Chulpan Khamatova joins the Aurora Prize Expert Panel

The Russian actress, who has been involved in humanitarian activities for years, will take part in the assessment of the 2017 Aurora Prize nominations.

The Independent Expert Panel is part of the Aurora Prize Secretariat. The Panel assesses all eligible nominations to select by vote 20-25 nominees, distinguished by selflessness and courage.

“It is horrendous to read about the suffering of people who, even in this age, live on the line between life and death but it is also heartwarming for me to learn about these modern day heroes. Their existence, brave and committed actions prove that nothing is lost and human life still has an absolute value,” said Chulpan Khamatova. “I am extremely honored having an opportunity to become part of this humanitarian movement and contribute to the process of pre-selection of the 2017 Aurora Prize’s laureate. This is a very important and challenging experience.”

The Expert Panel is comprised of humanitarian professionals and leaders of humanitarian organizations. The members of this year’s Expert Panel are Crisis Group's Nairobi-based Africa Program Director Dr. Comfort Ero, President of Medecins Sans Frontieres France Dr. Mego Terzian, Expert-Consultant to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Pedro Mouratian, Former CEO of The Elders Ms. Lesley-Anne Knight, President Emeritus of the Open Society Foundations Dr. Aryeh Neier, Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Mr. Eric Schwartz, Co-Director of the Center for Business and Human Rights of New York University Stern School of Business Prof. Michael Posner,  Campaign Director of Crisis Action Ms. Nicola Reindorp, as well as journalist, winner of the Pulitzer Prize Mr. Stephen Kurkjian, and President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Jonathan Fanton.

The pre-selected nominees of the Aurora Prize are being considered by the Selection Committee. It is chaired by actor and humanitarian George Clooney. 

The Selection Committee will announce the 2017 Aurora Prize finalists in February.