The recipients of the Crystal Award are not only visionary—they also have the power to genuinely drive meaningful change.
Image source:Valeriano Di Domenico
Hilde Schwab
World Economic Forum Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
Co-founder and Chairman
Joseph Fowler
Global Head of Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum
In 2025, the 31st Crystal Awards honored three cultural leaders who have driven change and helped shape a better society.
The winners are: David Beckham, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and global advocate for children's rights; Diane von Furstenberg, renowned fashion designer, philanthropist, and champion of women's rights; and Riken Yamamoto, celebrated architect and recipient of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize.
The award will be presented live at the 2025 Winter Davos on January 20—watch the ceremony live on the World Economic Forum website.
At the World Economic Forum's 2025 Annual Meeting, we will celebrate the extraordinary, positive impact made by visionary cultural leaders who are reshaping society. The recipients of the 2025 Crystal Award are not only forward-thinking leaders—they are also driving meaningful change to unfold continuously.They bring people together through their creativity and insight, deepening our understanding of the human experience while also offering bold, transformative visions that challenge short-term thinking and narrow perspectives. Their work fosters deeper connections, sparks profound reflection, and paves the way for a more inclusive, forward-thinking future—a world where society thrives in greater harmony and possibility.The three winners of the 31st Annual Crystal Awards are: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and global advocate for children's rights, David Beckham; renowned fashion designer, philanthropist, and champion of women's rights, Diane von Furstenberg; and celebrated architect Riken Yamamoto, recipient of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize.“During my 20 years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, I’ve had the honor of witnessing the remarkable contributions made by the organization’s ambassadors, staff, and supporters in their mission to protect and help children around the globe. As I accept this award, I’m reminded of the countless individuals who tirelessly work in challenging environments to improve the lives of children everywhere.”
David BeckhamHe will be awarded the 2025 Crystal Award in recognition of his longstanding humanitarian work and his relentless efforts to improve the lives of children worldwide. Through his unwavering commitment to children’s education, protection, and well-being, Beckham has become a globally influential leader advocating for the rights of vulnerable children around the globe—and is now leveraging his platform and resources to drive lasting, positive change.This year marks the 20th anniversary of David’s tenure as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Over the years, he has traveled repeatedly to crisis-stricken regions, shining a spotlight on the needs of children who often find themselves on the frontlines of conflict and humanitarian emergencies. Beyond emergency response efforts, David is also deeply committed to championing the rights of young women and adolescent girls, advocating for targeted initiatives that invest in health, education, empowerment, and gender equality. Through his partnership with UNICEF, he has helped raise global awareness about the critical importance of immunization—and remains steadfastly dedicated to advancing malaria prevention efforts worldwide.In 2009, Beckham became one of the founding members of Malaria No More UK, the UK-based charity, and has since served as its official ambassador. In 2018, he spearheaded the widely acclaimed "Malaria Must Die" campaign, which, by the time the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting kicked off, had already reached a billion people—calling on individuals to take bold action toward a malaria-free world.Beckham firmly believes that sports are a transformative force capable of inspiring positive change in people, which is why he supports numerous youth-focused programs and champions grassroots initiatives aimed at tackling issues like racism, mental health, and equal opportunities. He is deeply committed to nurturing young talent in football, contributing significantly to the development of the U.S. Soccer Academy system—and ensuring that every student has equitable access to opportunities and benefits in an inclusive, welcoming environment.Beckham is not only a world-renowned athlete but also a passionate advocate for children's rights. His legendary journey vividly demonstrates his profound cultural influence and his ability to drive social change. Committed to improving lives around the globe, he has leveraged his platform to inspire and empower people, leaving a lasting impact on countless individuals—and achieving meaningful, positive outcomes on an international scale.