NEW YORK - President Paul Kagame was yesterday honoured with the Clinton Global Citizen Award in recognition of his leadership in public service that has improved the lives of people of Rwanda.

According to New York media reports, Former US President, Bill Clinton conferred the award during the Third Annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards on Wednesday.

The ceremony took place during the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).

"With the Global Citizen Awards, we highlight individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to humanity,” former President Clinton said.

"I am proud to announce this year’s winners, each one of whom is a model of service. Their innovation, dedication and determination have changed lives, and their actions serve as models for what each of us can do to make a difference in the world,” a statement from the CGI website quoted Clinton.

The winners are nominated by a collection of global leaders and selected for their visionary leadership, demonstrated impact, and sustainable and scalable work in solving pressing global challenges.

For his exemplary leadership in public service, Kagame was hailed for leading Rwanda through an unparalleled transformation.

"His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, has led his nation through an unparalleled transformation. A brilliant military commander, President Kagame joined Rwanda’s transitional government after leading the force which ended the 1994 genocide. He was elected President in 2000, and re-elected in 2003.

President Kagame’s national leadership has proven to be as bold as his military campaigns: creating visionary policies, innovative national programs and strong international partnerships to support the development of the new Rwanda.

President Kagame has worked to develop infrastructure, boost tourism, increase access to energy and health care in rural areas, expand exports, and develop ties to the international business community.

After the 1994 civil war, he helped usher in a decade of 7.6-percent annual economic growth, and last year, in the midst of global decline, Rwanda’s economy grew 11.2 percent.

From crisis, President Kagame has forged a strong, unified and growing nation with the potential to become a model for the rest of Africa and the world”, the citation reads.

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