A Night of Prestige and Global Impact: Honoring Leaders of Fairness and Peace at London’s Mansion House
From Left to Right: Tomos Griffiths, Lurdes Marques Silva Carneiro de Sousa, Sir Stephen Berry and daughter Madeleine Tak, Tessy Antony de Nassau, formerly Princess Tessy of Luxembourg, Dr Billy Chan, Mr Asif Bajwa, Chelsea Chyna Chan, Dame Denise Lau, Mrs Graca Fernandes, Mark Clayton
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, a group of distinguished individuals from across the world came together to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of three exceptional individuals. We met outside Mansion House and Mr Asif Bajwa introduced me to them all. The air was light with celebratory vibes and anticipation and what I instantly garnered was that these individuals were genuine, down-to-earth, hard working, fun loving people with a passion for purpose and humanity.
Once inside there was an air of distinction that filled the grand halls of Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. It was a day etched in history, celebrating three remarkable individuals whose work transcends borders. This private and exclusive ceremony brought together dignitaries, global leaders, and high-profile attendees from across the globe to witness the bestowal of two of the world’s most prestigious honors: the United Nations and the Fair Pay Foundation accolades and the Medal of Peace.
The Global Fair Pay Charter is a UN initiative launched in London in May 2024. This charter aims to improve the pay and living conditions of tea plantation workers worldwide. The charter was conceived by Sheikh Aliur Rahman and supported by the UN, the London Mayor, and others. The Fair Pay charter is an 8-point pledge that was formally endorsed and signed by the Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the Hon. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, alongside UNITAR’s signature. Sheikh Aliur Rahman, OBE stated that the Charter would now act as a Global Charter which the General Secretary of the UN will now form as part of the Sustainable Development Goals moving forward and at the core of the Charter was Fairness, Equality and Justice. All these three principles are what was used to put The Articles together, and it is believed that close to 870 million people will benefit from The Charter.
At the heart of this momentous evening stood three men. Mr. Asif Bajwa, a leader whose contributions to global peace and freedom were recognized with two significant accolades. Presented by Sheikh Aliur Rahman, OBE, Global Chairman of the London Tea Exchange, and The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Raymond Mainelli, Mr. Bajwa was officially appointed by the United Nations and the Fair Pay Foundation as Ambassador for the Global Fair Pay Charter for the territory of Portugal as well as receiving the Medal of Peace, in particular, held special significance as it had been brought to London from New York by the Mayor of London, making this honor exceedingly rare. Dr. Billy Chan, (Distinguished Georgian Citizen, US Georgia state Senate (2019), was commended and recognised for his outstanding public service and for contributing to the arena of medical simulation; and for other purposes). He is also Director of the Centre for Education in Medical Simulation at Macau University of Science and Technology, was recognized for his visionary work in the medical field and was appointed Ambassador for The Global Fair Pay Charter for the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, Mr. Maurice Leoi Laurenti, Director of Keystone Group, was honored for his outstanding achievements by being appointed as a Patron of the Global Fair Pay Charter. This recognition speaks volumes about their contributions to promoting fairness and equity across the globe, aligning with the core principles of the Fair Pay Charter.
The ceremony was an affair to remember, attracting a global elite that included influential figures from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, India, and beyond. Among the distinguished guests were Mark Clayton, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong, China; Tessy Antony de Nassau, formerly Princess Tessy of Luxembourg; and Mr. Giorgio L. Laurenti, Chairman of Keystone Group, accompanied by his wife., Lurdes Marques Silva Carneiro de Sousa, Mrs Garaca Fernandes and Hector Lee. A contingent from the Royal Society Hong Kong, including Mr Tomos Griffiths, Sir Stephen Berry and his daughter Madeleine Tak, Dame Denise Lau, and Hector Lee, added further grandeur to the occasion. Dr. Billy Chan's daughter Chelsea Chyna Chan was also in attendance, making this an event that brought together leaders in business, education, and social change.
Launched in London in May 2024, The Global Fair Pay Charter is a pioneering UN initiative created to enhance the pay and living conditions of tea plantation workers worldwide. Sheikh Aliur Rahman’s vision for fairness, equality, and justice is at the core of this eight-point pledge, which has already garnered support from global leaders, including the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. The Charter is set to become a guiding framework in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with the potential to uplift the lives of nearly 870 million people.
The ceremony highlighted not only the individual achievements of Mr. Asif Bajwa, Dr. Billy Chan, and Mr. Maurice Leoi Laurenti but also a broader movement toward fairness and justice worldwide. Each honouree, through their work, embodies the principles of freedom, peace, and equality, reflecting the Charter’s ambition to create a more just and equitable future for all.
Mansion House, with its opulent grandeur and historical significance, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable night. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the power of collective action in shaping a more equitable world, with global leaders coming together to honor those who have made strides toward peace and fairness.
This gathering of luminaries from different sectors and regions was not just a celebration of individual accolades but a rallying call for continued efforts toward justice. As the evening came to a close, there was a shared understanding among all in attendance that these awards were not the end, but rather the beginning of a journey toward making the world a better place.
Following the signing of The Global Fair Pay Charter and the formal presentation of the prestigious awards, the evening's celebration moved to a setting befitting the significance of the occasion—London’s iconic Guildhall. This historic Grade I-listed landmark, with its centuries-old grandeur, provided a majestic backdrop for an elegant dinner, hosted by Alderman Kawsar Zaman, adding another layer of prestige to an already momentous day.
The evening unfolded with an air of sophistication and camaraderie as dignitaries, business leaders, and global influencers gathered at the Guildhall to honor the award recipients. The grand hall, known for its impressive Gothic architecture and historical significance, was abuzz with conversation, the perfect blend of elegance and celebration. This dinner was not only an opportunity for guests to connect but also to reflect on the day’s significant milestones in advancing fairness, peace, and equality.
Alderman Kawsar Zaman, a key figure in London’s public service landscape, delivered a brief but impactful speech. Known for his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, Zaman spoke passionately about his role in public service and the contributions he has made toward fostering inclusivity and fairness within the community. His words echoed the sentiments of the evening—an event celebrating not just individual achievements but also collective efforts toward a more just and equal world.
As the dinner unfolded under the ornate ceiling of the Guildhall, guests were reminded of the far-reaching impact of the awards and charters signed earlier in the day.
It was incredibly special to see so many people come together under one common cause, whilst also supporting and celebrating each other's achievement.
After a sumptuous dinner and a mouth-watering dessert, the evening took a fascinating turn as guests were treated to an exclusive tour of Guildhall’s storied halls and its remarkable underground chambers. This hidden treasure, rarely seen by the public, offered a glimpse into centuries of history, showcasing the splendour of London’s architectural legacy.
As we descended beneath the iconic Guildhall, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring display of medieval craftsmanship. The underground chambers, with their intricate stonework and vaulted ceilings, revealed the grandeur of a bygone era. These chambers, which have played host to countless banquets, ceremonies, and celebrations over the centuries, whispered of a time when London’s elite gathered in these very spaces to forge alliances, celebrate triumphs, and mark historical milestones.
The evening ended with each attendee given a beautiful gift from Sheikh Aliur Rahman, OBE from the London Tea Exchange of Earl Grey Super Premium Tea, Hand Stitched Tea bags.
A perfect end to a wonderful evening.
Review by Esther Austin Contact: esther@estheraustinglobal.biz
Photo Credit: Esther Austin Global
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