Eunide Innocent, former Haitian Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, was recognized by the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomatic Research (IPPDR) at a New York event on October 6–7.
She earned the distinction of Doctor honoris causa from the International Federation of Specialists (FINTES)—an autonomous, independent organization based in Mexico—in tribute to her unwavering advocacy for peace, social justice, and humanity.
“This award acknowledges my commitment to education, social justice, and world peace. It is an encouragement to continue, tirelessly, the work for a fairer and more humane world,” said Eunide Innocent, pledging to keep working for peace and development in Haiti and abroad.
On this occasion, Ms. Innocent was also appointed Ambassador for World Peace and Doctor honoris causa in Social Humanity.
Rather than viewing these distinctions as the pinnacle of her career, the former minister defined them as renewed motivation for her mission.
“Peace is not an illusion. It is a reality we can build together, step by step, for the good of all humanity,” she said.
The honor—styled Social Doctorate of Humanity—is presented as the highest international recognition awarded to individuals working for human advancement. It distinguishes leaders for remarkable contributions in the social and humanitarian fields.
The event, hosted by IPPDR with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also included training sessions for attendees and new honorary doctorate recipients.
The training combined theory and practice on diplomacy, negotiation, peacebuilding, and fighting human trafficking.
“I was able to acquire practical tools to intervene effectively in the prevention of human trafficking and the promotion of peace at different levels—community, national, and international,” Ms. Innocent told CTN.
The celebration continued on October 8 at United Nations Headquarters, where Ms. Innocent received two additional distinctions: one naming her a Consultant on Combating Human Trafficking, and the other International Consultant – Peace Practitioner.
A former Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, Eunide Innocent devoted much of her life to Haiti’s education system. She taught chemistry and natural sciences in several schools in the capital, and also served as an inspector and pedagogical advisor at the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training.
She is currently executive director of the Platform of Haitian Women’s Organizations for Development (POFHAD), which works to uphold women’s rights and promote equality in Haiti and across the diaspora.
