Unilever CEO Paul Polman and chef, author Nora Pouillon to Receive Honors

Media Contact: [email protected],  202-355-8875 Unilever CEO Paul Polman and chef, author Nora Pouillon to Receive Honors at Earth Day Network’s annual Climate Leadership Gala Washington, DC, Tuesday, May 9 APRIL, 17, 2017: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earth Day Network will host the 2017 Climate Leadership Gala at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC on Tuesday evening, May 9. The 2017 Gala will bring together over 300 leaders of industry, government and the NGO community to celebrate achievements and highlight the path to a renewable, reliable and sustainable future. Now in its 7th year, the annual Gala has become known as one of Washington DC’s most inspiring evenings. At the Gala, Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, will speak and be honored with the Climate Visionary Award, in recognition of his exceptional leadership in corporate sustainability. “Corporate leadership at the beginning of industrial revolution was key in transforming society,” said Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers. “Now, in an era of even greater change, Paul Polman has shown a level of transformative corporate leadership that benefits not just the emerging green economy but all people.” Also at the Gala, Nora Pouillon, author, chef and owner of Restaurant Nora will be honored with the Women and Green Economy (WAGE®) Award. Her leadership in sustainable cuisine and sourcing has inspired a generation. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island will present special remarks. Award winning journalist Kathleen Matthews will Emcee the evening. We are at a pivotal moment in the battle to address the climate crisis, made more urgent by the extraordinary impacts that climate change is already starting to have on national security, the economy and public health. In celebrating 47 years of Earth Day, the Gala also provides a forum to harness and advance the energies of the world’s most brilliant and passionate thought leaders in confronting humanity’s greatest challenge. The evening includes a Cocktail Reception at 6 PM followed by and dinner and program in the Grand Ballroom at 7 PM. 2017 Gala sponsors include Toyota, HP and Southwest. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on luxury trips for two to Italy, France, Spain, Greece and Hawaii at a Silent Auction during the Cocktail Reception. Tickets and tables are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-networks-annual-climate-leadership-gala-tickets-30057615136 Valet parking available at the door. Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected] About Earth Day Network Earth Day Network’s mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 50,000 partners in nearly 200 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.