2020 Judy Wilkenfeld Award
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is pleased to announce that we are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence. Nominations are due January 24, 2020.
About Judy Wilkenfeld
When Judy Wilkenfeld died on May 24, 2007, the world lost an incomparable advocate of tobacco control. Judy worked tirelessly to reduce tobacco's toll for more than 20 years, first as a public official and then as a leader of Tobacco-Free Kids' international efforts. Among her many accomplishments, Judy played an integral role in the development and adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the emergence of the Framework Convention Alliance.
Her expertise and devotion forever changed the world of tobacco control. But Judy's true impact extends far beyond her professional achievements. Judy was unique in the way she respectfully treated colleagues, and in the way she brought them together. Judy touched favorably upon the lives of all who knew her, and served as a role model to many.
In Judy's honor, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has established the Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence, which is given annually to an advocate from a low- or middle-income country who has worked to significantly reduce tobacco use through policy advocacy and exemplifies the traits for which Judy was known.
Like Judy, the winner of the award will exemplify the following traits:
- Exhibits utmost respect in honoring the diversity of the tobacco control community;
- Works to build consensus and bring people together;
- Serves as a mentor and/or role model for others in the movement;
- Has an established record of achievement; and
- Demonstrates the potential to be an even more significant future leader.
We at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are blessed to have worked with Judy, and we are delighted to offer this award in her honor to recognize and support other promising advocates.
2019 Awardee
On May 23, 2019, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids presented the Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International TobaccoControl Excellence to Lisda Sundari, Chairperson and Founder of the Lentera Anak Foundation in Indonesia. The award was presented at our 2019 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Gala in Washington, DC.
Lisda Sundari
Chairperson and Founder, Lentera Anak Foundation, Indonesia
Lisda Sundari is the Chairperson and founder of Lentera Anak Foundation in Indonesia, an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of children including the right to health. A galvanizing leader for the tobacco control network in Indonesia, Ms. Sundari has sought tirelessly to protect Indonesia’s children from tobacco companies, especially through the restriction of tobacco marketing.
In 2012, Ms. Sundari advocated successfully for new government regulations to reduce tobacco consumption in Indonesia, including restricting outdoor tobacco advertisements and prohibiting the use of names and logos of tobacco products in promotion and sponsorship.
In 2015, Ms. Sundari led the Lentera Anak Foundation in documenting and exposing tobacco company efforts to surround schools with tobacco ads and displays. Her efforts launched a grassroots movement of over 90 schools and 2,000 students across five cities to pull down tobacco ads and denounce the industry’s tactics. The capital city of Jakarta subsequently banned all outdoor advertising, and a Child Friendly Cities program continues to push for similar action in other cities. The campaign has become an example for tobacco control advocates around the world and has been replicated in dozens of countries.
Ms. Sundari’s activism stems from a belief in the power of youth voices. Since 2013, she has built and strengthened youth voices for tobacco control in 20 cities through the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Youth Forum. Through the Forum, Ms. Sundari has reached more than 50,000 students and sent more than 11,000 letters urging Indonesia’s president to join the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). These efforts compelled the government to hold its first cabinet meeting on the FCTC, resulting in agreements on the need to increase tobacco taxes and expand smoke-free places.
Currently, Ms. Sundari is working with the Indonesian Commission on Child Protection to expose and protest a tobacco company’s use of a national badminton tournament to target children.
Ms. Sundari’s colleagues describe her as articulate, persuasive and determined. Her use of compelling facts and data has made her a critical voice for convincing policymakers to take action. She is a valuable leader and resource for advocates throughout Southeast Asia and around the world.