack Obama in 2009.
The singer-songwriter has long campaigned for social justice causes, both with his U2 bandmates and as an individual.
He is the co-founder of the policy and advocacy organisation Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa (DATA), EDUN, a fashion brand which promotes trade in Africa, the ONE Campaign, an organisation advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa, and Product Red, an initiative seeking to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds to help eliminate HIV/Aids in several countries in Africa.
The Dubliner has previously been given the highest cultural honour of France, the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2013, was named Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2005. He was also awarded an honorary British knighthood in 2007.
Among the other recipients of this year's medals are actors Michael J Fox and Denzel Washington, NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, science educator and TV personality Bill Nye 'The Science Guy', and Spanish chef and World Central Kitchen found, José Andrés.
Among those chosen to receive a posthumous medal are former US attorney general Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy, who was assassinated during the US presidential campaign of 1968.
The presidential medal of freedom awards were established by Robert F Kennedy's brother, the late president John F Kennedy, in 1963.