Paul Polman: Ruben Vardanyan reminds us purpose is stronger than punishment

“Ruben Vardanyan created opportunities from scarcity, schools where there was no access, and bridges of trust across the fights most had written off as irreconcilable. Aurora was born from that same vision that gratitude is not a feeling but a responsibility and that compassion means nothing unless it moves us into action.”

At the 2025 Aurora Prize ceremony, Paul Polman, Aurora Prize Selection Committee member, business Leader and climate and equalities campaigner, paid tribute to Aurora co-founder Ruben, a visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur who remains unjustly detained in Azerbaijan. Speaking on Ruben’s legacy, Mr. Polman noted that, while his absence is deeply felt, his spirit continues to inspire Aurora’s work and the global movement for justice and hope.