Words by

Iryna Zubenko

Photo by

Office of the President of Iceland

A group of 15 Icelanders were awarded the prestigious Order of the Falcon by President Halla Tómasdóttir at a formal ceremony held at Bessastaðir yesterday, reports RÚV. The honours, which recognise individuals for exceptional contributions to Icelandic society, are bestowed twice a year — on New Year’s Day and Iceland’s National Day, June 17.

Among this year’s recipients are:

• Albert Eymundsson, former school head, for his work in education, sports, and youth initiatives in his local area.

• Andrea Þórunn Björnsdóttir, community volunteer, for her dedication to charitable and social causes.

• Bjarki Sveinbjörnsson, musicologist, for preserving, researching, and sharing Iceland’s musical heritage.

• Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, psychologist and public health expert, for pioneering work in public wellbeing in Iceland.

• Guðrún Ágústsdóttir, ex-city councillor and Redstocking, for her efforts in advancing gender equality and women’s rights.

• Guðrún Pétursdóttir, physiologist, for promoting sustainability, equality, and humanitarian values.

• Jón Haukur Steingrímsson, geotechnical engineer, for leading civil protection efforts in volcanic hazard zones.

• Linda Dröfn Gunnarsdóttir, Women’s Shelter director, for advocacy in multiculturalism and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

• Soffía Pálsdóttir, youth and leisure office manager, for groundbreaking and preventative work benefiting children’s welfare.

• Unnar Vilhjálmsson, athletics coach and teacher, for his longstanding contributions to youth sports and community engagement.

• Unnur Ösp Stefánsdóttir, actress, director, and writer, for her influence in theatre and social advocacy.

• Vilborg Guðbjörg Guðnadóttir, psychiatric nurse, for work in child and adolescent mental health and family support.

• Þorlákur Hilmar Morthens, visual artist, for voluntary efforts supporting prisoner rehabilitation.

• Þorsteinn Loftsson, professor emeritus in pharmaceutical sciences, for innovation and leadership in drug development.

• Þórður Þórkelsson, paediatrician, for his role in advancing neonatal care and paediatric intensive medicine.

The Order of the Falcon is awarded based on nominations reviewed by a dedicated committee comprising former university rector Kristín Ingólfsdóttir; journalist Bogi Ágústsson; former MP  Drífa Hjartardóttir; school principal Sigurbjörn Árni Arngrímsson; and former ambassador Sigríður Snævarr. Sif Gunnarsdóttir serves as secretary to the committee.