Theme: “Fostering Sustainable Peace and Democratic Order: The Visionary Leadership Imperative for Socioeconomic and Gender Equality in Political Governance,”
Executive Summary:
The 9th London Political Summit and Awards 2024, held from October 9th to 11th, brought together government officials, business leaders, policymakers, and legislative delegates from various nations, including Zambia, the DRC, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, to discuss pressing global issues and honor exemplary achievements in public service, political leadership, business excellence, and humanitarian work. The summit took place at two historic venues: the Select Committee Room, House of Commons in Westminster Palace, and the Worshipful Mayor’s Parlour, London Southwark Council. It concluded with a well-attended Award Gala Dinner Night at the London Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington, where individuals and organizations were recognized with achievement awards. This event underscored the significance of fostering international dialogue for democratic peace, economic cooperation, and sustainable development among nations.
The summit discussions began with opening speeches by the host Member of Parliament, Hon. Afzal Khan, and Rt. Hon. Andrew Gwynne MP, followed by a keynote speech by the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio. Brief presentations were delivered by Hon. Jacob Mwiimbu, Minister of Interior and Homeland Security of Zambia; Hon. Abubakar Gumi, Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Regulations, Nigeria House of Representatives; representatives of Dr. Jack-Rich, President of Belemaoil Group; and Mr. Peter Fowler, CEO of Westminster Group Plc. UK.
Parliamentary Session at Westminster:
The summit commenced with a parliamentary session on October 9th, hosted by Hon. Afzal Khan MP in the Select Committee room at the House of Commons, Westminster Palace. This session saw notable participation from Rt. Hon. Andrew Gwynne MP, who emphasized the importance of public health, Lord John Hannett OBE, and H.E. Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone Madam Fatima Maada Bio, and the summit chair Prof. Kishan Devani BEM, who emphasised the importance of the summit and its expectations while making his chairman’s remarks. Other prominent attendees included Mr. Peter Fowler, CEO of Westminster Group; Hon. Abubakar Gumi from Nigeria; ministers from Zambia, such as Honourable Jacob Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, and Hon. Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education; as well as representatives from Belemaoil. Mr. Godson Azu, the event organizer, introduced a distinguished delegation of special guests, panelists, and collaborators.
Additionally, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Dr. Alistair Soyode, Chairman of Bentv London, the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom, Amb. Dr. Morie Manyah, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Amb. Yvonne King, and Hon. Dr. Jack-Rich, President and Founder of Belemaoil Producing Ltd. The session held a moment of silence led by Hon. Afzal Khan MP and Rt. Hon. Andrew Gwynne MP in honor of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, H.E. Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the wife of H.E. Pastor Umo Eno, whose recent passing was solemnly observed by attendees.
Mayoral Session at Southwark Council:
The second day of the summit was hosted by Hon. Cllr. Naima Ali, Worshipful Mayor of Southwark, in the Mayor’s Parlour at Southwark Council. Dignitaries and delegates from countries including Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone gathered to discuss cooperative strategies and global challenges. The session also observed a moment of silence, paying respects to H.E. Pastor Patience Umo Eno. As a key participant, Cllr. Naima Ali led discussions on fostering collaborative solutions and community engagement across nations.
Award Dinner Night at Copthorne Tara Hotel
On October 11th, the summit culminated in a Gala Night at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, where the London Political Summit and Awards 2024 recognized individuals for their leadership, contributions to public service, and impactful work across various sectors. The awardees represented a diverse array of fields, from political leadership and humanitarian efforts to community development and media influence.
List of Notable Award Recipients:
- H.E. Fatima Maada Bio – LPSA Africa First Lady of the Year 2024
- Lord John Hannett OBE – LPSA New Peer of the Year Award 2024
- Rt. Hon Andrew Gwynne MP – LPSA Parliamentarian of the Year 2024
- Hon. Afzal Khan MP -LPSA BAME MP of the Year 2024.
- Cllr Naima Ali – LPSA Ethnic Minority Madam Mayor of the Year 2024
- H.E Pastor Umo Eno – LPSA Africa Governor of the Year 2024
- Tein T.S. Jack-Rich – LPSA Humanitarian and Philanthropist of the Year 2024
- Prof. Kishan Devani BEM – LPSA International Political Strategist & International Trade (FDI) Envoy of the Year 2024
- Mr. Peter Fowler – LPSA Best Global Aviation Security Provider of the Year 2024
- Mr. Manish Tiwari – LPSA British Asian Media Awards of the Year 2024
- Westminster Group Plc UK – LPSA Global Aviation Security Company of the Year 2024
- Here and Now 365 PR UK – LPSA British Media Personality of the Year 2024
- Honourable Jacob Mwiimbu S.C MP – LPSA Ministerial Leadership of the Year 2024
- Hon. Sulaiman Gumi – LPSA National Assembly Safety Icon of the Year 2024
- Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr – LPSA Commonwealth Youth Leader and Peace Ambassador 2024
Addresses by Key Speakers:
The summit featured powerful addresses by key speakers who shared their visions for a more equitable and just world:
Rt. Hon. Andrew Gwynne MP: A Call for Global Health Equality-
In his address, Rt. Hon. Andrew Gwynne MP, the UK Minister for Public Health and Prevention, spoke passionately about tackling health inequalities on a global scale. Emphasizing the intersection of public health and climate change, he highlighted how climate issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Gwynne’s call for sustainable development resonated deeply with attendees as he urged collective international action to address these global challenges. Reflecting on his journey into politics, he affirmed his dedication to creating a healthier, fairer world for future generations.
Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio: Education and Empowerment for Girls-
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a keynote address centered on her commitment to providing free, quality education for children, particularly girls. She underscored education’s role in breaking poverty cycles, fostering gender equality, and empowering communities. Addressing the challenges faced by women and girls globally, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and limited access to resources, the First Lady called for concerted efforts to dismantle these barriers. Her vision for gender equality and educational access inspired the audience to champion these causes within their own spheres of influence.
A Platform for Global Solutions:
The London Political Summit and Awards 2024 offered a unique platform for global leaders, advocates, and changemakers to address critical issues, such as health, education, and gender equality. Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, the summit emphasized the importance of cooperative solutions to address these challenges. By honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to public service, humanitarian work, and political leadership, the summit reinforced a shared commitment to advancing equality, health, and opportunity worldwide. This gathering inspired attendees to strive for a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.
