Nearly a decade ago, Brandon Stanton made TIME’s list of “30 Under 30 Changing the World” and he has not stopped since. With his uncanny ability to use crowdfunding to raise millions of dollars for various charities and fundraisers, there is no doubt that Stanton has changed many lives for the better. Today, PeaceTech Lab (PTL), the award-winning non-profit organization founded by the United States Institute of Peace, announced that his efforts will be celebrated and honored during the 2022 International Peace Honors, to be held in January 2022.

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Author of "Humans of New York," Brandon Stanton. (Photo: Business Wire)

The International Peace Honors (IPH) celebrates the most outstanding global leaders and change-agents of our time who make philanthropy and humanitarian service a hallmark of their lives, to advance humanity and our planet. The 2022 honorees include business leaders and technology pioneers helping billions of people obtain equitable access to the digital economy as well as activists and artists who create access to education, protect our environment, and lead the global fight for equality and justice, using technology and media to remind us that our personal stories can change the world.

“Hard to imagine anyone who embodies PeaceTech Lab’s calls to action better than Brandon Stanton,” remarks Sheldon Himelfarb, President and CEO of PeaceTech Lab. “At a time when technology allows anyone with a cell phone, a camera and an internet connection to capture the audience of hundreds, thousands, even millions of ordinary people, Brandon Stanton is one of those extraordinary people that are turning such attention into powerful action for positive social change.”

While some use social media to embellish and highlight their own personal accolades and tribulations, Stanton turned the camera on everyday people and shared their stories in an immensely powerful blog and New York Times Bestseller “Humans of New York.” With all eyes on the faces of strangers and all ears on some of their stories of hardship, Stanton asks his audience to become activists alongside him, accomplishing amazing feats on behalf of those suffering or simply dreaming behind his camera.

“There's nothing more transformational than a story well told. And I've been lucky and privileged to have thousands of people trust me with theirs. This award is truly an honor and I feel beyond grateful to be included among such a wonderful list of honorees," said Stanton.

Standing at the crossroads of traditional storytelling and modern technology, Stanton successfully connects global citizens with one another to create a grassroots community with astonishing accomplishments. His social contributions have spanned the fields of education, natural disasters, international crises, to simply making dreams come true, and have raised millions of dollars time and time again, all over the world. His impressive crowdfunding illustrates both the power of one and the power of many.

“He has truly allowed each of us to step into the shoes, or in this case, portrait, of another. He has built a community of lifting others up. What a beautiful reminder of the extraordinary power of many ordinary people coming together to make the world a better place,” adds MariaEsmeralda Paguaga, Executive Producer of the International Peace Honors.

As International Peace Honoree, Brandon Stanton joins actor, director and activist Forest Whitaker. The remaining members of this select group of honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.

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