Bob Geldof to receive the 2026 Sutherland Leadership Award in Dublin

Bob Geldof has been selected to receive the 2026 Sutherland Leadership Award at the Business & Finance Awards, taking place at the Convention Centre Dublin on December 10.

The award recognises “outstanding internatational leaders who embody the values and legacy of the late Peter Sutherland, one of Ireland’s most influential figures on the global stage,” according to a statement.

Sutherland was an Irish businessman and Fine Gael politician who served as the youngest Attorney General of Ireland when he was appointed at age 35. Later, he created the World Trade Organisation, as well as the Erasmus programme, advocated for the European Single Market and championed migrant rights.

Previous recipients include former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and more.

“Throughout his life, Bob has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to turn conviction into action, using his voice and influence to mobilise people, governments and institutions around some of the defining humanitarian challenges of our time,” said Ian Hyland, the President and Publisher of Business & Finance.

“Peter Sutherland believed deeply in Ireland’s capacity to influence the world through leadership, engagement and international cooperation,” he continued. “Bob has demonstrated that same determination to look beyond border and challenge the international community to act.”

Dublin-born Geldof rose to prominence as lead singer of rock band The Boomtown Rats, who are currently touring in celebration of their 50th anniversary, with their most recent performance taking place at Oakfest in Donegal. They also have upcoming dates in Mayo and Cork in October and Waterford in December.

In 1984, Geldof and musician Midge Ure co-founded Band Aid, bringing together musicians the likes of Bono, Paul Young, George Michael, Boy George and others to record 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' In aid of famine relief in Ethiopia.

The following year, he organised Live Aid, an international fundraising concert staged simultaneously at London’s Wembley Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. Among the performers at Wembley Stadium were U2, Queen, David Bowie, The Who and more. In Philadelphia, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and others took the stage.

Then, in 2005, Geldof helped put together Live 8, a series of concerts held around the world to coincide with the G8 summit and designed to focus international attention on poverty, debt and development in Africa.

The year after Live Aid, he received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to famine relief in Africa and he received the Man of Peace Award in 2005. He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 and 2008.