Estée Lauder Companies Honored with United Nations Association of New York 2024 Humanitarian Award

On Sept. 30, William P. Lauder, executive chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), accepted the 2024 Humanitarian Award from the United Nations Association of New York on behalf of the company.

ELC was recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability and advocacy for the advancement of women.

The event gathered more than 200 prominent attendees, including key UN leaders, business executives, policymakers and ELC partners. This included Estée Lauder Global Brand Ambassador Karlie Kloss and Global Breast Cancer Campaign Ambassador Elizabeth Hurley, with National Youth Poet Laureate and Estée Lauder Global Changemaker Amanda Gorman delivering an inspiring video message.

In Gorman’s message, she highlighted the writing change initiative—a three-year, $3 million commitment in partnership with ELC to support grassroots organizations focused on closing the gender-based literacy gap. Her words emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young women through education and creativity.

The Humanitarian Award is presented to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ELC was recognized alongside Catherine Russell, executivedDirector of UNICEF, for her work in supporting women and girls’ education, reducing gender-based violence, and defending children’s rights. Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, was also recognized for her contributions to advancing gender equality and empowering women globally.

‘Leading with Compassion’

Karlie, founder of Kode with Klossy, introduced Lauder’s award, marking a special moment of celebration for ELC and its partners.

“[ELC] and its employees put people first and lead with empathy and compassion,” said Kloss. “I’ve seen this first-hand through his support of my nonprofit, Kode with Klossy, which is dedicated to enabling young scholars to pursue their passions in tech. To know ELC is to know that they not only make commitments to sustainability and women’s advancement, but believe in this work as core company values.”

At the heart of its values is a passion for gender equality, a passion inspired by the company’s founder, Estée Lauder. This dedication is exemplified by initiatives such as Open Doors, which aim to bridge the gender divide by promoting the intersection of creativity, science and technology in leadership and education.

Through efforts in sustainable sourcing, innovative manufacturing, eco-conscious packaging and sustainable distribution practices, ELC says it has become a “force in support of sustainable change across the beauty industry.”

William P. Lauder emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing ELC’s commitments to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

“We cannot do this work alone,” he said. “Our partnerships drive progress in environmental sustainability, reducing plastic waste, and combating climate change.”