Meet 2016's World Statesman of the Year
France's beleaguered President accepts honour in New York
PRESIDENT François Hollande put his low poll ratings at home behind him this week to collects his 'World Statesman of the Year' award during a two-day visit to New York.
He was honoured at a special dinner held in the city at the same time as the 71st United Nations General Assembly.
The prize has been awarded to Mr Hollande for his, 'leadership in safeguarding democracy and freedom in a time of terrorist attacks and for its contribution to global stability and security', said award organisers the Appeal of Conscience foundation.
Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron received the award last year. Nicolas Sarkozy was also a recipient, in 2008.
Founded in 1965 by New York Rabbi and Holocaust survivor Arthur Schneier, the foundation describes itself as an 'interfaith coalition of business and religious leaders [that] promotes peace, tolerance and ethnic conflict resolution'. Its World Statesman of the Year award 'honours the leaders who support peace and freedom, for the promotion of tolerance, human dignity and human rights'.
