Global South Leadership Celebrated at Prestigious GSL Awards in London

London, July 2025 — The historic House of Lords was the distinguished setting for the GSUA 25 Summit & Awards, where some of the Global South’s most transformative leaders were honoured with the prestigious Global South Leadership (GSL) Awards. The event and programme was put together by AASGON Founder Dr. Abdul Adewale, a former global partner to UN initiatives especially to do with African nations. The evening session was moderated by Mentoring Cmdt Alistair.

The event brought together diplomats, academics, policymakers, and thought leaders in recognition of exceptional service and visionary leadership across diplomacy, education, innovation, and inclusive development.

At the forefront of the celebration was H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, represented by High Commissioner Linda Scott, for her principled leadership in international diplomacy, sustainable development, and regional climate action.

The ceremony also honoured H.E. Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the first African woman to serve as Commonwealth Secretary-General, whose tenure has already invigorated youth empowerment and multilateral unity across 56 member states. Represented by Mr. Ram Sushil, she expressed optimism for strengthened Commonwealth–AASGON ties and lauded the newly established GSUA and GOSCCIMA for their role in shaping the Global South’s future.

Ambassador Ivan Romero-Martinez, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Honduras to the UK, was recognised for his tireless diplomatic service and leadership in promoting Global South cooperation. He also served as Chief Host, pledging unwavering support for AASGON’s ongoing initiatives, including the forthcoming Global South Diaspora Summit Awards and Exhibition.

Academic and institutional trailblazers were also prominently acknowledged. Prof. Collin J. Coulson-Thomas, President of the UK’s Institute of Management and GSUA 25 Keynote Speaker, was honoured for his strategic leadership across continents. Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, and

Prof. Roberto Escalante SemerenaProf. Roberto Escalante Semerena, Secretary-General of UDUALC, were lauded for spearheading higher education reforms and integration across the Arab world and Latin America, respectively.

The celebration extended to champions of engineering, women’s empowerment, and business. Engr. Ahmad Jassim Al-Jolo, Chair of the Federation of Global Engineers, was recognised for enhancing engineering education across the Gulf, while Engr. Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, was commended for her gender-inclusive STEM leadership.

Duchess Williams-Alonga, President of the Commonwealth Countries League, was honoured for her efforts to empower women and promote education for girls across member states.

Global commerce and philanthropy were represented by Dr. Vijay G. Kalantri, Interim President of GOSCCIMA, who praised Abdul Dewale Mohammed, AASGON’s founder, for his visionary creation of collaborative Global South institutions.

Ambassador Rubi Williams, President of Rubi Foundation InternationalAmbassador Rubi Williams, President of Rubi Foundation International, was celebrated for her impactful work in healthcare, education, and women’s entrepreneurship across 22 countries.

Dr. Debbie Bartlett, Director General of GSUA and founder of the CEO Network in the Bahamas, was acknowledged for her economic empowerment efforts through media and mentorship.

Other dignitaries present were CANUK Chairman, Dr. Illy Maisanda, The Team and publishers from Diamond Magazine, Mr. Femi Okutubo of Trumpet, Most distinguished senator Lanre Tejuosho from Nigeria, Diplomats from Cuba, Ghana, Ayo Akinfe, The Epegas among others.

The evening encapsulated the spirit of South–South solidarity, with honourees demonstrating how transformative leadership can advance sustainable development, diplomacy, and regional cooperation. Through their work, the awardees represent the emerging voice, vision, and vitality of a united Global South committed to shared progress and global influence.