Taiwan’s trailblazing 1st digital minister and Cyber Ambassador Audrey Tang joins an extraordinary cohort of visionaries who have been awarded the 2025 Right Livelihood Award, widely called the “Alternative Nobel Prize.”
The announcement comes from the Right Livelihood Foundation, which recognizes “practical and exemplary solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the world today.”
A global voice for open, participatory governance
The time has never been more right: Audrey is well known for reimagining how technology can serve democracy rather than erode it. In Taiwan, she has defended and promoted civic tech platforms that invite citizens into real-time policy dialogue. This strategy is meant to combat polarization and build resilience against authoritarian manipulation online. Audrey’s leadership helped Taiwan dramatically nurture public trust over the last decade, leading by example as to how transparent digital processes can strengthen democratic society.
A year of international recognition
2025 has already been a landmark year for Audrey. In April, the Boston Global Forum presented her with its World Leader in AI World Society Award, commending her work matching artificial intelligence with human-centered governance. And later this month, Audrey will address the Tech for Impact Summit in Tokyo, bringing her “plurality” vision of inclusive technology to global leaders in business and government.
Why this award matters
Founded in 1980, the Right Livelihood Award recognizes innovators who help to advance peace, human rights, and sustainability — often spotlighting those working outside the conventional power centers. Previous recipients include Greta Thunberg, Edward Snowden, and Dr. Denis Mukwege. Audrey’s inclusion would emphasize that safeguarding democracy now requires not only laws and elections, but also digital systems built for openness and collective problem-solving.
The Bottom Line
For supporters of free expression and an all-inclusive digital future, Audrey’s recognition ignites hope at a time when trust in institutions and platforms is under considerable strain worldwide. As AI systems and network algorithms shape society, Audrey’s example shows it’s possible to design technology that empowers citizens rather than divides them.
