Lora Pappa
Lora Pappa, Founder and President of METAdrasi, has studied Political Science in Geneva, Switzerland, and International Relations at the Institut de Hautes Etudes Internationales et du Développement (IHEID). In 2016, she recieved IHEID’s first-ever Alumna of the Year Award.
Since the early 1990s, Lora Pappa’s main interest and professional focus have been the reception and integration of refugees. Through her extensive experience in the field, she has sought to identify the best possible ways to consolidate efforts and improve the living conditions of refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly unaccompanied children. In 2010, after seven years with UNHCR and fifteen years working with NGOs and the National Youth Foundation, Lora Pappa founded the NGO METAdrasi – Action for Migration and Development, with the aim of addressing crucial gaps through innovative interventions.
In 2015, Lora Pappa was awarded the North South Prize of the Council of Europe for her outstanding work in promoting solidarity, democracy and human rights. In 2016, she was honoured by the President of the Republic of Portugal with the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Freedom. In 2017, she was awarded the “Legion of Honour” decoration by the French state.
METADRASI DISTINCTIONS
- Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize 2019 – METAdrasi was honoured with the world’s largest annual humanitarian prize, for its innovative approach to welcoming refugees and protecting unaccompanied children (Acceptance speech by Lora Pappa)
- The North-South Prize 2015 of the Council of Europe awarded to the president of METAdrasi Lora Pappa, for the outstanding work in promoting solidarity, democracy and human rights.
- PILnet’s European Pro Bono Awards 2016: First Prize in the Award for Exemplary Partnership in the Public Interest – METAdrasi was recognized for its cooperation with the American law firm Reed Smith for offering free legal assistance to beneficiaries of international protection in Greece
- Collective Action Award “Models of Excellence 2017: The Citizen’s Movement for an Open Society recognized METAdrasi for its significant volunteer work.
- The “NGO of the Year” award in the category “Society” at “The Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2018″ for the proven innovative work, with strong social impact, as well as the continuous commitment and efficiency, with measurable results.
- “Legion of Honour” 2017 decoration by the French state to METAdrasi’s president Lora Pappa for her social contribution and exceptional work.
- THI Leadership Award 2016 from the Hellenic Initiative to METAdrasi’s president Lora Pappa for the outstanding contribution.