It's more critical than ever for Americans to learn about Asia, says Awards Dinner honoree John C. Whitehead.

Guests at the black-tie event included New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

The Burmese democracy icon was awarded the Global Vision Award at Asia Society's Awards Dinner Wednesday night in New York City. Click the headline to watch her video acceptance speech.