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Human Kind Institute was honoured to partner once again with Fashion 4 Development (F4D) to host the Fourth Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet. Held in New York on 23 September 2024 during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and attended by world leaders, global changemakers and top fashion industry figures, the Banquet was a huge success, with over 2.2 billion media reach, and almost 2 million via social media. This year, HKI and F4D were joined by Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture and the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) to hold an evening spotlighting the importance of education as a driving force behind reaching the UN SDGs.

Throughout the evening, agents of change took to the stage to receive Human Kind Institute Awards for their unwavering efforts toward sustainability, addressing food security, extreme poverty, education, preservation of culture, and the empowerment of women and children.

The HKI Environmental Protection Award, presented to Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, was awarded to Planetary Guardians, a collective of committed leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving people and the planet. Their founder Richard Branson delivered an inspiring message, emphasising the need to come together to do the right thing to secure a safe, just, and healthy future where humanity and the planet flourish together. Chiming with HKI’s own mission, Planetary Guardians champions the role science can play in safeguarding nature for everyone.

The HKI Children’s Advocacy Award went to Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative on Violence against Children to the UN Secretary-General since May 2019 and leading advocate for the promotion and protection of children’s rights.

With future generations at the forefront of the evening, the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) presented a moving video underlining the essential link between education and sustainable, inclusive progress. Committed to equitable access to education, EAA Foundation highlighted several ongoing projects and initiatives that demonstrate the transformative power of quality education in driving positive change. EAA Foundation Youth Advocate, Ahmed Saif Hajari picked up this theme in his presentation on youth-led sustainability projects.

As HKI Director and host for the evening Evie Evangelou pointed out, action must be taken now. This point was powerfully illustrated by Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner of International Affairs for NYC, in his presentation about New York City's Junior Ambassador program, a visionary project that empowers young New Yorkers to engage and address key global issues.

In keeping with HKI’s directive to encourage dialogue and deepen understanding between diverse cultures, the 2024 Sustainable Goals Banquet was co-hosted by Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, part of an initiative that spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other countries, and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together.

A firm believer in the power of cultural diplomacy, Guest Speaker Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Thani, Founder of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art in New York, highlighted this theme in his presentation of exquisite kaftans, a powerful reminder of the evening’s cross-cultural spirit.

The evening also spotlighted EAA’s Weaving Hopes exhibition featuring innovative artisanal creations 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 exhibition highlights included exquisite displays of Amazigh jewellery 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.

No Banquet should be without music and dance, and this year saw Nia Thompson and the musicians from the Broadway production of Lion King with composer and concert pianist Harold O'Neal perform Shadowland, a poignant reminder of everything this planet risks losing as evermore species are added to the ‘endangered list.’

The guests were also treated to a beautiful musical performance by award-winning Moroccan songwriter, composer and singer Ferdaous, who wowed everyone with an inspiring song written and composed specially for the Banquet – Rise Up. Later, guests danced to the music of Gnawa State 7 ensemble from Morocco.

Resonating with Human Kind Institute’s emphasis on the power of the mind, the Banquet began with a talk by Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female Himalayan Siddha Master. She then led all the guests in a two-minute meditation session as part of a world peace campaign.

Chiming with the 2024 Year of Culture Qatar-Morocco, the evening featured a Morocco-themed food in a tent where guests enjoyed a buffet menu of Moroccan flair created by Master Chef David Fhima from Casablanca, the Founder of Fhimas, Minneapolis and Maison Margaux.