London Hosts International Gathering for Peace, Humanity and Global Solidarity
Held under the theme “Together for Peace, Humanity and Global Solidarity,” the International Humanitarian Peace Award 2026 was organised jointly by the Institute of International Peace Leaders (IIPL) and LOBIN International at the historic The In & Out (Naval and Military Club), St James’s Square, London.
At the centre of the gathering was Fahri Ustaoglu, President of LOBIN International, whose leadership and personal engagement shaped the character of the programme. Ustaoglu welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, setting the tone for an evening that combined recognition of humanitarian achievement with a broader conversation about peace, international cooperation and human dignity.
Fahri Ustaoglu: Bringing International Leaders Together
Fahri Ustaoglu played a prominent role throughout the event, welcoming guests and helping bring together representatives from diverse professional, diplomatic and cultural backgrounds.
His leadership through LOBIN International added an important international dimension to the ceremony. LOBIN has a long history of convening international summits and bringing together figures from politics, diplomacy, business, academia and civil society. Ustaoglu's continued efforts to create platforms for dialogue were particularly visible in London, where the award ceremony became more than a traditional recognition event.
The programme provided an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives on the challenges confronting the international community, including armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, displacement, human rights and the responsibility of institutions and individuals to contribute to peaceful societies.
IIPL Chairman's Message Delivered by Sajida Nawab
Representing the Institute of International Peace Leaders, Sajida Nawab, CEO of IIPL, formally welcomed the guests and participants on behalf of the organisation.
Nawab also read a message from Muhammad Atta Ur Rehman, Chairman of the Institute of International Peace Leaders, conveying his greetings and appreciation to all distinguished participants.
In his message, the Chairman emphasised the importance of international cooperation and collective responsibility in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting a culture of peace. The message highlighted the need to move beyond declarations and strengthen practical cooperation among governments, civil society, humanitarian organisations, academia, business communities and individual leaders.
Sajida Nawab's presence also reflected IIPL's continuing work in promoting peace leadership, humanitarian service, international dialogue and global solidarity.
Liberia Recognised at the International Ceremony
One of the significant diplomatic moments of the evening was the recognition of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah.
The honour was received on his behalf by H.E. Genevieve A. Kennedy, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the United Kingdom.
The presentation provided an important African diplomatic dimension to the ceremony and underlined the organisers' commitment to recognising contributions that extend beyond national boundaries.
The recognition of Liberia's Minister of Posts and Telecommunications also reflected the growing importance of communications, technology and connectivity in modern international cooperation and sustainable development.
Peace as a Human-Centred Responsibility
Throughout the programme, speakers and participants stressed that peace cannot be understood simply as the absence of war.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, human dignity, humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, human rights and international law as essential components of sustainable peace.
The humanitarian consequences of conflicts around the world were also brought into focus, with particular attention to the suffering of civilians and children caught in conflict zones.
A recurring message was that international society must address not only the consequences of crises but also their underlying causes.
Recognition Across Multiple Fields
The International Humanitarian Peace Award 2026 recognised individuals whose work has contributed to peace, diplomacy, humanitarian service, leadership, education, media, social responsibility, international cooperation and community development.
Among those recognised were:
Member of the Istanbul Parliament and Chairman of the World Disabled Foundation
CEO of the Institute of International Peace Leaders and Champion of Peace
IIPL Türkiye Director and international relations specialist
Acting Rector of Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University
Secretary General of DMW Diplomats International
President of DMW Diplomats International
UK Regional President of UID
Vice President of Arkas Holding
Senator and Managing Director
Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation
Representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the United Kingdom
Linguist and presenter
Vice President of IIPL
Pakistan
Lecturer in Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management
Certified Public Accountant and member of the World Cancer Foundation Board of Trustees
The diversity of the recipients reflected the organisers' broader understanding of peace: a cause that depends upon contributions from many sectors of society rather than from political institutions alone.
Journalism and Media as Instruments of Peace
Media and journalism were also given a significant place in the programme.
Received recognition for his work in peace journalism and media, including his work on the history of Anadolu Agency.
UK Representative of Turkuvaz Media and President of the Turkish-British Journalists Association, honoured for his international journalism activities.
Journalist, owner of The Best Magazine and Co-Chair of the Turkish-British Journalists Association.
President of Durin Agency, recognised for her contributions in communications, media and business.
The discussions underlined that responsible journalism has an important role in informing societies, protecting the public interest and strengthening understanding between communities.
A Strong Presence From Business and Academia
The participation of academics and business leaders added another dimension to the gathering.
Dr. Fabio Carbone contributed an academic perspective, including his work relating to Gaza in the field of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
E. Süleyman İmreoğlu brought together professional experience and social responsibility through his work as a certified public accountant and his involvement with the World Cancer Foundation.
The presence of representatives from the private sector demonstrated the organisers' view that peace and sustainable development require cooperation extending beyond governments and diplomatic institutions.
Derya Şahin Guides the Programme
The ceremony was professionally hosted by Derya Şahin, whose presentation and management of the programme helped maintain the formal international character of the event.
With diplomats, academics, business representatives, journalists, civil society leaders and award recipients participating from different backgrounds, the smooth management of the stage and protocol contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the ceremony.
London Message: Peace Requires Collective Action
Political leaders and international organisations have critical responsibilities, but so do academics, journalists, business leaders, humanitarian organisations, civil society institutions and community leaders.
Education, employment, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, economic development, human rights and intercultural dialogue were identified as essential components of a sustainable peace architecture.
The event therefore sought to connect recognition with responsibility: honouring individuals for their contributions while encouraging others to become active participants in building more peaceful and inclusive societies.
A Partnership With International Potential
The collaboration between LOBIN International, led by Fahri Ustaoglu, and the Institute of International Peace Leaders, chaired by Muhammad Atta Ur Rehman, gave the London gathering a distinctive international character.
Ustaoglu's leadership in bringing together an international audience and IIPL's focus on peace, humanitarian action and international cooperation complemented one another, creating a platform where diplomacy, humanitarianism, business, academia and civil society could meet.
The event demonstrated how international organisations can work together to create spaces for dialogue while recognising individuals whose work contributes to humanity.
A Renewed Commitment to Peace, Humanity and Global Solidarity
The International Humanitarian Peace Award 2026 concluded with a message extending well beyond the walls of the Naval and Military Club.
The gathering demonstrated that peace is not simply a diplomatic slogan or a political objective. It is a continuing responsibility involving the protection of human life, preservation of human dignity, support for vulnerable communities and creation of opportunities for future generations.
With Fahri Ustaoglu and LOBIN International playing a central organisational role alongside the Institute of International Peace Leaders, the London ceremony brought together a diverse international community around a shared aspiration: a world in which dialogue is stronger than confrontation, humanitarian values prevail over division, and international solidarity becomes a practical force for peace.
