Vigdís - 'Pioneer' 2015
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir receiving her award from the Chairman and CEO of Innovation Centre Iceland.
Former President of Iceland, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, is this year’s recipient of Innovation Centre Iceland’s ‘Pioneer’ award.
“Vigdís is a living legend and a leading figure in the history of Iceland,” explains Innovation Centre Iceland in a press release regarding today’s award ceremony. “We are proud to bestow on her this award and express our gratitude for her dedication and determination.”
Many strings to her bow
Finnbogadóttir has worked as a secondary-school teacher and taught at the University of Iceland. She has also directed the Reykjavik Theatre Company and, of course, served as President of Iceland for sixteen years (1980-96). She is considered to have pioneered what is now known as ‘cultural tourism’, producing presentational material on Iceland and its people.
Finnbogadóttir has always been involved in and actively supported forestry and conservation issues, stressing the importance of teaching children about plants and conservation. Since standing down as President, she has worked tirelessly to support languages, research and culture, both in Iceland and internationally.
Warm words from Innovation Centre Iceland
With her work both here and abroad, as the world’s first democratically elected female head of State, she has proved to one of Iceland’s greatest ambassadors. Her conduct, charm and wit have been a hit both in Iceland and elsewhere.
