Committed to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Partnering with Fashion 4 Development, the Human Kind Institute hosts events which bring together UN ambassadors, heads of delegations, diplomats, fashion and entertainment VIPs, as well as prominent climate change activists from around the world to support both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the efforts of F4D and HKI to promote positive strategies for sustainable economic growth.

The Human Kind Institute believes in acknowledging people who make a difference. Each year, we honour Agents of Change, outstanding individuals who positively address issues such as food security, extreme poverty, and education, as well as those taking action for a healthier planet, preservation of culture, and the empowerment of women and children.

Agents of Change, 2023

In 2023, at the Sustainable Goals Banquet held during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the following awards were presented:

• Honorable Mayor Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, Human Kind Institute Impact through Food Award.
• H.E. Mr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi, Gender Champion Human Kind Award.
• Jasmina Bojic, Founder of UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival), Impact Through Film Human Kind Award.
• Dr. Ramon Tallaj, Founder and Chairman of SOMOS Community Care, Public Health and Community Service Human Kind Award.
• Ingmar Rentzhog, CEO & Founder, and President Sweta Chakraborty, WDHT, Impact Through Media Human Kind Award.
• Governor Mauro Mendes of Mato Grosso Brazil and Marcelo Carvalho de Andrade, Human Kind Award for Environmental Impact.

The HKI Awards Ceremony at the Sustainable Goals Banquet provides a perfect opportunity for these inspired philanthropists to share their goals and mission in a setting that facilitates dialogue. By spotlighting positive impact, the HKI Awards aim to inspire global leaders towards sustainable development.

To date, we have co-hosted three Banquets. In 2023, the event was held in New York during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Themed ‘Healthier People, Healthier Planet,’ notable speakers included New York’s Mayor Eric Adams as well as acclaimed film director/photographer Francesco Carrozzini, Dr Robert Green of Harvard Medical School, and model Bianca Balti.

Cutting-edge medicine

True to the Human Kind Institute’s mission to channel cutting-edge science for the betterment of all humanity, the 3rd Sustainable Goals Banquet honoured the work of a ground-breaking medical organisation that aims to prevent disease through conducting pioneering empirical research in translating genomics into health. Named in honour of the iconic editor of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani, the Fund chimes with UN and HKI goals through its commitment to social justice and ensuring that the future of medicine is an equitable one.

First Ladies Luncheon

The Human Kind Institute is delighted to partner with Fashion 4 Development to host the annual First Ladies Luncheon.

The First Ladies Luncheon provides a relaxed setting for some of the world’s most influential women to come together to celebrate the achievements of the past year but also to exchange ideas on how we can move forward as a global community towards positive social change and greater wellbeing for all Humankind.

Bringing together first ladies and royals from around the globe, as well as diplomats, philanthropists, fashion VIPs, and other key influencers, the inaugural First Ladies Luncheon took place in 2011 as part of F4D’s global awareness campaign. The event, which takes place during the annual UN General Assembly, has been celebrating the unprecedented cooperation between diplomacy and fashion in pursuit of sustainable goals ever since.

11th Annual First Ladies Luncheon, 2023

Held on the opening day of the UN General Assembly and co-hosted by F4D Founder Evie Evangelou and Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, this year the Luncheon paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Speakers and Songs

Notable speakers included Naila Chowdhury, the Director of Social Impact and Innovation at UC San Diego, who was just announced as Fashion 4 Development's Goodwill Ambassador, and later the audience listened spellbound as Emanne Beasha finalist on season 14 of America's Got Talent, performed one of her signature songs.

Honourees for the afternoon included:

• Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff – 2023 Philanthropy Award
• Designer Thebe Magugu – 2023 Franca Sozzani Award
• CEO of Hugo Boss, Daniel Grieder – 2023 F4D Award
• President of S&P Global Market Intelligence Martina Cheung – 2023 Women's Empowerment Award