Dr. Desmond Berghofer is one of those rare and extraordinary individuals born to devote his life to the service of humanity. As an educator, author, and visionary leader, his life’s work has been guided by an unwavering belief in the potential of the human spirit and the power of wisdom to shape a peaceful and sustainable future.

Over the course of his remarkable career—spanning education, government, and global leadership—Desmond has dedicated himself to nurturing a culture of ethical vision and creative learning. Through his roles as President of Creative Learning International, Chairman of the International Foundation of Learning, and co-founder of the Institute for Ethical Leadership and the Visioneers International Network, he has helped countless individuals and organizations align their work with higher purpose.

At the heart of his legacy stands The Visioneers: A Courage Story about Belief in the Future—a timeless call to awaken human imagination and moral courage. Together with his beloved wife and partner, Dr. Geraldine Schwartz, Desmond transformed this vision into living reality through the creation of the Visioneers International Network: a global community of changemakers dedicated to advancing peace, sustainability, and the flourishing of life on Earth.

This Hero of Humanity Award recognizes and honours Desmond’s exemplary and heroic contribution to the ongoing and positive development of a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. His life’s work is a testament to human nobility—the courage to persevere, the wisdom to guide, and the love to uplift.

Through his vision and service, Desmond Berghofer’s light continues to inspire generations to come to believe in the future, and to build it with compassion and courage.