S. Sudanese bishop wins prestigious global award

September 25, 2013 (JUBA) – The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) has recognised a South Sudanese Bishop among this year’s winners of its global citizen award.

Elias Taban, a former enslaved child soldier turned global evangelical leader, was recognised for his role in peace processes that ended decades of the North-South Sudan civil war.

CGI, an initiative established by Bill Clinton in 2005, annually convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

It’s annual awards recognise outstanding individuals who exemplify global citizenship and devise solutions that effect positive, lasting social change.

Bishop Taban, CGI said in a statement, was acknowledged for his role in bringing stability to the country through his ministries that have created a network of wells, orphanages, health clinics and schools across the new nation.

“Each year, honorees are nominated by the CGI community based on their visionary leadership, demonstrated impact, and sustainable and scalable work in solving global issues,” the statement reads in part.

Bishop Taban’s courage and selfless efforts have saved many lives, and after the war, he became known throughout South Sudan as he built schools, orphanages, and hospitals in the region, it added.

Geoff Tunnicliffe, the secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance described Bishop Taban as a “truly a remarkable man”.

“He has made a huge contribution to the peace process in South Sudan. His courage, vision and work of reconciliation are an inspiration to many people”, he said.

The South Sudanese Bishop was recognised at a private ceremony held in New York on 25 September, participating in CGI’s annual meeting program.

Born in 1955, Taban, a civil engineer with a diploma in theology started the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Sudan in 1990 and was voted president of the Sudan Evangelical Alliance, 13 years later.

(ST).