The IPC was awarded the Prize for World Civilisation in the positive energy category, with the specific area of focus on "Promotion of Harmony among Diverse Groups".

The ceremony in Hong Kong was attended by more than 1,000 guests, who, it is claimed share in the value of sharing harmony promoted by the prize.

The Paralympic Movement’s global governing body was recognised for its outstanding work in encouraging athletes from around the world in the celebration and competitive participation in sports, changing the society’s long-held biases towards people with an impairment and offering hope to them.

"I would just want to say how proud I am of what the IPC and Paralympic Movement has achieved to date," Sir Philip, who was IPC President from 2001 to 2017, said.

"The IPC is no longer seen as a disability organisation but a hugely respected and credible international sports organisation that has enriched the lives of millions around the world.

"Thanks to this prize we can do even more to show to the world that with positive energy absolutely anything is possible in life."

Another awardee was Xie Zhenhua, who received the LUI Che Woo Prize in the sustainability category with the specific area of focus on "Prevention of Climate Change".

This recognised his crucial role in championing international negotiations, culminating in the successful conclusion of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and his efforts in coordinating and promoting the prevention of climate change within China. 

The policies Xie devised, advocated and implemented have become models for other developing economies.

Non-profit organisation Landesa was awarded in the welfare betterment category with the specific area of focus on "Alleviation of Poverty".

This recognised its promotion of the idea of "land to the tiller" and its success in securing land rights for over 120 million of the world's poorest families in more than 50 countries over the past 50 years.

Each laureate will receive a cash award of HKD$20 million (£1.9 million/$2.6 million/€2.2 million), a certificate and a trophy.

"The three laureates of the LUI Che Woo Prize this year, coming from different countries, are all role models in their respective fields," Dr Lui Che Woo, founder and chairman of the Board of Governors cum Prize Council of the LUI Che Woo Prize, said.  

"They work very hard to accomplish a better tomorrow.

"The three laureates not only contribute to advancing world civilisation, but also fully demonstrate the spirit of 'gratefulness', 'unity' and 'harmony'.

"I hope that you will continue to support the LUI Che Woo Prize and share our vision for building a peaceful and loving world, so that this seed will grow sustainably and spread more positive energy in the society."

Officials at the prize presentation ceremony included Tung Chee-hwa, Prize Council member and vice-chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Also present were Dr Tan Tieniu, deputy director of the liaison office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Hu Jianzhong, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

More than 1,000 Government officials, academics, religious leaders, consuls, elites from business sector, and local and international media attended the ceremony to witness and congratulate the contributions of the three laureates.

In addition, more than 80 youngsters from Music for Our Young Foundation (MOY), together with the Civil Aid Service Band, delivered a performance.

MOY is a charitable organisation with its focus on music training for young persons.

It aims to teach youngsters to work hard and be dedicated in accomplishing goals, which is said to echo the spirit of positive energy as promulgated by the LUI Che Woo Prize.

The LUI Che Woo Prize is an international, cross-sector, innovative prize.

In order to address ever-evolving global needs and challenges, each year the prize sets a specific area of focus under each category.