Sir Ian Wood has received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for his foundation’s work in tackling such issues as child poverty and economic development at home and abroad.
The award to the 77-year-old Aberdonian recognises his impact in upholding the values of the world’s best-known philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.
Sir Ian used his address at the New York ceremony this week to encourage his fellow honourees to further consider the benefits of international philanthropy and highlighted the issues facing the developing world.
The Wood Foundation funds and manages a range of programmes in the UK, which focus on education, child poverty and economic development.
It has also transformed the lives of tens of thousands of families in Rwanda and Tanzania through investment and training in the tea industry.
Sir Ian said: “At The Wood Foundation, I am very proud of the wonderful things the team is achieving in Scotland and I am equally proud to have a professional, focused team delivering real change in Sub Sahara Africa.
“The two portfolios are very different, but equally important to us in achieving our main philanthropic goal of reducing inequity by giving people opportunities to help themselves and achieve a sustainable outcome.”
The north-east businessman, who is the only recipient from outside the USA to be added to the illustrious list this year, has been heralded by the Carnegie family of institutions on the 100th anniversary of the death of the Scots-born philanthropist.
Sir Ian added: “I am honoured to have been recognised by the Carnegie family of institutions. I feel a particular pride representing his home country.
“Carnegie’s legacy lives on a century later.
“The programmes and investments our foundation is delivering are all designed to create impact that goes beyond one-off donations to something that is more meaningful and long-lasting.”