OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Average: Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None

When the media report on critical issues facing our world--like poverty, war, climate change, and human rights abuses--their focus is often on the policy, the politicking, and the perpetrators. At OneWorld, we try to take a different tack, placing the emphasis on the people--the people who are directly affected and the people working toward solutions.

Our annual "People of the Year" special edition allows us to take a closer look at some of the people who have touched lives and set examples for the rest of us over the past year.

Some are household names. Al Gore launched a new career as a climate crusader in 2006. Businessman Warren Buffett dove headlong into the field of big philanthropy, while Evo Morales broke new ground for indigenous people and economic justice campaigners worldwide.

Others you may not have heard of. Al Santoli, Renee Saucedo, and Rashad Zidan did not make many front pages in 2006, but they are inspirations to millions working for peace, justice, and equality.

Rob Hopkins and Anna Politkovskaya each showed how individual commitment to an issue can change the world in powerful ways. Tragically, Politkovskaya paid the ultimate price for her dedication to speaking truth to power, reminding us all of the tremendous risks so many activists and advocates face each day.

Many thanks to Sarah Barr, whose thoughtful research and writing skills and tireless efforts helped bring the work of OneWorld's People of 2006 to life on these pages.

In December we asked OneWorld editors, readers, and partners worldwide to nominate their "People of 2006." We purposely left the criteria vague to encourage a wide definition and diverse pool of nominees.

The only requirement was that nominees embody the values of OneWorld: human rights for all; a fair distribution of the world's natural and economic resources; simple and sustainable ways of life; the right of every individual to inform and be informed; participation and transparency in decision making; and social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

We received dozens of nominations representing still just a fraction of the countless individuals and groups doing tremendous work around the world. We try to bring to you as many of their stories as possible throughout the year, and it is a shame we can't honor each of them here. In addition to our finalists, however, we've included information on many others making outstanding efforts in similar ways or in related fields.

But we still want to hear more! If you know of someone who should be recognized, please add their story to the "Who Did We Miss?" page.

Then, once you've been inspired by the finalists and nominees and added your own endorsements, vote! OneWorlders' collective choice for Person of 2006 will be announced in the last week of January.

The eight finalists were chosen to represent what is best in the fields of human rights and sustainable development. We are proud and excited to honor them one more time.

All the best for a peaceful and inspiring 2007,

Jeffrey Allen Managing Editor, OneWorld United States

PERSPECTIVES HOME: People of 2006

Average: Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None