Friends President, José Carreras, was honored in Vienna in November when he received the first World Social Prize presented by Mikhail Gorbachev at a gala celebrating the World Day of Man.

The World day of Man is an initiative in conjunction with the United Nations, the Gorbachev Foundation, the City of Vienna and Medical Connection. The goal is to increase the quality of health and life expectancy throughout the world. Carreras was selected as the first awardee for his fight against illness and later for creation of the José Carreras International Foundation for the Fight Against Leukemia. His work at the head of this enterprise has been a model of generosity and a very positive contribution for the improvement of health of many people throughout the world.

Carreras received an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from the Napier University in Edinburgh on December 7, 2000. The University honored Mr. Carreras for his important contribution to the world of the arts and opera and for his active crusade in the fight against leukemia.