We congratulate ECPAT, winner of 2013 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize

I was pleased to learn this morning that ECPAT International, a network of 81 organizations in 74 countries dedicated to ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children, has been announced as the winner of the 2013 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.

Here's to a world where all children are healthy, happy and free. Photo by Geoff Oliver Bugbee, courtesy of Heifer International.

The Prize is awarded annually to an organization that is significantly alleviating human suffering. Heifer International was honored to receive the Prize in 2004.

We at Heifer International applaud the choice of ECPAT International as this year’s winner – they are a truly an inspiring global network of organizations dedicated to protecting children and providing support and resources to survivors.

ECPAT will join Heifer and other past members as part of The Laureates Collaborative, which supports Laureates as our organizations pursue our missions and find new ways to work together to end human suffering.

ECPAT works to ensure that children worldwide have a secure childhood free from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. This mission is a critical component to improving the human condition for all, and I look forward to connecting through The Laureates Collaborative.