Nobel Laureate for Peace (1997)
This page is a presentation of Jody Williams and her work for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). You will here find background information about Jody Williams, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), articles and statements written by Mrs Jody Williams as well as the latest updates from the ICBL related to her.
Jody Williams giving a speech in Japan, 1999. Photo: Japan Campaign to Ban Landmines
If you cannot find the answers to your questions on these pages you can write through this contact form. Due to her demanding travel schedule, please be patient and don't expect an instant reply. If your questions relate to the ICBL in general please use the general contact form. For urgent matters call the ICBL at +322 389 97 40.
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Ms. Jody Williams was recognized, along with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), with the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for her role as the founding coordinator of the ICBL, which was formally launched by six non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in October of 1992. As its coordinator, Williams oversaw the growth of the ICBL to more than 1,300 NGOs in over eighty-five countries and served as a chief strategist and spokesperson for the campaign. Working in an unprecedented cooperative effort with governments, UN bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the ICBL achieved its goal of an international treaty banning antipersonnel landmines during the diplomatic conference held in Oslo in September 1997.
International organizer and activist, teacher and writer, Williams is an eloquent speaker on human security, on human rights and international law, on the role of civil society in international diplomacy, and on individual initiative in bringing about social change. Since February 1998, Williams has served as a Campaign Ambassador for the ICBL, speaking on its behalf all over the world. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Campaign, which helps carry out the strategies and action plans of the ICBL. From 1999-2004, she served as senior editor for its 1000-page annual Landmine Monitor Report, a groundbreaking initiative by civil society that monitors the implementation and compliance of the Mine Ban Treaty.
Ms. Williams is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Social Work and Global Justice, in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Houston for academic years 2004-2007, having served in a one-year position there in academic year 2003-2004.
Prior to beginning the ICBL, Williams worked for eleven years to build public awareness about U.S. policy toward Central America. From 1986 to 1992, she developed and directed humanitarian relief projects as the deputy director of the Los Angeles-based Medical Aid for El Salvador. From 1984 to 1986, she was co-coordinator of the Nicaragua-Honduras Education Project, leading fact-finding delegations to the region. Previously, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Washington, D.C.
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