Jakob von Uexküll (Germany)

➡️ JAKOB VON UEXKÜLL - Founder of the Right Livelihood Award & World Future Council

Jakob von Uexküll is the Swedish-born founder of the Right Livelihood Award and World Future Council. He is the son of the celebrated author and journalist Gösta von Uexküll and the grandson of the famous German biologist Jakob Johann von Uexküll.

His steadfast commitment to the environment, justice, and peace has earned him numerous awards, including the Time Magazine European Hero Award. Over the years, he has been a member of the European Parliament (1987-89) and also served on the Political Affairs Committee and the UNESCO Commission on Human Duties and Responsibilities. He has also served on various boards, including Greenpeace, Germany and is a writer, lecturer, philanthropist, and activist.

"A better world is possible, but it requires us to think differently and act courageously" - Jakob von Uexküll

Jump straight to our resources on ➡️ Jakob von Uexküll

Explore our comprehensive guides on -

• Right Livelihood Award

• The World Future Council

• Criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize

The Right Livelihood Award (RLA)

After noticing the disconnection between pressing global challenges and the decision makers in charge of solving them, in 1979, Uexküll approached the Nobel Foundation with the idea of creating two new Nobel Prizes - environmental and knowledge. He felt that these gaps not covered by the prestigious award would be a worthy addition, given the amount of attention laureates receive.

The new awards were famously to be funded by the sale of his stamp collection, which was worth a staggering $1 million. After his idea was rejected, he used this money instead to establish the Right Livelihood Award, which is why it is often referred to as the alternative Nobel Prize. His award would support people fighting for a just, sustainable, and peaceful world.

To date, the RLA has now celebrated, supported, and protected some of the world's most courageous and inspiring people for 45 years. Their award ceremonies are held annually, honouring four new laureates for their commitment to finding practical, innovative solutions to humanity's biggest challenges. In 2006, Ole von Uexküll, the nephew of Jakob von Uexküll, became the executive director of the Right Livelihood Foundation.

Better World Info began documenting the incredible RLA journey in 1997. We now feature a well-researched and comprehensive guide with over ➡️ 5,500 links to this excellent prize, the foundation's work, the 203 laureates from 81 countries, and the Right Livelihood College. It is an absolute must-have resource for in-depth insight into their work.

The World Future Council (WFC)

Uexküll founded this German non-profit foundation in 2007, almost 4 decades after the RLA. Driven by his commitment to the environment, justice, and peace, the WFC l was established to safeguard the rights of future generations by promoting sustainable and equitable solutions worldwide. It brings together a diverse group of global experts who focus on policy advocacy to address critical issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and social justice.

The council consists of 50 outstanding members of civil society, science, politics and business who are all innovators and visionaries in their fields. They meet annually at the World Future Forum to discuss global challenges and the solutions to them, which are then pivotal in shaping policies around the world.

As of 2025, Sri Lankan-born Neshan Gunasekera has held the position of CEO. With a background in international law, human rights, international relations, education, and environmentalism, he has been with the World Future Council since the very beginning.

Their four areas of focus are:

• Rights of children and youth

• Energy and just development

• Ecosystems and livelihoods

• Peace and disarmament

The World Future Policy Award is the world's leading prize for policy solutions. It is often referred to as the "Oscar for best policies," as it annually celebrates and showcases the most visionary and effective laws that help advance the WFC vision.

The 2025 theme, "Living in Harmony with Nature and Future Generations", was dedicated to laws which protect our natural ecosystems and how people can live alongside them in balance.

One of the awardees was the BBNJ Agreement (the High Seas Treaty), which officially came into force on January 17, 2026, and is a landmark win for our planet's oceans. It is a legally binding framework that will protect marine life, enable the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), regulate the fishing industry, and support developing countries in building sustainable relationships with the ocean.

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Jakob von Uexküll has dedicated his life to making this world a better place, and we commend him for his tireless efforts and many achievements. He is an inspiring role model for those who wish to amplify their impact, use their money for good, and support others who are working towards positive change.

"You are now the most powerful generation in human history, for you are the Guardians of all future generations of life on Earth. The consequences of your decisions and actions will have longer-term effects than ever before. Each one of you has the power to decide if you are going to be part of the problem or of the solution." - Jakob von Uexküll

Author: Rachael Mellor, 27.02.26 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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