The International Ellsberg Whistleblower Award

The International Ellsberg Whistleblower Award (EWA) honours the integrity and courage of whistleblowers and their allies for disclosing information that significantly enhances free public or scientific debate to bolster democracy and the public’s right to know.

2026

The Award

Awardee 2024

Our Executive Board

Our Associated Organizations

Our alliances to honor courageous whistleblowers and stimulate public discourse on the crucial issues they bring to light.

© Credo, Ellsberg Archive Project (UMass Amherst)

Daniel and Patricia Ellsberg

Daniel Ellsberg was the first and most important whistleblower of his time. By disclosing the McNamara report on US decision making in Vietnam (1971), later publicly known as the ‘Pentagon Papers‘, he exposed the lies of several US governments and contributed to ending the Vietnam War.

Despite severe repercussions, the Ellsbergs maintained their unwavering dedication to integrity and democratic responsibility. The International Ellsberg Whistleblowing Award pays tribute to their enduring legacy.