Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were honoured at the 48th Business & Finance Awards, which took place at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Thursday.
Zelenskky accepted the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life with an address delivery via video link from government headquarters in Kyiv, where he continues to lead the war effort following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.
Von der Leyen travelled to Ireland to accept the Sutherland Leadership Award at the gala event in recognition of the European Union's outstanding contribution to the country on the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the bloc.
In his speech, which captivated the audience, Zelenskyy said: "I am grateful you are honouring Ukraine with this outstanding award. This award reflects the path that we are to go through. In exactly one month, Ireland will celebrate its first 50 years as part of the European Union.
"Ukraine is doing everything so that our first 50 years as a part of the European Union can also be celebrated sooner. I urge you to unfailingly support Ukraine on this path.
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"I thank you for the historical support of Ireland and the entire European Community to our State in our struggle for freedom and independence. We will definitely win this together. Glory to Ukraine!”
Speaking at the ceremony, von der Leyen said it was an honour to accept the Sutherland Award on behalf of the EU ahead of Ireland's demi-centennial anniversary.
"The story of Ireland in the European Union inspires hope, especially at a time when war has sadly returned to our continent. A story of reconciliation, peace, and progress, written by the people of Ireland. And Europe is proud to call you family," she said.
The B&F Awards have been running since 1974 and celebrate excellence in innovation, growth and scale of individual business leaders and their teams.
More than 1,000 business, political and social leaders attended Thursday's event, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, European Commissioner for Financial Services Mairead McGuinness, former President Mary Robinson, and former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Larysa Gerasko and Clare Cronin, the Ukrainian and US ambassadors to Ireland, also attended, along with members of the Irish and European parliaments.
Champion jockey Rachael Blackmore was handed the Outstanding Contribution to Brand Ireland Award, while Coillte CEO Imelda Hurley won Business Person of the Year, and Kerrygold parent Ornua was named Company of the Year.
Aviva was presented the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award; AIB won the Environmental, Social and Governance Award; Dublin's Fineos won the Elevation Award, and Abbott was went home with the FDI of the Year Award.
