House of Lords Hosts Global South Summit & Leadership Awards
The historic House of Lords, London, hosted the Global South Universities Association (GSUA) ’25 Summit & Awards, bringing together diplomats, scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Global South.
🌍 Celebrating Visionary Leadership
The evening’s highlight was the Global South Leadership (GSL) Awards, honouring individuals advancing governance, diplomacy, education, innovation, and sustainable development while strengthening South–South cooperation.
“This summit is more than an event — it is a platform for building bridges across the Global South,” said Abdul Dewale Mohammed, Founder and Group Executive President of AASGON and GSEF.
👑 Distinguished Honourees
Among the award recipients was H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, recognised for her leadership in multilateral diplomacy, sustainability, and climate action. Represented by Ambassador Linda Scott, the award marked a historic milestone as Namibia’s first female President.
Also honoured was H.E. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the first African woman Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, recognised for her leadership in youth empowerment and intergovernmental collaboration.
🤝 Diplomacy, Academia & Engineering Excellence
Awards were also presented to:
- Ambassador Ivan Romero-Martinez, Ambassador of Honduras to the UK, for advancing South–South dialogue
- Prof. Colin J. Coulson-Thomas, President of IMS UK, for global leadership education
- Prof. Roberto Escalante Semerena, Secretary-General of UDUALC, for higher education reform in Latin America & the Caribbean
- Engr. Ahmad Jassim Al-Jolo, President of GSEA, for advancing engineering education
- Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, for promoting women in STEM
🌱 A United Global South
With over 30 diplomats in attendance, the GSUA ’25 Awards Gala reaffirmed a powerful message:
the Global South is rising — united, resilient, and determined to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.
