Northwell Health's Eric Cioè-Peña Named Schwab Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Social Innovator of the Year

The award was officially announced at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organization of the World Economic Forum, has bestowed its prestigious 2025 Corporate Social Innovator of the Year award to Eric Cioè-Peña, MD, MPH, vice president of Northwell Health’s Center for Global Health (CGH) for his outstanding contributions to social innovation within the corporate setting. The award serves to spotlight pioneering social innovators who help improve the livelihoods of millions of people across the world and will be given to Dr. Cioè-Peña during a special event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 22.

Since 1998, the Schwab Foundation has been a leading voice in promoting social innovation globally, connecting a network of over 450 social innovators from more than 190 countries. Specifically, The Corporate Social Innovator of the Year Award honors change-makers like Dr. Cioè-Peña, who work within corporations to address critical social issues. His selection reflects his exceptional leadership and the impact of his work at Northwell Health and the CGH.

“Receiving this award from the Schwab Foundation is a testament to the power of centering local stakeholders’ voices in our international partnerships and the unwavering dedication of the entire Center for Global Health team,” said Dr. Cioè-Peña, associate professor of emergency medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “This award fuels our commitment to pushing boundaries and developing innovative solutions to address the complex health challenges facing our world. I believe that by working together, we can create a future where quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.”

Established in 2019, the CGH is committed to compassionate partnerships and humanitarianism, working to achieve optimal health outcomes for everyone, everywhere. CGH builds on local best practices and utilizes the combined expertise and leadership of Northwell Health to collaborate with government, business, and non-profit partners to address global healthcare challenges. With active programs in Guyana, Ukraine, Ecuador, and India, and affiliate sites in the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Uganda, CGH strengthens local health systems, improves access to care and supports local healthcare leaders through initiatives involving students and faculty from Northwell Health and the Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, allied health professions, and public health. These partnerships include clinical exchanges, education and training initiatives in virtually every discipline of healthcare and ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders and governments to improve healthcare access for all.

An example of some of the CGH’s recent focus has been the war in Ukraine. Under Dr. Cioè-Peña's leadership, the CGH has demonstrated unwavering support for Ukraine, providing over $2 million in aid since the war began. This includes medical supplies, a telemedicine platform for frontline providers, more than 70+ ambulances, a Kyiv healthcare summit focused on provider resiliency and mental health, and the implementation and training of almost 50 master trainers of the Stress First Aid curriculum this month in Bucha, Ukraine. These efforts were acknowledged by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit with wounded warriors at Staten Island University Hospital.

As a recipient of this award, Dr. Cioè-Peña will be integrated into the World Economic Forum's activities, participating in peer-to-peer exchanges with other leading social innovators and engaging with top leaders from business, government, civil society, and media. He will receive active support from the Schwab Foundation for two years and join a lifelong community of social innovators within the foundation.

“Dr. Cioè-Peña’s recognition as a Corporate Social Innovator of the Year is a source of immense pride for Northwell. We are inspired by his leadership and dedication to continuing our work to build healthier communities everywhere,” said Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “By addressing global health challenges, our Center for Global Health gains valuable insights and develops innovative partnerships and solutions that benefit all the communities we serve, strengthening our commitment to health equity across borders.”

During the World Economic Forum, Dr. Cioè-Peña will host an event on January 22, Health@Davos, where leaders, policymakers, and innovators will convene to address critical global healthcare challenges. Sessions will explore equitable access, mental health support, rare disease treatments, AI diagnostics, wearables, and personalized care. Notable speakers will include the Honorable Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Jose Manuel Borroso, the former Prime Minister of Portugal and current board chair of GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 87,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.