New York, N.Y.(SMIWIRE,09.26.18)-The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a non-profit interfaith organization, which for more than half a century has brought together corporate and religious leaders, statesmen and members of the world diplomatic corps who are dedicated to religious freedom, human rights and ctolerance, and its president and founder Rabbi Arthur Schneier, presented the 2018 Appeal of Conscience World Leader Award to Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Johann Peter Rupert, Chairman of Compagnie Financiere Richemont, received the Appeal of Conscience Awards taking place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

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United States Treasury Secretary  Steven T. Mnuchin was the keynote speaker. Former United States Secretary of State , Dr. Henry Kissinger delivered the evening's address.

 

" The Appeal of Concience Foundation advances  the values of peace and religious liberty," said Secretary  Steven T. Mnuchin. " At a time when hostile actors continue

to promote violence and intolerence, the Foundation is a powerful voice for more secure and prosperous future for all Americans and people around the world."

 

Secretary Mnuchin was introduced by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the Chairman and CEO of The Blackstone Group. Brian Moynihan, the Chairman and CEO of Bank of America introduced  Madam Lagarte and Dr. Kissinger and Maurice Levy, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Publicis introduced Mr. Rupert.

 

According to Rabbi Arthur Schneider, the president and founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, " Madam Lagarde is being recognized for her lifelong commitment to public service and for her exemplary leadership of the International Monetary Fund and espousing principles aligned with the interfaith

Appeal for Conscience Foundation and its efforts world-over. Mr. Rupert is being honored for his humanitarian efforts and generosity that have benefited education, the arts, advanced social justice and conservation of land."

 

" I am honored to accept this award,"said Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund." The Appeal of Conscience Foundation's belief that freedom, democracy and human rights are the fundamental values that give nations of the world their best hope for peace, security and shared prosperity, is a belief shared by many, including us at the IMF. We also believe that resilent,

inclusive and sustainable economic growth will help lift millions more out of poverty."

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         Photo: Appeal of Conscience /AP

" It is truly an honor to receive this award," said Johann Peter Rupert, Chairman of Compagnie Financiere Richemont ." Amidst the turbulence of a world-wide surge 

in xenophobia, The Appeal of Conscience Foundation reflects the critical need to support religious freedom and the rights of the individual regardless of background and ethnicity. The Foundation creates a space for business and religious leaders 

together to help advance peace and economic security."

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Secretary for Relations with States, Holy See, Archbishop Paul Gallagher delivered 

greetings.

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Notable Honorary Co-Chairs: Madeline K. Albright, James A. Baker III, Richard Blumenthal, Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, Jacob J. Lew, Carolyn B. Maloney, John D. Negroponte, Henry Paulson, Colin L. Powell, Robert E. Rubin, Charles E. Schumer, George P. Shultz, Lawrence H. Summers, Paul A. Volcker, James D. Wolfensohn.

 

Tribute Leadership Committee: Bernard J. Arnault, Len Blavatnik, John A. Catsimatidis, Michael L. Corbat, Paul J. Fribourg, Alex Gorski, Muhtar Kent,

Hon. Ronald S. Lauder, Ralph and Ricky Lauren, Maurice Levy, Andrew N. Liveris,

Hon. Earle I. Mack, Brian Moynihan, Michael Peterson, Anthony J. Pratt,

Stephen A. Schwarzman, Masayoshi Son, Jerry I. Speyer. 

 

 

 

 

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Johann Rupert                            

Johann Rupert grew up in Stellenbosh, South Africa, where he attended  Paul Roos Gymnasium and the University of Stellenbosch, studying economics and company law.

In the early seventies he led a group of students in anti-Apartheid protest.

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In 1979, Rupert Founded Rand Merchant Bank (" RMB") of which he was CEO) and the Small Business Development  Corporation (Today known as Business Partners), which has assisted thoudsands of entrepreneurs, creating over 700,000 new jobs.

He left RMB in 1984, to join his father 's company,  the Rembrandt Group, today known

as Remgro, a South African Investment Holding Company.In 1988 he founded Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, a Swiss holding company for luxury goods. Rupert started the Laureus funds over 150 projects in over 40 countries, with the goal of using sport to tackle social issues, having a particular emphasis on underpriviledge children.

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Rupert was formerly a Managing Trustee and member of the investment committe of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and served on the Daimler Chrysler International Advisory Board. Following in the footsteps of his father, Anton, Johann Rupert is a committed conservationist. In addition to conserving about 73,000 acres in the Graaff Reinet area, his family Foundation has bought and donated an additional 260,000 acres of adjacent land to the South African Parks Board. He is also Chairman of the Peace Parks Foundation, which supports the creation of transfrontier conservatiuon areas.

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Rupert was awarded honorary  doctorates in Economics, Humanities and Laws by The 

Universities of Stellenbosch, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan and St. Andrews respectively. In 2009, he was elected as Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. In 2009, he was appointed " Officer " of the French " Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur" by the President of the French Republic.