Former President Barack Obama Barack Hussein ObamaThe Memo: Trump's strengths complicate election picture Obama shares phone number to find out how Americans are planning to vote Democrats' troubling adventure in a 'Wonderland' without 'rule of law' MORE was honored as a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope laureate in a ceremony Wednesday night.

Obama was presented the award by the organization’s president and RFK's daughter, Kerry Kennedy, at a gala in Manhattan, according to The Associated Press.

In his remarks, the former president joked that receiving the honor officially validated his “hope credentials.”

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“I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but I’ve been on this hope kick for a while now,” he said, according to the AP. “Even ran a couple of campaigns on it.”

“If we summon our best selves, we can inspire others to do the same,” Obama said. “It’s easy to succumb to cynicism, the notion that hope is a fool’s game.”

“When our leaders are content on making up whatever facts they want, a lot of people have begun to doubt the notion of common ground,” he added. “Bobby Kennedy’s life reminds us to reject such cynicism.”

The award, which has also been given to former President Bill Clinton William (Bill) Jefferson ClintonEpstein podcast host says he affiliated with elites from 'both sides of the aisle' Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at Supreme Court Business groups start gaming out a Biden administration MORE, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonDemocratic groups using Bloomberg money to launch M in Spanish language ads in Florida The Hill's Campaign Report: Presidential polls tighten weeks out from Election Day More than 50 Latino faith leaders endorse Biden MORE, Bono, Rep. John Lewis John LewisTrump to pay respects to Ginsburg at Supreme Court Democrats urge Biden to resist filibuster, court-packing calls Rep. Bill Pascrell named chair of House oversight panel MORE (D-Ga.), former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Democratic groups using Bloomberg money to launch M in Spanish language ads in Florida Harris faces pivotal moment with Supreme Court battle MORE and actor Robert De Niro, honors global leaders for “their exceptional work toward a more just and peaceful world.”

Other laureates honored at this year’s ceremony were Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav, Humana CEO Bruce Broussard and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D).