“I became a leader thanks to one simple little dress that perfectly embodied confidence. Through this single garment, I’ve been able to share that same confidence with countless women—this is where my mission to empower women truly began.”Renowned fashion designer, philanthropist, and authorDiane von FurstenbergShe has been awarded the 2025 "Crystal Award" in recognition of her outstanding contributions to empowering women through philanthropy, mentoring others, and fulfilling her social responsibilities. As the founder of her eponymous brand and the visionary behind the iconic wrap dress, she has consistently championed women’s independence and strength, firmly standing as a trailblazer in the fight for gender equality and women’s rights.Beyond her contributions to the fashion world, Diane von Furstenberg is deeply committed to championing women’s rights. In 2010, she partnered with the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation to establish the DVF Awards, which celebrate, support, and amplify the powerful voices of extraordinary women dedicated to transforming the lives of others. Each year, the DVF Awards present cash prizes to five inspiring recipients, empowering them to continue their vital work.Fassbender is a director at Vital Voices Global Partnership, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997. This pioneering partner organization has grown into a powerful global network of women leaders, now counting over 20,000 change-makers from 185 countries—each boldly committed to shaping a more equitable future for everyone. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, having previously held the role of chairperson for 13 consecutive years.Her charitable work has earned her countless accolades, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award and her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame. In 2020, she was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour by the French government. And in 2021, she was honored with the Order of the Crown of the Kingdom of Belgium by her home country, Belgium. While passionately dedicated to empowering women, she also took a pioneering role in fundraising, leading the creation of the new Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island in New York City.“Architecture is created by the people of the community, and it plays a vital role in ensuring the community’s continuity. As architects, our responsibility is to collaborate with community members to craft beautiful buildings that resonate deeply with their identity and heritage. After all, architecture has the power to carry the community’s cherished memories—and its pride—into the future. Building such spaces would bring me immense joy. And to have been honored with the Crystal Award is truly an honor beyond words.”
Riaki YamamotoAwarded the 2025 "Crystal Award" for his outstanding contributions to architecture and society. His dedication to community revitalization, pioneering work in sustainable development, and thoughtfully crafted design philosophy have left a profound impact. Mr. Yamamoto’s work is shaping the future of architectural practice, highlighting the vital role architecture plays in enhancing human lives while safeguarding the natural environment.Mr. Yamamoto, born in Beijing in 1945, is a visionary architect and educator whose work has profoundly shaped both the built environment and architectural thought. He has taught at Yokohama National University, served as president of Nagoya University of Arts, and held the position of visiting professor at Tokyo University of the Arts. Currently, he serves as a visiting professor at Kanagawa University. Mr. Yamamoto’s outstanding contributions have also earned him the titles of honorary professor and honorary doctorate in engineering from both Yokohama National University and Nihon University.His design works have been highly influential, including the Hotakubo Residence, Saitama Prefectural University, Jianwai SOHO, and the Yokosuka Museum of Art—each reflecting his belief in architecture as a catalyst for human connection and societal progress. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, he founded the "Local Area Republic Lab," a platform dedicated to supporting community revitalization and reinforcing his commitment to harnessing architecture’s healing power.In 2001 and 2024, Mr. Yamamoto was awarded Japan Art Academy Prize and the Pritzker Architecture Prize, respectively. The Pritzker Architecture Prize jury praised his work as "a contribution to humanity," while Tom Pritzker, Chairman of the Hyatt Foundation, described him as "a world-class philosopher," deeply recognizing his architectural philosophy that emphasizes subtle variations in detail and embodies profound humanistic care.Mr. Yamamoto’s designs have resonated across Japan, China, and Europe, seamlessly blending modernism with cultural sensitivity. As a pioneer in sustainable design, his work emphasizes harmony with the environment, energy efficiency, and the use of natural materials.Mr. Yamamoto’s legacy reminds us that architecture is more than just buildings—space itself can leave a lasting impact on people and communities.
The above content solely represents the author's personal views.This article is translated from the World Economic Forum's Agenda blog; the Chinese version is for reference purposes only.Feel free to share this in your WeChat Moments; please leave a comment below if you'd like to republish.
Editor: Wang Can
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