U2 Lead Singer Accepts Statesman Award
Posted on Saturday, October 22 @ 21:14:22 CEST by Macphisto
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(NBC) -- Bono was in Philadelphia Friday evening, but it wasn't his band U2 that took center stage, NBC 10 News reported Friday.
The singer, who was featured on the cover of "Time" magazine, is becoming just as well-known for his political activism on issues such as AIDS in Africa as he is for his voice.
Bono was in town to receive the International Statesman award from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
"Six-and-a-half thousand Africans are dying every single day of AIDS -- a preventable, treatable disease," Bono said.
During his speech, Bono spoke of charity and justice for Africa.
"Justice is a higher standard," he said. "It questions our commitment, because there is no way we can look at what is happening in Africa and, if we're honest, conclude that it would ever be allowed to happen anywhere else -- anywhere else."
With his characteristic wit, Bono also talked about this summer's G8 summit, which was held in Scotland.
"The Group of 8 is the big rich countries," Bono said. "It's like the hip-hop stars of geopolitics. [President George W.] Bush, [United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony] Blair, [French Prime Minister Jacques] Chirac -- the guys with the bling."
On a more serious note, Bono also talked the impact the Live 8 concerts had.
"They actually got to some serious business, and pledged $50 billion more additional for the world's poorest people," Bono said. "Half of it for Africa, which is great."
The event was followed by a private reception and dinner, but before that, Bono met with some of his fans.
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