Silver Rose is the annual Award ceremony co-organised by SOLIDAR and its members and the progressive family, with the S&D Group in the European Parliament, the Party of European Socialists (PES), Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and this year in collaboration with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Young European Socialists (YES), and PES Women. With the Silver Rose Award, we highlight the work of people and organisations fighting for social justice and advancing a just transition. Additionally, this year, we are honouring a true champion of social justice with the introduction of the SOLIDAR Legacy Prize for Social Justice to an exceptional individual who has been at the forefront of advancing social justice globally.

For more than 20 years, the Silver Rose Awards has been honouring the work of collectives, grassroots movements, organisations, trade unions, activists, and exceptional individuals worldwide who have dedicated their lives to advancing social progress, gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development.

One year ago, the Progressive family lost an important and inspiring figure, Glenys Kinnock. Given the significance of Glenys for the SOLIDAR family and the progressive movement, it seemed the minimum to introduce an award in her memory to remember together this immense political figure. Glenys was an inspiring and exceptional individual who not only spent her life campaigning to make the world a better place but was also the founder of the Silver Rose Awards. Thus, this year, in her memory, we are introducing one extra award to honour Glenys, an inspiring and exceptional individual who helped shape SOLIDAR and who dedicated her life to social justice and human rights.

This year’s SOLIDAR Legacy Prize for Social Justice goes to Glenys Kinnock!

The SOLIDAR Legacy Prize for Social Justice is posthumously awarded to Glenys for her lifelong commitment to global social justice and human rights. A tireless champion for the most vulnerable, Glenys dedicated her political career to fighting inequality, advocating for women’s rights, and promoting peace and development, both in Europe and across the world. As a Member of the European Parliament, she was a passionate voice for the Global South, working on critical issues like women’s health, poverty alleviation, and human rights, with a particular focus on Africa. As a Minister in the UK government, she continued her fight for global justice, speaking out against atrocities like those in Rwanda and Sudan. Glenys’ legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one individual can make in the pursuit of a fairer, more just world.

The Silver Rose Jury’s Motivation reads: 

“The SOLIDAR Legacy Award for Social Justice 2024 is presented with deep respect and admiration to Glenys Kinnock, for her lifelong dedication to advancing equality and social justice in Europe and in the Global South. A proud democratic socialist, her passionate leadership demonstrates the profound impact public policy can have in creating a better world.“.

Glenys Kinnock began her political career in 1994 as a Member of the European Parliament for Wales, where she established herself as a tireless advocate for social justice and human rights. In 2009, she returned to the UK to serve as Minister for Europe under Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Later elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, she continued to make her mark as Minister of State for Africa and the United Nations, championing peace, development, and justice on the global stage.

In a world where the path to progress is often challenging, Glenys Kinnock’s example stands as a testament to the power of determination, vision, and collective action. Even after her passing, her legacy reminds us that one person’s unwavering commitment can inspire change and contribute to a fairer, more just future for all of us.

“We are proud and honoured to receive the posthumous Silver Rose award on behalf of our beloved wife and mother, Glenys Kinnock. Glenys was the founder of the Silver Rose Awards, and both with Solidar and throughout her career supported human rights and anti-poverty causes that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Honoring Glenys’ legacy in this way is a fitting tribute to her commitment, passion and impact. We want to say thank you to Solidar for this award and to all the brave recipients that need our support and recognition.”

Rt Hon Neil Kinnock
Stephen Kinnock MP
Rachel Kinnock Bentham