Fashion 4 Development (F4D) in partnership with the Human Kind Institute (HKI), Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture and the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) hosted the Fourth Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet on Monday, September 23rd during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The evening was hosted by F4D Founder and HKI Director Evie Evangelou and the theme was Healthier People, Healthier Planet.
Held at 583 Park Avenue, the night welcomed World Leaders, UN ambassadors, VIPs, fashion industry leaders, political influencers, diplomats and prominent climate change spokespeople including,Harold O’Neal, Freddie Toye, Barbara Winston, Eva Orner, Desirée Bollier, Catherine Castillon, Dayle Haddon, Shannon Hoey, Prime Ministers, Ministers and Ambassadors for Jamaica, Bahamas, Saint Kitts Nevis, Bosnia, Malawi, Egypt, Morocco, Indonesia, Eritrea, UK, Malta and more, to support both the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the efforts of both organizations to promote positive strategies for sustainable economic growth.
Fashion 4 Development is part of programming for the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. The Years of Culture initiative spearheads international cultural exchange by forging meaningful, long-term partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It was designed to cultivate mutual respect and deepen cross-cultural understanding, bringing diverse communities together through shared experiences.
Evie Evangelou began the night’s program by welcoming everyone and said, “Welcome to this year’s gala reception during the 79th session of the UNGA as we mark the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. Years of Culture serves as a catalyst for bringing people together and encouraging dialogue among nations. The Education Above All Foundation works to ensure equal access to education and to harness the power of quality education for positive, sustainable, and inclusive change. The Human Kind Institute exists to liberate creative minds and fuel imagination with one common connection—we care about humanity and our planet, we care about peace and harmony in our world.”
Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female Himalayan Siddha Master, then took the stage to perform an enlightening two-minute meditation session with all of the guests as part of a world peace campaign.
Evangelou then took the stage to introduce Nia Thompson and the musicians from the Broadway production of Lion King with composer and concert pianist for Pixar Harold O’Neal, who performed Shadowland.
Throughout the evening agents of change took to the stage to receive their Human Kind Institute Awards (HKI) for their unwavering efforts toward sustainability, addressing food security, extreme poverty, education, preservation of culture, and the empowerment of women and children.
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim was awarded the Environmental Protection Award for Planetary Guardians following a video from founder Richard Branson. The Planetary Guardians are a collective of committed leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving people and the planet. They are coming together with no other agenda than to do the right thing to secure a safe, just, and healthy future where humanity and the planet flourish together. Their mission is to elevate the science to make the Planetary Boundaries a measurement and operating framework for the world and to start a movement where everyone, everywhere joins forces as guardians of our shared home. www.planetaryguardians.org
Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid was awarded the Children’s Advocacy Award. Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as his Special Representative on Violence against Children in May 2019. A pediatrician from Morocco, Dr. M’jid has over the last four decades devoted her life to the promotion and protection of children’s rights. From 2008 to 2014, she served as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.
Dr. Maalla M’jid said, “Ending violence against children cannot wait. Millions of children worldwide are displaced. Millions of children are affected by conflict. Millions of children are victims of different forms of violence. But it is possible to end violence against children, and the fashion industry and private sector more widely have a key role to play. Child protection is everyone’s business.”
Following the awards, F4D presented an Education Above All (EAA) video. Education Above All Foundation took a central role in showcasing its dedication to equitable access to education, underlining the essential link between education and sustainable, inclusive progress. EAA Foundation highlighted several ongoing projects and initiatives that underscore the transformative power of quality education in driving positive change.
EAA Foundation Youth Advocate, Ahmed Saif Hajari, then delivered a presentation on youth-led sustainability projects. Through his involvement in the EAA Foundation Youth Advocacy program, Ahmed is committed to championing the importance of education as a driving force behind the UN SDGs.
Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner of International Affairs for NYC then took the stage to give his remarks.
He noted, “We’re deeply committed to honoring the sustainable development goals. And our commitment to the SDGs is unwavering. We’re proud to manage New York City’s Junior Ambassador program, that empowers young New Yorkers to engage and address key global issues. Through the lens of the SDGs, educators and students gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations work and interconnectedness of global challenges. This year, we are especially proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our junior ambassador program. Our mandate is clear. We must ensure that the next generation understands how their actions today will shape the future.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Thani, the Founder of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art (IAIA), then took the stage to give his remarks.
