The Appeal of Conscience Foundation has announced that His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, will be honoured with the Appeal of Conscience Award at the foundation’s Annual Gala, taking place on September 29, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier in 1965, is an interfaith coalition of business, religious, and diplomatic leaders that advocates for peace, religious liberty, and respect for the other.

The Appeal of Conscience Award is presented to public figures who exemplify enlightened leadership and uphold the principle that “a crime committed in the name of religion is the greatest crime against religion.”

“My Dear Friend, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, endowed with wisdom, vision, and compassion, has earned the trust and respect of people and communities both in New York and throughout the nation,” said Schneier.

“He embodies the biblical commandment ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself,’ practicing what he preaches and uplifting all who know him, exuding confidence and hope for a brighter future. We have bonded throughout the years through our shared commitment to religious freedom and advancing interreligious cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Cardinal Dolan is a steadfast leader in our fractured world, inspiring people of all faiths to seek unity over division. He is a blessing in our midst, well-deserving of appreciation for his valuable contribution to the work of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.”

Schneier added: “Tony Elumelu stands as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.”

Business can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and human dignity. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action.”

As Chairman of Heirs Holdings, investing across financial services, power, resources, healthcare, real estate and hospitality, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Group, Africa’s Global Bank and the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Elumelu has championed youth entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and African-led development through his philosophy of “Africapitalism”, the idea that the private sector must play a central role in driving social and economic progress.

Through his enduring $100 million-plus commitment, the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme has selected and funded over 24,000 African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. Initiatives including the BeGreen Africa programme have further expanded this impact, equipping 1,600 innovative green businesses with the skills and support to advance environmental sustainability, drive climate action, and create jobs for Africa’s youth.

Elumelu’s family-owned investment Group, Heirs Holdings, recently released a 15-Year Impact Report, which highlights how the Group’s CSR activities have positively impacted over 500,000 people, reflecting its steadfast commitment to improving lives and transforming the African continent.

“To be honoured by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is to be reminded that leadership is about service,” said Elumelu. “This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue empowering the next generation and building bridges of hope and prosperity across the globe. I accept it on behalf of all those who embody Africapitalism, working tirelessly to create opportunities and build a better future for all.” The gala will be chaired by Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America