The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs has announced the recipients of the 2024 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Established in 1999 by then-Secretary of State Madeline Albright, the award acknowledges U.S. companies' efforts to enhance global business conduct standards. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the awards ceremony on October 22, 2024, at the State Department.
This year's awards are divided into three categories: Women’s Economic Security, Innovation to Strengthen Communities, and Climate Resilience.
In the Women’s Economic Security category, Parker Clay in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Bank of America in India were recognized. Parker Clay is an American leather goods brand employing 200 workers, with over 80 percent being women who are survivors of human trafficking. Bank of America's initiatives in India have positively impacted over 300,000 women and girls through education, skill development, sanitation infrastructure, and employment opportunities.
For Innovation to Strengthen Communities, Koster Keunen was acknowledged for creating a beeswax market in seven West African countries using sustainable techniques. Microsoft Colombia Inc.'s branch was also honored for its partnerships aimed at expanding internet connectivity and fostering economic inclusion in Colombia.
The Climate Resilience category winners include Rizome from the Philippines for pioneering engineered bamboo use in construction and Newmont Corporation operating in Suriname for its investments in environmental conservation and community support.
“These companies are showing real leadership in addressing some of our greatest global challenges,” noted a statement from the department marking ACE's 25th anniversary.
The U.S. Department of State continues to support responsible business practices globally while recognizing efforts that improve lives domestically and internationally. More information is available at http://www.state.gov/ace.
The ceremony will be open to credentialed media members on a space-available basis with further press access details forthcoming. Media inquiries can be directed to eb-press-inquiry@state.gov.
