"Despite their different backgrounds, Lora Pappa and Joaquim Chissano have both decided to keep their faith in people", said Gabriella Battaini Dragoni, while addressing the Council of Europe North-South Prize award ceremony at the Portuguese Parliament in Lisbon.

"I am glad that the North South Centre has been able to identify them and bring to light their willingness to keep fighting for the things they believe in, even when the odds have not been in their favour", added Deputy Secretary General, highlighting the qualities of 2015 laureates: Lora Pappa (Greece) and Joaquim Alberto Chissano (Mozambique).