“Through his work as a doctor and advocate, Dr Mukwege is shining a spotlight on one of the most pervasive and pernicious human rights abuses in the world – violence against women,” the prize citation said. The award, worth €150,000, was handed over by Queen Fabiola, King Boudewijn’s widow, in the presence of members of the royal family.

This year’s Teacher of the Year is Emmy Wouters, who teaches the fifth year at the Ter Beuke primary school in Kessel-Lo, near Leuven. The prize was organised by Klasse, a group of magazines aimed at teachers, parents and children, based on the votes of readers. The award ceremony involved 200 nominated teachers from across Flanders. “She gives each of us a lot of attention, and she has so much patience!” one of Wouters’ pupils said.

Olivier Jacobs, barman at the Café Theatre in Ghent, won the Benelux heat of the Diageo World Class Bartender Contest and will go on to take part in the international final in India in July.