Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo has been named the inaugural recipient of the Harmony in Diversity Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue and social cohesion in Southeast Asia. 

Presented by the Temasek Foundation in collaboration with the 5P Global Movement, the award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to fostering harmony among people of different cultures across the region. 

As the first cardinal from Mindanao, Quevedo was recognized for promoting what he describes as a "dialogue of life" through everyday interactions among people of different faiths. He also helped establish the Bishops-Ulama Conference in 1996, bringing together Catholic bishops, Protestant pastors and Muslim ulama to promote sustained interfaith cooperation. He likewise supported peace initiatives, including the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, to advance fundamental rights, religious freedom and self-determination. 

More than 70 nominations from across Southeast Asia were submitted during the award's inaugural cycle, which seeks to highlight individuals advancing social cohesion, cross-cultural understanding and community leadership. 

Former Halimah Yacob, the award's patron, praised Quevedo's decades of peacebuilding in Mindanao, saying his work demonstrates that harmony is built through dialogue, compassion and courage. 

Temasek Foundation CEO Ng Boon Heong said Quevedo's lifelong efforts toward peaceful coexistence embody the values of the award and serve as an inspiration for greater collaboration across the region. Meanwhile, 5P Global Movement founder Arsjad Rasjid said Quevedo's work reflects the principle of "Unity in Diversity" by building trust and understanding across communities. 

The award was selected by a panel that included Joy Belmonte, former Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi, and other regional leaders. 

Quevedo will formally receive the Harmony in Diversity Award during the inaugural ceremony on 15 July 2026 in Jakarta. The award includes a $20,000 cash prize, a commemorative trophy and an opportunity to share his peacebuilding work with regional leaders from government, civil society and the private sector.