Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy


Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy is an American award by the United States Department of State which recognizes individuals, foundations, associations, and corporations that actively contribute to advancing America's ideals around the globe through public diplomacy. The award is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin because, as the nation's first envoy, he was "known for his creative ways of using culture, business and science to attract the attention of foreign audiences".
The establishment of the award was announced by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in January 2007, as the most prestigious honor that the Department of State can bestow on U.S. citizens and non-governmental organizations, giving special emphasis to activities that:
  1. provide hope and opportunities in the core areas of education, culture, and information
  2. empower, educate, and inspire key audiences such as women, students, and educators
  3. engage under-served communities and grassroots organizations.
The awards are presented in four categories:
  • Individuals
  • Corporations
  • Academic institutions
  • Not-for-profit organizations

Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Diplomatic Service

Prior to the establishment of The Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy in 2007, The Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Diplomatic Service was established in 1992, with recipients as follows.
YearDateRecipient
1992November 16, 1992President George H. W. Bush
1994April 25, 1994The Honorable Michael J. Mansfield
2003April 29, 2003The Honorable George S. McGovern
2003April 29, 2003The Honorable Robert D. Stuart, Jr.
2008May 6, 2008The Honorable James A. Baker, III
2013May 6, 2013The Honorable William J. Vanden Heuvel
2013May 6, 2013The Honorable Keith L. Brown
2013May 6, 2013The Honorable Bruce S. Gelb
2013May 6, 2013The Honorable Henry L. Kimelman
2013May 6, 2013The Honorable Ogden Reid

2016
;2008