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To open the 2025 World Food Prize Week of Events, a private ceremony marked the unveiling of a new statue installation on the east side of the historic Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates, the international headquarters of the World Food Prize Foundation.
The statue honors John Ruan III, who served as Chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation from 2000 until his passing in 2021. Created by renowned sculptor Benjamin Victor, who was in attendance at the ceremony and has four statues displayed in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.—including one of Norman Borlaug—it depicts Ruan carrying the World Food Prize into the Hall of Laureates, symbolizing his instrumental role in shaping its legacy. Together with Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President Emeritus of the Foundation, and Mashal Husain, the current Foundation President, Ruan led the $29.8 million renovation and development of the Hall of Laureates.
“John believed deeply in the mission of the World Food Prize and was passionate about the beautification, and preservation of historic Des Moines landmarks,” said his wife Janis Ruan. “Seeing him here, welcoming others into the Hall of Laureates, feels like he’s still doing what he loved most.”
Beyond his visionary role in restoring the Hall of Laureates, Ruan III along with Janis, also championed the creation of the Hall of Laureates Garden, an inviting green oasis in the heart of downtown Des Moines that now bears their name.
“Today marks a milestone moment for the World Food Prize Foundation,” said Husain, during the ceremony. “The unveiling of John’s statue is far more than a dedication; it’s the realization of a dream set in motion more than two decades ago. It is so fitting that John will now forever stand here, greeting every visitor and beckoning them to discover the beauty and purpose within.”
Under Ruan III’s leadership, the Foundation expanded the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue from a single-day gathering into a vibrant, weeklong series of events that unite leaders, innovators and changemakers across the food system to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.
“John Ruan III’s vision and leadership helped shape the very identity of the World Food Prize Foundation,” said Governor Tom Vilsack, Chief Executive Officer, World Food Prize Foundation. “This statue stands as a lasting tribute to a man who believed deeply in the power of bringing people together to confront the world’s greatest challenges, and because of that belief, his impact will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The unveiling of the statue not only celebrates the legacy of a transformative leader, but also reaffirms the enduring mission of the World Food Prize Foundation: to inspire action, collaboration and elevate innovation in the fight to end hunger. As visitors pass by the Hall of Laureates, John Ruan III will now stand as a permanent symbol of vision, generosity and the belief that one person’s dedication can help nourish the world.