The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is to be awarded the Tipperary International Peace Award.

Mr Ban will accept the prize in person at a ceremony on Sunday May 24th at the Ballykisteen Hotel in Co Tipperary.

He is being honoured for his leadership in mobilising the international community to address a series of grave conflicts, and major natural disasters.

"At a moment of division, he has sought to be a bridge-builder; in a period of economic upheaval he has strived to give voice to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people; and in a world of deepening interconnectedness, he has pursued wide-ranging efforts to adapt the United Nations to face a new generation of challenges and threats", the Tipperary Peace Convention said.

Martin Quinn, of the Tipperary Peace Convention, added: "We are delighted that Mr Ban has agreed to accept the award in person".

Mr Ban, who will be accompanied by his wife, will also deliver an address at the event.

Former winners of the award include human rights activist Malala Yousafzai and the late Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafic Hariri.