He stated “Under the umbrella of IAIA, we started a brand that is inspired by the history of Kaftan as a symbol of Arab and Islamic heritage. The Kaftan was arguably introduced to Morocco in the 15th century using fabrics that traveled from Asia and Europe all the way to Morrocco. And with this spirit offers a sustainable and contemporary design fabric right to the hands of local craftsman in Morocco, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable craft and connecting cultures in the process. The cross-cultural spirit we embody at the Institute of Arab Islamic Art is inherited by my understanding and fascination of the Arab civilization and the Islamic civilization. I am inspired by my country’s commitment to cultural diplomacy through the remarkable work of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums and the Years of Culture initiative.”
The evening also spotlighted EAA’s Weaving Hopes exhibition from Silatech Beneficiaries in Morocco, which featured artisanal creations made by Moroccan youth, beneficiaries of a Silatech Foundation’s project in partnership with Al Amana Microfinance Institution. The initiative has empowered over 134,000 young people by providing them with resources to turn their passions into sustainable livelihoods. Other exhibitions highlighted included Moroccan kaftans by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Thani, Founder of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art in New York; exquisite displays of Amazigh jewelry and Kaftans by Siham El Habti, reflecting Morocco’s vibrant artistic heritage; and a showcase of vintage Kaftans by Kenza Melehi in collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier.
An authentic Moroccan tent with furnishings was also featured during the event and guests enjoyed a buffet menu of Moroccan flair created by Master Chef David Fhima from Casablanca, the Founder of Fhimas, Minneapolis and Maison Margaux.
The night concluded with closing remarks from Evie Evangelou and two beautiful musical performances by Ferdaous, an award-winning Moroccan songwriter, composer and singer and Gnawa State 7 music group.
The banquet was part of a two-day program that also included Fashion 4 Development’s (F4D) 12th Annual First Ladies Luncheon, further bridging fashion, diplomacy, education, and sustainable development.
F4D Awards created exclusively by Toye, Kenning & Spencer, founded in 1685 and with a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Toye, Kenning & Spencer is the leading and most diversified craft skills employer in the United Kingdom. To learn more about F4D, please visit: http://www.fashion4development.com
About Fashion 4 Development
Fashion 4 Development (F4D) is a private sector global platform founded by Evie Evangelou in January 2011 in cooperation with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to support the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and “Every Woman, Every Child”. F4D builds upon the core leadership principles of the 4E’s: Educate, Empower, Enhance and Enrich, and activates partnerships that promote the Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Industries, advance economic and social development activities, preserve culture and empower women. In 2015 F4D committed to support the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and place a significant focus on sustainable lifestyle practices for a healthier world. Fashion 4 Development’s tagline – “Giving Back is the New Luxury” – and its message to promote positive social change are being received with open arms around the world, with initiatives in over 20 countries.
About Years of Culture
The Years of Culture initiative, chaired by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together, nurturing connections, encouraging dialogue, and deepening understanding. Though formal programming spans one year, the lasting impact continues through legacy projects.
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture is developed in collaboration with leading organizations in Qatar with counterparts in Morocco and with assistance from the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Qatar’s Embassy in Morocco, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Qatar.
Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Türkiye 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, Qatar-USA 2021, Qatar-MENASA 2022, and Qatar-Indonesia 2023. Website: yearsofculture.qa
About the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation
The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education. We believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through our multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, we aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of impoverished and marginalized boys and girls. EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programmes: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To All (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Innovation Development (ID) and Together project.
The Human Kind Institute (HKI) founded by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva exists to liberate creative minds and fuel imagination. Before technology, before material outcomes, it is our shared consciousness and mutual benevolence that will guide us towards a positive future. By bridging the gap between art and technology, spirituality, and science, we will encourage evolutions in education and sustainable lifestyle practices. Through a key focus on wellbeing, we will encourage, and nurture healthy mindsets fit for the challenge ahead. Website: www.humankind-institute.com
