London, NFAPost: The historic House of Lords played host to the Global South Universities Association (GSUA) 25 Summit & Awards, an event that honoured trailblazing leaders from across the Global South for their exceptional contributions to diplomacy, education, innovation, and sustainable development. The prestigious Global South Leadership (GSL) Awards were the evening’s highlight, recognising individuals whose work has significantly advanced the mission of South–South cooperation.
The summit was convened under the distinguished leadership of Abdul Dewale Mohammed, Founder and Group Executive President of the Africa Asia Scholars Global Network (AASGON) and the Global South Economic Forum (GSEF). Dignitaries in attendance included heads of government, ambassadors, senior academics, and global policy experts.
At the forefront of the recognitions was H E Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, honoured for her unwavering commitment to multilateral diplomacy, sustainable development, and regional climate leadership. Represented by Ambassador Linda Scott, her award marked a historic moment, celebrating Namibia’s first female President and her dedication to environmental and international progress.
Another esteemed honouree was H E Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the first African woman appointed as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, acknowledged for her dynamic leadership in youth empowerment and intergovernmental cooperation across the 56-member bloc. Represented by Mr. Ram Sushil, she highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between the Commonwealth and AASGON, praising GSUA’s growing influence in shaping the Global South’s future.
Ambassador Ivan Romero-Martinez, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Honduras to the UK, was honoured for his distinguished diplomatic service and commitment to South–South collaboration. As Chief Host of GSUA ’25, he reaffirmed Honduras’s support for AASGON’s vision, including the upcoming Global South Diaspora Summit, Awards and Exhibition (GSD-SAE) in London.
The evening also celebrated leading scholars and institutional changemakers. Prof. Colin J. Coulson-Thomas, President of the UK’s Institute of Management Services, received special recognition for his global impact on leadership education. Prof. Roberto Escalante Semerena, Secretary-General of UDUALC (Association of Latin America and the Caribbean Universities), was honoured for championing regional higher education reform and integration.
Leadership in engineering and gender equality was also in the spotlight. Engr. Ahmad Jassim Al-Jolo, Interim President of the Global South Engineers Association (GSEA) and former President of the Qatar Society of Engineers, was celebrated for advancing technical education across the Gulf region. Engr. Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, was applauded for her pioneering work in promoting gender inclusivity in STEM fields.
Among the influential figures recognised were Duchess Williams-Alonga, President of the Commonwealth Countries League, honoured for her advocacy for women and girls’ education across the Commonwealth, and Ambassador Rubi Williams, President of Rubi Foundation International, commended for transformative work across 22 countries in healthcare, education, and women’s entrepreneurship.
Dr. Debbie Bartlett, Director General of GSUA and founder of the CEO Network in The Bahamas, was recognised for her significant contributions to media-driven economic empowerment and mentorship initiatives in the Caribbean.
With nearly 30 diplomats in attendance, the GSUA 25 Awards Gala embodied the spirit of unity and progress that defines the Global South. The evening was a powerful testament to the role of visionary leadership in reshaping the global development landscape.
In her keynote on behalf of the Namibian President, Ambassador Linda Scott commended Abdul Dewale Mohammed for his foresight and commitment to building platforms that facilitate South–South cooperation. The summit not only honoured past achievements but also set the tone for future collaboration among emerging global leaders dedicated to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
