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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Toastmasters International announced today that world-renowned economics professor, founder of Grameen Bank and humanitarian Muhammad Yunus is the recipient of the organization's 2015 Golden Gavel award. The award, presented annually to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership, will be presented to Yunus for his leadership and ability to drive change during the Toastmasters International Convention Aug. 12-15, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Professor Yunus is a microfinance pioneer whose concept has supported and enriched developing countries around the world," says Toastmasters International President Mohammed Murad. "As this year's Golden Gavel recipient, he will help our members get a better understanding of how effective leadership enhances social entrepreneurism."

Yunus is widely credited for his work to end poverty through micro-lending and cause-driven businesses in his home country of Bangladesh and throughout the world. The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to Yunus and Grameen Bank, a bank Yunus established in 1983 in Bangladesh that provides small loans—known as microcredit—to impoverished people. As of 2011, Grameen Bank provides services in nearly all villages in Bangladesh. While the bank operates in Bangladesh only, a global version known as Grameen Foundation works with organizations around the world to help them serve poor people.

"It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by Toastmasters International as the 2015 Golden Gavel award recipient," says Yunus. "Early in my life I committed myself to eliminating poverty and I accept this award on behalf of everyone who strives to serve and help the poor."

Yunus will accept the award and address attendees during a dinner held in his honor on Friday, Aug. 14, at Caesar's Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Yunus joins an illustrious list of Golden Gavel honorees, including Walter Cronkite, Stephen Covey, Deepak Chopra, Anthony Robbins and Zig Ziglar. 

To learn more about the 2015 International Convention, Aug.12-15, and obtain a complete schedule of events, including the Opening Ceremonies, Education Sessions and the World Championship of Public Speaking, visit http://www.toastmasters.org/Convention. The public is invited to attend.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization's membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

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SOURCE Toastmasters International