CNN founder, Web inventor win Gorbachev Awards

CNN founder Ted Turner, World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee and Kenyan engineer Evan Wadongo are the inaugural recipients of the Mikhail Gorbachev Awards.

The trio were honoured by the former Soviet leader at a Royal Albert Hall gala in London Wednesday night.

"These three people have each, in their own way, changed the world for their fellow men and women in ways which affect all our lives," Gorbachev said in a statement.

He added that he established the prize to celebrate "those people who achieve this and to provide inspiration to all of us to try."

The fledgling awards were presented in three categories designed to reflect the achievements of Gorbachev, the former Soviet president and 1992 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

• U.S. media mogul Turner was recognized in the Glasnost category for his "contributions to the development of the culture of an open world."
• Wadongo won the Uskorenie award for his "contribution to the development of modern science and technology." The engineer and sustainable development activist invented a solar-powered, LED lantern that serves as a light source and clean alternative to wood fires and smoky kerosene lamps for rural Africans. 
• Computer science professor and web pioneer Berners-Lee received the Perestroika honour for his "contribution to the development of global civilization."

The awards presentation was part of a larger, star-studded concert and celebration of Gorbachev's 80th birthday. Hosted by actors Sharon Stone and Kevin Spacey, the evening included performances by Shirley Bassey, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Bolshoi Ballet.